Andrew Drinnin, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, where he was born and raised, has been a resident of Carol Stream since 2014 alongside his wife, Brianna Drinnin. With three children (Drew, Mia, and Gabrielle) who will be coming through Evergreen and Benjamin, Andrew is really looking forward to making a positive impact on the district by focusing on the needs of the students, teachers, and parents. 

Andrew is an active member of the community by participating in his children’s classroom activities, coaching in the Carol Stream Cougars baseball organization, and various activities through the Carol Stream Park District. 

Andrew graduated from Omaha Northwest High School in 2001. He ultimately earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and a Minor in Marketing while playing football at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Andrew is currently working at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, where he is the Director of Business Operations and Delivery.

As Andrew is embarking on his first year as a school board member, he will ensure that the district’s reputation of delivering the best education and values are maintained for the betterment of students, families, and educators. 

Email Contact Information for Member Drinnin: adrinnin@benjamin25.org

Vince Engstrom is a former board member and board president of Benjamin District 25 Board of Education. Having left the board of education in 2022, he has returned to the Benjamin District 25 Board of Education, as of May 2025.

Both Vince and his wife Jenni attended Evergreen and are Benjamin graduates. They loved growing up in our district so much that htey chose to return to the district to raise their family. They are proud parents to two daughters - Sydney and Isabella - both of whom are Benjamin graduates.

Vince is looking forward to his return to the Board of Education and his service to the students, parents, and staff of the Benjamin District. It is important to Vince that Benjamin District 25 continues our tradition of excellence in education.

Email Contact Information for Member Engstrom: vengstrom@benjamin25.org

Bridgette Pedersen has been a resident Carol Stream her whole life and attended Benjamin School District 25 as a child. She became a proud graduate in 2000.  Bridgette believes in service towards others and has regularly volunteered in various capacities and events within the district. She is more than thrilled to be a contributing member on this Board.  

This is Bridgette’s first year on the school board, and it looking forward to helping students, parents, staff, and the district continue down the road of excellence in education.  

Bridgette and her husband Brandon love this community and cannot think of a better place to raise their three boys Brayden, William, and Anthony who currently attend Evergreen Elementary School.

Email Contact Information for Member Pedersen: bpedersen@benjamin25.org

West Chicago resident Dennis Peterson is the longest serving member of the Benjamin District 25 Board of Education.  Dennis has been a board member since 1983 and this year is his 38th year of service.  In 2007 and during his tenure served twice as board president, vice president and secretary.  Peterson has lived in the community for 45 years and since 1995 served as LEAD committee member and precinct captain for the Wayne Township Republican Organization. Peterson also serves as a board member to the LEND organization.

“Over the years, our school district has remained a well-kept secret,” says Peterson, who in 2009 received the district’s prestigious Iron Man award recognizing volunteer service.  “In many ways, we’re not unlike a private school with public funding.  Our parents are deeply involved and have high expectations for their children.  Teachers have similar expectations and together it’s a winning combination.”

Peterson graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Elmhurst College and says he believes it is the role of Benjamin District 25 to help students become contributing adult members of society and to encourage them to make the world a bit better with their contributions.

“Our children should be taught about individual responsibility and learn that nothing is going to be given to them without some contribution of work,” he states.  “They should be taught to respect the rule of law and learn that every person has worth.”

He is retired, after 20 years, from Endocare of Austin, Texas, with responsibilities for providing equipment for treating large tumor cancers using a cryogenic (freezing) technique in a 10-state midwestern area.

“I’ve read much about Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan,” states Peterson.  “Both men valued freedom and individual responsibility and stressed the ideas that government should serve the people and limit its effect on individual freedom.”

Peterson and his wife, Lurana, are the proud parents of a son and daughter—both who graduated from district schools, and have 5 grandchildren.

Email Contact Information for Member Peterson: dpeterson@benjamin25.org

Eric Rogers has been a Carol Stream resident since 2018 and he has been thrilled with the progress and direction of Benjamin District 25.  It is his hope to assist and strengthen the District’s Mission and Vision and help teachers, staff, and administration provide the best educational opportunity for its students.  This is Eric’s first time serving as a school board member and he is proud to do what he can to serve the community.

Mr. Rogers has spent his career working in public education.  He currently serves as the Director of Finance and Operations at Diamond Lake School District 76 where he oversees business operations, facilities management, food service, and transportation.

Eric and his wife Danielle are proud parents to their daughter Blake who will be joining Benjamin School District in the near future.

Email contact information for member Rogers: erogers@benjamin25.org

Don Sutenbach is a new board member and very familiar with our school district community. A resident of Carol Stream for over 45 years, Don is an active member of the Benjamin-Evergreen PTA and the Evergreen Girl Scout Troop 56610. He spends many hours volunteering his time to school activities. His daughter is a Benjamin District 25 alumni, and his granddaughter is currently a student at Evergreen.

Don is passionate about service to our community having served in many local government positions. He has served as a Carol Stream Village Trustee, Village Clerk, and as a member of the Carol Stream Plan Commision & Zoning Board of Appeals over a 20 year period. Don's service was recognized as the 2024 Carol Stream Male Citizen of the Year.

He promises to represent everyone to ensure that your voice is heard. Above all, Don is an advocate for the students to give them the best education.

Email contact information for member Sutenbach: dsutenbach@benjamin25.org

Gina Vlantis and her husband, Peter, have lived in Carol Stream since 2013.  They have three boys, two of which attend Evergreen. Gina and her husband are firm believers in giving back to their community and being involved in the lives of their children.

This is Gina’s first time serving on the school board, and she is ready to serve the community in this capacity.

Gina has taught at the primary level for 15 years.  Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s of Art in Education from Dominican University. A Master’s Degree in Special Education from DePaul University and an endorsement to teach English Language Learners from St Francis University.  She is excited to support students, staff, and administrators from the School Board component of education.

As a school board member, Gina’s objective is to ensure all students are successful and build lifelong lovers of learning. Gina also wants all families to feel encouraged to be involved in their child’s education.

Email Contact Information for Member Vlantis: gvlantis@benjamin25.org