Josh Ehart is a dedicated father, professional, and community advocate with a deep commitment to ensuring River Forest District 90 continues to provide exemplary education for all students. Married with two children, Roan and Violet, Josh and his wife Rebecca Clarkson chose River Forest over a decade ago, drawn to the district's unique blend of high-quality education and a welcoming, vibrant community. Josh’s children had fantastic experiences in District 90. That experience, due to the support and expertise of many teachers and staff, inspired Josh to give back by running for the school board.
Professionally, Josh has built a successful career in marketing and advertising, specializing in pairing data-driven insights with creative innovation to guide strategic decisions. With a degree in Biology from the University of Dayton, he approaches challenges with a scientific and pragmatic mindset, understanding that progress is achieved through analysis, adaptability, and collaboration. His professional journey has been marked by a commitment to lifelong learning and a passion for fostering teamwork among diverse groups with sometimes competing priorities. This skill—bringing people together to work toward common goals—is central to his vision for effective governance in District 90.
As someone diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, Josh is particularly passionate about supporting diverse learning needs and styles. He values the progress that has been made in education understanding neurodiversity and is committed to ensuring all students feel accepted and supported in their unique learning journeys. Growing up in Detroit and attending Catholic schools, he experienced firsthand the importance of community—neighbors and families who look out for one another, a quality he sees reflected in River Forest and is eager to preserve.
In addition to his professional background, Josh brings extensive board experience, having served nearly nine years on the board of the Chicago Advertising Federation. This role has equipped him with insights into effective board governance and decision-making processes that he is eager to bring to District 90.
Josh’s approach to communication is direct, pragmatic, and inclusive. He believes in asking the right questions, listening to community members’ concerns, and enabling transparent conversations. As River Forest faces crucial decisions—such as the selection of a new superintendent, negotiating a new teacher's union contract, and potential funding referendum—he is committed to ensuring the district maintains its balanced approach, supporting academic excellence while respecting and fostering each student's individual gifts.
Outside of his professional life, Josh is an active member of the River Forest Tennis Club and enjoyed coaching his children’s soccer and basketball teams. He views service on the District 90 School Board as an opportunity to further invest in the community he loves, ensuring its schools continue to be places of growth, inclusion, and opportunity for all students.