Serving the needs of the Bloomington community has long been a part of the Ingold family. Jack and Ann Ingold moved to Bloomington in 1958, where Jack was a pharmacist at Biasi’s Drug Store. He later went on to own the business. With three children in District 87, Jack knew he wanted to devote his time to education in a tangible way. He served on the D87 Board of Education for nearly two decades, beginning in 1972, including being president three separate times between 1972-1987. (Many people credit Jack’s tenacity to saving Washington School from the chopping block many years ago!)
Ann devoted herself to her three children, by teaching them to read early in life. She also attended Illinois State University for her teaching certificate, which she earned in 1973. Ann began substitute teaching in D87 and eventually became an 8th grade science teacher at BJHS, where she taught from 1984-1994. Ann also volunteered with several local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the Community Cancer Center.
“From my earliest memories, my parents stressed the importance of education,” said James Ingold, one of their sons, who still lives in Bloomington. “District 87 meant the world to them as they strove to make it a school system that would provide the best opportunity for its students to thrive and make a difference in this community and the world.”
After a life of service, Jack passed away in 2012, followed by Ann in 2019. Their son James, an accountant and partner at Striegel Knobloch & Company in Bloomington, honors his parents’ memory – and the many years they devoted to District 87 – by generously donating to Beyond the Books annually. “Their fingerprints are all over this community, and their impact on countless lives is immeasurable,” said James.
In their name, we continue the Ingold’s legacy of supporting the teachers and students of D87. Thank you, Jack and Ann!