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Support local community journalism Support democracy. Details on Page 28 Landmark | 2021

ELECTION GUIDE

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD

SEE PAGE 9

Also serving North Riverside $1.00

Vol. 36, No. 12

March 24, 2021

SUNDAY SUN-DAY

D96 moving to full-day, in-person school in April Hybrid option will end as students choose classrooms or full remote By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Beginning on April 12 elementary school students in Riverside District 96 will have the option of attending school in person on a modified full-day schedule. Despite the opposition of most of the See D96 on page 30

With temperatures warming into the 60s on Sunday, March 21, visitors flocked to Brookfield Zoo, which opened at the beginning of the month, to get reacquainted with their animal friends and see life-size dinosaur models scattered throughout the park. ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Riverside’s new Parks and Rec HQ opens to the public Village board will talk about construction cost overruns next month

By BOB UPHUES Editor

March 15 was something of a homecoming for staff of Riverside Parks and Recreation when they unlocked the door to their

new headquarters building at 43 E. Quincy St. The village of Riverside, which bought the one-story brick building with a rear twostory garage addition for $227,000 in August 2019, had owned the property three decades earlier.

In fact, as Memorial Hall, the building housed recreation programs between 1968 and 1988, when it auctioned the property off to a local resident who used it as office space for his business. Prior to the village’s first ownership, Memorial Hall served as the

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lodge for the Riverside American Legion. Recreation Director Ron Malchiodi was able to obtain a photo – unfortunately just a copy of a photocopy – of the building when See PARKS & REC on page 31

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The Landmark, March 24, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

All outside Chicago will be vaccine eligible April 12 ‘Bridge’ phase raising capacity limits will take effect when 70% of seniors vaccinated By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois

Published in The Landmark on March 24, 2021

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SPRINGFIELD – All Illinoisans 16 years of age and older outside of Chicago will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations beginning April 12, and the state announced a “metric-based” phase-in to greater reopening on March 18. The so-called “bridge phase” to reopening can begin when 70 percent of seniors 65 years of age and older have received at least their first dose of the vaccine, according to the governor. As of Thursday, that number stood at 58 percent. It is also dependent on at least 20 percent of intensive care beds being available. Other metrics, such as COVID-like illness hospital admissions, mortality rate and case positivity rate over a 28-day monitoring period, must “hold steady.” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said all regions of the state will move to the bridge phase and beyond as one, rather than individually. The state also updated current Phase 4 mitigations so that anyone with proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test 1-3 days prior to an event or outing do not count against capacity limits. The bridge phase will include higher capacity limits at places like museums, zoos and spectator events and increased business operations, according to the governor’s office. The largest increase is to social events, which can allow 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors. Previously those were capped at 50 people. Recreation activities are allowed with groups up to 100 or 50 percent of capacity indoors, while outdoor recreation is limited to groups of 100, with multiple groups allowed at the same site. Ticketed recreation events are allowed to hold 60 percent of the facility’s capacity. In the bridge phase, restaurants and bars can increase capacity from 25 percent to 30

percent, and outdoor capacity is allowed up to 50 percent for standing areas. In seating areas, parties of up to 10 are allowed to sit six feet apart. For businesses, offices, retail stores and fitness centers, capacity will increase from 50 percent to 60 percent. Amusement parks and museums can increase from 25 percent to 60 percent. Theaters and zoos can have up to 60 percent capacity as well. But the state can revert back to an earlier phase if it “experiences an increasing trend” in COVID-19 transmission rates and hospitalizations over a 10-day period. If the numbers hold steady for 28 days in the bridge phase, the state must reach a 50 percent vaccination rate for residents age 16 and over in order to enter Phase 5. Currently, about 28 percent of that population is vaccinated. As of Thursday, the state was averaging 99,210 vaccine doses administered daily on a seven-day rolling average. “Deliveries continue to rise and are expected to increase by millions more this spring,” Pritzker said at a news conference in Chicago. “With the increased supply, Illinois is now averaging 100,000 vaccinations a day. That’s about 1 percent of all adults in Illinois getting a shot each day, and I expect that number to continue to grow in the weeks ahead.” Pritzker said the state received 109,000 doses in its first vaccine shipment in December, while this week the state received more than 800,000 doses. “Based on current projections we expect that that number will surpass 1 million doses in April,” he said, crediting President Joe Biden’s administration. Masks will continue to be mandatory in the state until the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determine that they are no longer needed, the governor said. Pritzker also said there will be “additional announcements to come” regarding other populations that will be eligible for the vaccine ahead of the April 12 expansion.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

COVID vaccination site to open this week in Forest Park Thousands of shots will be given Monday through Saturday

