Ryan Murphy - President
Mr. Ryan Murphy was seated for a four-year term on Ball-Chatham’s Board of the Education at the regular Board meeting on April 26, 2023 and elected President of the Board of Education on April 23, 2025.
Born and raised in Springfield, Ryan attended Pleasant Plains schools and first earned an Associate's degree at Lincoln Land Community College. He later continued his education at Saint Louis University and West Virginia University, where he studied business administration and sports administration.
Currently, Ryan is a Vice President and Commercial Lender for Bank of Springfield. Before joining the bank in 2008, he held numerous development roles with Duke University’s Athletics Department.
Murphy’s background in finance and athletics has been an asset for the district. "I thought I could help and offer some good insight," Murphy said. "I really just want to help in any way I can."
In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and attending his two sons' sporting events. Mr. Murphy can be reached at rmurphy@bcsd5.org.
Brent Kulavic - Vice President
Mr. Brent Kulavic, MBA was sworn into a four-year term on the Ball-Chatham Board of Education and elected Vice President of the Board of Education at the regular Board meeting on April 23, 2025.
Born and raised in Springfield, Brent graduated from Pleasant Plains High School in 2006 before graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, Ill.) in 2010 with bachelor’s degree in finance. He earned his master of business administration from Benedictine University (Springfield, Ill.) in 2014.
Brent is a Senior Financial Analyst at Springfield Clinic. His family has called Chatham home since 2012. He and his wife Lauren are the parents to three daughters, two of which attend Ball Elementary.
Brent wants to provide every student with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed while ensuring Ball-Chatham is a school district that all others strive to be.
“I believe in the power of our schools to shape a bright future for our children-one that reflects the values and aspirations of our community,” Kulavic said. “I believe school board members should take a common sense approach and serve as a steady, reliable voice for the entire community.”
Brent enjoys spending time with family and friends, which is usually coaching and cheering on his daughters’ sports teams. When he’s not doing that, he enjoys watching and playing as much golf as possible. Mr. Kulavic can be reached at bkulavic@bcsd5.org.
Kelvin D. Coburn - Secretary
Mr. Kelvin D. Coburn was sworn into a two-year term on Ball-Chatham’s Board of Education and elected as Secretary of the Board of Education on April 23, 2025.
Kelvin graduated from Pulaski High School in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1987 and obtained an associate of science degree in accounting at Parkland Community College (Champaign, Ill.) in 2001. In 2010, he earned a bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership from Greenville College (Greenville, Ill.) followed by a master’s of business administration from Benedictine University (Springfield, Ill.) in 2012.
Mr. Coburn is currently a Public Service Administrator/Internal Auditor for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Office of Internal Audit.
Being a part of a commitment to supporting teachers, parents and support staff while advocating for transparency in decision-making, and strengthening the bridge between schools and the community was a key reason in his pursuit of a School Board seat.
“I am interested in serving, listening and working together to ensure that our schools remain a place of excellence, safety and opportunity for every student,” Coburn said.
Kelvin is married with four sons and three grandchildren. His free time consists of golf, research and thinking. Mr. Coburn can be reached at kcoburn@bcsd5.org.
Joe Bolletta
Mr. Joe Bolletta was elected to the Board of Education in 2025 for a four-year term and seated at the regular Board meeting on April 23, 2025.
The Auburn, Ill., native graduated from Auburn High School in 1995. Joe is the Assistant Fire Chief for the Chatham Community Fire Protection District. He holds an associate’s degree in Fire Science Technology from Lincoln Land Community College and is currently enrolled at Southern Illinois University for public safety administration. Joe has also served as a Lead Instructor at the Capital Area Career Center.
He plans to bring his skills and experience to the Ball-Chatham Board of Education to create a positive and enriching learning environment for all by addressing the challenges facing schools, supporting dedicated educators and working collaboratively with parents and community members.
“I want to serve on the school board because I am deeply committed to the success of our students and the future of our community,” Bolletta saud. “I have always been service minded and very involved in the community. I believe every student should have the opportunity to succeed, no matter their path after high school whether they are headed to college or pursuing a career.”
