Michael Aumiller (President)
Term Expires: 2029
Committees: Facilities, Finance, TLC (Together Let's Communicate)
Michael and his wife moved to Evergreen Park in early 2018. They have three children, two current District 124 students and one future student. Michael was re-elected to the board in April 2025. The son of a public educator, as well as married to one, Michael brings an intimate understanding of education to the Board without having been employed as an educator. Michael has completed the required School Board training.
Michael is a published researcher both as a nonprofit researcher as well as a Fortune-200 analyst. In 2024, he joined Anbil Consulting as the Director of Analytics and Operations. Michael cites his passion for education as well as a strong desire to serve his community as his primary motivation for standing for re-election.
“Education unlocks access to so many opportunities in life. It is so important to make sure that our kids have access to as many opportunities that we can provide. My role on the Board is an opportunity to serve this community that means so much to me and my family.”
Denise Jones (Secretary)
Term Expires: 2027
Committees: AERO, DRT (District Review Team), DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
Denise and her husband became residents of Evergreen Park in 2014. Currently, they have one District 124 student who is excited about school and is involved in Evergreen Park sports. Denise has completed the required School Board training.
Denise obtained her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Services from Eastern Illinois University and later obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Urban Ministry from Trinity International University. Denise is a motivated Pastor who specializes in effectively changing lives within the community. Providing alternative experience to fortify advancement and transitional opportunities has been a worthwhile experience. She has worked diligently for the Cook County Sheriff Department for over 18 years. She has developed programs to help the homeless in the Chicagoland area as well as programs to service disadvantaged youth. Denise is passionate about servicing others and is grateful for the opportunity to service the Evergreen Park community. Denise is delighted to accompany a committee that is dedicated in ensuring a high-quality education thereby empowering all students to maximize their gifts.
Rachel Marroquin
Term Expires: 2029
Committees: Facilities, Policy, Discipline / Handbook, Superintendent Evaluation
Rachel was born and raised in the Southwest side of Chicago. She has resided in Evergreen Park since 2012. Both of her children attend school in Evergreen Park School District 124. She has been an elementary school teacher for more than 13 years. She currently is a K-4 STEAM teacher in Summit, Illinois. Before starting her teaching career, she was a legal secretary in downtown Chicago for more than 12 years. Rachel has completed the required School Board training.
She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Education from Trinity Christian College and her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from UIC. She also has extensive training in Illinois for NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
Being it is her first year as a board member, Rachel is excited, and ready to get up-to-speed on all that is taking place in the district. She is hoping to bring a new lens to the board. She feels that her background in working for an attorney all those years, being a teacher herself, a mom, and a community member are all helpful to her being able to put her best foot forward in the job at hand.
David Sheppard
Term Expires: 2027
Committees: Policy, IASB Div. Governing Board
David Sheppard has lived in Evergreen Park 24 years and enjoys spending time with his family, learning new things, and taking time to review the day and plan for tomorrow.
He says that he loves to help others and is looking forward to accomplishing great things on the board.
“I love having the opportunity to help plan the future educational paths for our children here in the village”
Lauren Dowden
Term Expires: 2027
Committees: Discipline/Handbook, Negotiations, Superintendent Evaluation
Lauren Dowden has lived in Evergreen Park for nine years and can often be found with her family at the Evergreen Park Community Center enjoying activities like holiday events, spin classes, ballet, or t-ball.
She says she’s always got an earbud in her ear listening to a good book or podcast and enjoys traveling, a passion which started when she and her husband studied abroad in college. Now they travel with their two daughters and get out every chance they get.
“I am so excited to get started on the board! I can’t wait to start serving the community that I love so much.”
Dr. Michael Thomas
Term Expires: 2029
Committees: Finance, Insurance, Discipline/Handbook
Michael Thomas grew up in a suburb of Detroit, MI, and has lived in Illinois since 2004. His first experience with Evergreen Park happened when he began working as the science department chair at EPCHS in 2015.
He found the Village to be a wonderful community and a great place for kids so he and his family moved to the Southwest quadrant in 2020. He is passionate about education and creating a sense of community.
“As a teacher, I have always enjoyed education and learning how various things affect student growth and development,” said Michael. “My goals for being on the school board are to maintain the high quality of education families are used to in D124.”
Michael has a bachelor's degree in science education, a master's degree in educational leadership, and a doctorate in organizational leadership. In his free time, he enjoys running, playing sports, and having free time to take trips with his family.