IN THIS ISSUE

By MARIA MAXHAM

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Staff Reporter

The site of the former HOBO store, 7630 Roosevelt Road, will be turned into the one of the biggest COVID-19 vaccination sites in the state on March 26, offering 1,000 shots per day to start, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The site will be operated by the Cook County Department of Public Health and staffed by soldiers from the Illinois National Guard. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, state Sen. Kimberly Lightford and other state and local leaders, including North Riverside Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr., appeared at a press conference Monday morning in Forest Park at the new vaccination site. “Starting Friday, this location which will be able to administer up to 1,000 doses per day at launch, and then over 2,000 soon after, and it will serve as yet another mass vaccination site open to all eligible residents, no matter their ZIP code, with ample parking and close proximity to communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pritzker said during the press conference. “This site will play a critical role in our continued efforts to vaccinate our most vulnerable residents, such as those with preexisting conditions.” Pritzker said the state is putting “laser focus on equity and accessibility, prioritizing locations and communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. With this location in Forest Park, we have now strategically established three of our largest mass vaccination sites open to all eligible Illinoisans at Tinley Park in the southwest, this location in the western suburbs and Des Plaines in the northwest.” Giving a special shout out to Welch, whose political roots are firmly in Proviso Town-

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

COMING SOON: Governor J.B. Pritzker speaks on March 22, during a press conference at the new mass COVID-19 vaccination site at the former HOBO store on Roosevelt Road in Forest Park. The site will be the second largest in the state. ship, Pritzker called Welch a “critical partner in advocating for this location.” Welch talked about the impact COVID-19 has had on families over the past year, separating people from family and friends, causing loss of jobs and affecting children’s education. “And we know that, unfortunately, the compounded disparities across our healthcare system have meant Black and Brown communities have borne the brunt of this,” Welch said. “But despite the struggles, we are on the verge of putting this virus in check.” “We are excited to do our part in the effort to crush this virus,” said Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins during the press conference. The site, which opens on Friday, will have

private armed security around the clock. Forest Park will provide a firefighter during hours of operation to ensure communications for emergency medical aid can be made promptly. Forest Park police will provide extra security. Although the village will pay for these personnel to staff and monitor the vaccine site, Hoskins said that “county officials have strongly suggested that the village will be reimbursed for the cost.” Appointments will be required; no walkups will be permitted. It is uncertain at this time which manufacturer’s vaccine will be administered at this site. Appointments can be made at vaccine. cookcountyil.gov or by calling 833-308-1988.

Local positivity rates ticked up last week

While the number of people newly diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brookfield, North Riverside and Riverside remains lower than during last fall’s second spike, new cases are holding steady, with positivity rates creeping upward during the week-long period ending on the morning of March 23. The Cook County Department of Public Health reported 20 new cases of COVID-19 in Brookfield during that time, the village’s highest one-week total since late January and the third straight week the village’s weekly totals have risen. According to the online COVID-19 dashboard maintained by the Northwestern University School of Medicine, the positivity

rate in Brookfield rose from 2.76 percent on March 15 to 4.77 percent on March 21, with a seven-day rolling positivity rate of 4.64 percent. Since the pandemic started in March 2020, a total of 1,642 Brookfield residents have contracted COVID-19, according to Cook County. Twelve Brookfield residents have died from the disease, with the last fatality reported Jan. 22. New cases in Riverside and North Riverside also inched up slightly compared to a week ago, with seven people either confirmed or probable for COVID-19 in Riverside and five in North Riverside. The 60546 ZIP code, which includes both

villages, saw its positivity rate increase from 0.89 percent on March 15 to 2.28 percent on March 21, with a rolling seven-day positivity rate of 2.22 percent. Four North Riverside residents and three Riverside residents have died as a result of COVID-19 since March 2020. The last fatality in North Riverside was reported Jan. 11, with the most recent Riverside fatality reported on Dec. 17, 2020. Since March 2020, 845 residents of Riverside and 535 residents of North Riverside have contracted COVID-19, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health, as of the morning of March 23. — Bob Uphues

Editor Bob Uphues Sports Editor James Kay Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Javier Govea, Mark Moroney Debbie Becker Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

Growing Community Media BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@wjinc.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $34 within Cook County and $44 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2021 Growing Community Media NFP.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

BIG WEEK March 24-31

Join cookbook collector Amy Alessio as she takes you on a trip back to the 1950s and 1960s to examine cocktail party culture and the food and drinks that were popular at the time. The special Zoom program, brought to you by Brookfield Public Library, will take place on Thursday, March 25 at 6 p.m. Recipes will be provided. Registration required by phone at 708-485-6917, ext. 130 or online at brookfield.evanced.info/signup.

