President

Mr. Valtierrez has been a D209 board member since April of 2017.

Mr. Valtierrez stated, "Our Board of Education is unquestionably diverse, I have gotten to know each of my fellow board members this past year. We may think differently, look different, and live in different parts of Proviso Township, but if I can reflect on something that makes us alike; it is the love we embrace for the children of these communities and the will to make our schools the best they can be, for every child. I strongly believe that together we can accomplish an extraordinary, innovative, and transformational change to our district for generations to come."

Vice President

Ms. Hixson joined the D209 Board of Education in May of 2023. She hopes during her time serving that the district will adapt new policies that will give direction and set priorities in order to achieve its goals set forth. Ms. Hixson has her bachelor's degree in Organizational Psych, a master's degree in School Counseling and also in Psychology. She is married, with two children, and has one grandson. Ms. Hixson is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the National Council of Negro Women, ICA. She has served on the Bellwood School District 88 Board, Bellwood United Way, Bellwood Community Fair, and theTorch Bearers Foundation.

Secretary

Ms. Barbahen joins the D209 Board of Education in May of 2023 where she will serve as Board Secretary. One of Ms. Barbahen’s goals while she serves as a board member is to make accountability one of the district's core values. She will strive to support community-led goals for the district by leading initiatives and setting a professional example to provide rational, reasonable, and respectful interactions with all. She also hopes to restore respect and rebuild trust all while putting students’ needs first. Another goal is to prioritize employee growth and development by building stronger bonds with educators and administration to better student academic achievement and success.  

Ms. Barbahen is a mother of four and works as a Conflict Supervisor. Her community involvement includes serving the Forest Park District 91’s PTO, Citizen’s Advisory Council, and Asset/Needs Assessment Committee. She has also served as Scoutmaster/Committee Chair/Committee Member for Forest Park’s Scouts BSA Troop 107; Co-Chair of the Proviso East Action Team for Partnerships (ATP), 2019-2020; Co-Chair of the Proviso East Parent Advisory Council (PAC), 2021-2022; and as a member of the Superintendents’ Parent Advisory Council (SPAC) October 2020-December 2021 (since discontinued). 

Board Member

Mr. Rodney Alexander became a board member in April of 2017.  He has been actively advocating for policies that enhance parent engagement at D209 since 2015.

Mr. Alexander has dedicated his life to helping young men and women overcome adversity while guiding them on a path toward success. He is also a military veteran, Senior Parole Agent with the Illinois Department of Corrections in the Austin neighborhood and serves as a part-time Youth Care Worker at the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Mr. Alexander and his wife are longtime residents of Proviso Township. They are proud parents of one daughter and one son.  Mr. Alexander's son attends Proviso West High School. 

Mr. Alexander's goal  as a board member is to help improve the educational experience in District 209 and form strong and active partnerships with parents and all community stakeholders based upon shared responsibility and shared accountability.

Board Member

Ms. Grant has been a D209 board member since April of 2017. Since then, she has actively participated as Vice-President and chair of the Finance Committee. Ms. Grant has been committed to being fiscally responsible and ensuring that the District’s finances continue to be transparent to the PTHS D209 Community.

Ms. Grant also actively participates as the Executive Director of the Westchester Food Pantry. Her two children currently attend school in the Westchester area. Ms. Grant stated, "Our work on the Board of Education is about making District 209 the best it can be. We've accomplished so much this year, and I'm excited to see what the next year will bring."

Board Member

Mr. Ocampo was welcomed to the D209 Board of Education in May of 2023. As the district’s Vice President, one of his top priorities is to maintain fiscal transparency and discipline. He also hopes to re-engage and build stronger relationships with the district’s foundation schools. Mr. Ocampo is a former Cub Scout Den Leader for the Westchester Cub Scouts Pack 73. He is a husband and father to three children. In his free time, he enjoys martial arts at Tutaj Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu located in Forest Park.  

Board Member

Ms. Della Patterson has served on the Board of Education since 2017.