Joe has been married to his wife Lori for 18 years and they have a daughter Leah, who is a freshman at Glenwood High School. The family also has an English Cream Golden Retriever named Loki. Most of Joe’s free time is spent traveling with family. Mr. Bolletta can be reached at jbolletta@bcsd5.org.
Carrie Jeffries
Mrs. Carrie Jeffries was sworn into a four-year term on the Ball-Chatham Board of Education at the regular Board meeting on April 23, 2025.
Originally from Port Allegany, Pa., Carrie graduated high school in 1993 and from Lock Haven University (Lock Haven, Pa.) in 1997 with bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education and a concentration in special education.
After spending over 20 years in education as a teacher, union representative, advocate, coach and volunteer, Carrie is now a Real Estate Agent with The Real Estate Group.
“I’ve also been deeply involved here in Chatham,” Jeffries said. “I have been a parent, volunteer and supporter of our local schools for the past 11 years. I care deeply about the students, teachers and families who make our district so special. This is about serving, not just with experience, but with a passion and dedication to the community of Chatham. I believe in collaboration, transparency and putting students at the center of every decision.”
On the Ball-Chatham Board of Education, Carrie wants to be part of the process by helping our community make a positive impact on our schools and ensuring our schools continue to give back to the community in meaningful, lasting ways.
Carrie is married to Anthony and the couple are parents to two sons: Anthony Jr. (sophomore at GHS) and Alex (7th grader at GMS). In her free time, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering at BCSD5 schools and attending Glenwood sporting events. Mrs. Jeffries can be reached at cjeffries@bcsd5.org.
Lisa Lipe
Mrs. Lisa Lipe was sworn into a four-year term on Ball-Chatham’s Board of Education during the regular Board meeting on April 23, 2025.
Lisa graduated from Prospect High School in Mt. Prospect, Ill., in 1997 and earned her bachelor of arts in communications-media studies from Judson University (Elgin, Ill.) in 2002.
She is currently an administrative assistant for the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA). Lisa is married to Jay, who is a teacher and coach at Glenwood High School. Two of their four children attend GHS.
Over the years, Lisa has built strong connections with people across the district after helping in classrooms, subbing in the office and working in the cafeteria.
“I have a heart to serve,” Lipe said. “I felt it was my turn to give back to our community and school district. Above all, my goal is to always support what’s best for our students, teachers, support staff and administrators.”
In her free time, Lisa enjoys staying active at home with her family, working out, baking, watching TV shows and taking family trips to Chicago. A lot of her time is spent watching her kids play sports and her husband coach soccer. Mrs. Lipe can be reached at llipe@bcsd5.org.
Amanda Ostermeier
Mrs. Amanda Ostermeier was appointed to a two-year term on the Ball-Chatham Board of Education during a special Board meeting on April 14, 2025 and was installed at the regular Board meeting on April 23, 2025.
Amanda grew up in Washington, Ill., and graduated from nearby Bradley University (Peoria, Ill.) with a bachelors of science degree in nursing in 2009. She has held an RN license since 2009 and will earn her masters in business administration in May of 2025.
She is currently the Director of Operations, Specialty Services at Springfield Clinic.
Amanda says her general interest for helping people and children inspired her interest in becoming a school board member.
“I believe in collaboration and consistency,” Ostermeier said. “Additionally, I listen and take into consideration all facts prior to posing judgement on matters. My love for the community is strong and I am grateful for this opportunity to serve.”
Amanda and her husband have three daughters, the oldest of which attends Chatham Elementary School. With her daughters’ interest in dance and gymnastics, a lot of her weekends are spent traveling as a family. She also enjoys spending time outdoors including raising ducks, chickens and geese. Mrs. Ostermeier can be reached at aostermeier@bcsd5.org.
Contact the Board
All members of the Board may be reached by e-mail and U.S. mail. E-mail addresses are listed on the member's profile page with his or her corresponding photo.
To send a message via U.S. mail. write to:
Ball-Chatham Board of Education
District Office
1475 E. Plummer Blvd.
Chatham, Illinois 62626
Send fax messages to the District Office, c/o the Superintendent: 217-483-2940.
Becky Czmyr, Board Clerk