The meeting room of the District 205 Board of Education could soon bear the name of Galesburg’s longest-ever serving board member.
The Board of Education tonight will consider naming the meeting room after the late Robert (Bob) Lindstrom, who died Dec. 25 after a battle with heart issues. Lindstrom served on the District 205 Board of Education from 1997-2017, the longest tenure for any board member in the district’s history.
Former D205 School Board Member Josh Gibb, who served along side Lindstrom from 2013-17, formaly nominated his former colleague for the honor just two days before his death.
Gibb describes Lindstrom as “a fiscal watch dog, public servant, friend, mentor, onry, smart, motivated by a sense of duty to his community.”
“Bob was not afraid to be disagreed with, argue his point passionately while at the same time listening to an opposing view before making a final decision.” Gibb said. “He diligently weighed all the facts presented before doing what he thought best for the district.”
‘He made us all better’
Gibb also noted Lindstrom maintained high expectations for himself and those around him.
“He made us all better by asking the right questions usually at the perfect time,” Gibb said. “He had no self interests in his service. He was there to make the best decisions he could because he knew that a good education system is a crucial component of what makes our community a desirable place to live, work and raise your family.”
An ad hoc committee comprised of former board members Wayne Statham, Ellen Spittell, Molly Palmer, Tom Colclasure and Tianna Cervantez met and unanimously recommended the naming on Jan. 23.
A 1966 Galesburg High School graduate, Lindstrom practiced law for more than 40 years at several firms in the Galesburg area, most recently as an associate attorney of Barash & Everett, LLC, in the firm’s Galesburg office.
His contributions to the community are many. In addition to his 20 years on the school board, Lindstrom was a member of Galesburg Rotary Club for nearly 50 years, served as director for the Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association, and was a trustee for both the Cottage Health Care Systems and Cottage Health Care Foundation.
Lindstrom served D205 during tumultuous financial times
Lindstrom was serving as board president when District 205 hired current Superintendent John Asplund.
“Just the fact he was willing to serve for 20 years is remarkable,” Asplund said. “That can be a thankless job, and he was willing to come at it again and again and again. And he served during some of the worst financial times the district has ever had.
“It’s a lot easier to sit on a board when you have a lot of money, but he had to lead the district through a lot of really tough times. It’s a real testament to the man’s character that he was willing to help during the toughest times this district has ever had.
“I have nothing but respect for the man.”
Asplund said in addition to naming the meeting room after Lindstrom, a commemorative plaque will be placed near the northeast entrance door to that room.
Today’s school board meeting gets underway at 7 p.m. at the district office, 940 W. Fremont St.