Radio Players to perform in person

Join Brookfield Public Library as they take you on a virtual tourr of the Nelson Mandela exhibit “Mandela: Sttruggle fo for Freedom m” att thhe Illinois Holocaust Museum via Zoom on Wednesdday, March 31 att 6 p.m. The exhibit traces the history of the fight agaiinst apartheid in South Africa, with Nelson Mandela as onee of its central figures. Registration required by phone at 708-4485-69917, ext. 130 or online at brookfield.evanced.info/signup. Paul Weinberg, CC BY-SA 3.0

The men’s Holy Name Society of Mater Christi Parish in North Riverside will host their first-ever Easter Basket Raffle on March 28 at 3 p.m. Twenty-five baskets containing treats and more will be raffled. There will also be a split-the-pot with cash prizes. Tickets must be purchased in advance through materchristichurch.org. The deadline for entries is March 27 at noon. The Lyons Township High School Peaceable Schools Initiative (PSI) Club is filling holiday baskets for needy children at the Off the Streets Club, Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club. Drop off baskets/buckets, small toys, books, art supplies, juice ■

■

Meet the queen

North Riverside Public Library invites you to meet Great Britain’s famous monarch Queen Elizabeth II as interpreted by Leslie Goddard in “Becoming Queen Elizabeth,” a special Zoom program on Thursday, March 25 at 7 p.m. Learn about Elizabeth’s childhood, the abdication of her uncle, her marriage to Prince Philip of Greece, her World War II service and her struggle to balance her roles as queen and mother. RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events for adult Zoom meeting access info.

Explore mid-century American cocktail culture

And more

Leslie Goddard as Queen Elizabeth II

boxes, snacks. Pre-assembled baskets and monetary donations also accepted. Items may be dropped off at either campus main entrance by March 29. Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., invites you to “The Kitchen Sink,” a group exhibition which runs through April 3 in the Freeark Gallery. The show features the work of artists Bimbola Akinbola, Alex Bradley Cohen, Mari Eastman, Cassidy Early, Zehra Khan, Kelly Neibert and Sophie Treppendahl. Free. Appointments required. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Email info@riversideartscenter.com to schedule an appointment. North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., offers a number of virtual programs through Facebook Live (facebook.com/NRPL2400), confer■

■

ence calls and the teleconferencing app Zoom. Programs include Game Night Wednesdays on March 24 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can also join the library’s new Spice Club via Zoom on March 27 at 1:30 p.m. to try a new recipe and then discuss the process, flavor and joy of cooking. This week they’ll tackle Pasta alla Parmigiana. RSVP to bodenl@northriversidelibrary.org or visit northriversidelibrary.org/events for adult Zoom meeting access info. Brookfield Public Library offers virtual classes and programs for patrons of all ages throughout the week. Most youth activities will be presented live on the library’s Facebook page at facebook. ■

The Riverside Township Radio Players welcome back a live audience for thee first first time in months for their next show on Friday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road in Riverside. The troupe will recreate two dramas from the Golden en Age of Radio, including the 1949 episode “The Cable Car Chase” from m the show “Candy Matson” and the 1947 episode “The Sheriff ’s Assistant” from “The Whistler.” Admission is free. The first 50 people will be allowed in the auditorium. Temperatures taken upon arrival. For more info visit riversidetownshipradioplayers.com. com/BrookfieldPublicLibrary. For adults, there’s also Chair Yoga via Zoom on March 25 at 11 a.m. Visit brookfield.evanced.info/signup to register for Zoom programs. Riverside Public Library will host Zoom events in the coming week, including a Canning 101, a Zoom presentation in partnership with the Riverside Community Garden on March 25 at 7:30 p.m. For those in grades 6-12 there’s Teen Game Night via Zoom on March 26 at 6 p.m. Join in for an evening of Jackbox games. ■

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

P O L I C E

R E P O R T S

Woman dies of injuries sustained in North Riverside crash

A 93-year-old Cicero woman who reportedly refused medical attention from paramedics at the scene of a crash on Cermak Road near First Avenue on the afternoon of March 19 died about an hour and a half later of injuries she sustained in the crash. According to North Riverside police the crash occurred at about 4:10 p.m. A 2019 Nissan Altima driven by a North Riverside woman reportedly was eastbound on Cermak Road and was attempting to make a left turn into the parking lot of Dunkin Donuts, 8360 Cermak Road when it was struck by a 2009 Cadillac DTS driven by a 64-year-old Brookfield man. A witness told police that the Cadillac was behind a bus in the westbound center lane of traffic and accelerated around it into the curb lane, striking the Nissan on the passenger side. Paramedics transported the driver of the Nissan to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both the driver of the Cadillac and its passenger, the 93-year-old woman, refused medical attention, according to the crash report. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene. At about 5:30 p.m., the woman who was the passenger in the Cadillac was found unresponsive at a residence in Brookfield. Paramedics transported her to Loyola University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. According to the crash report, emergency room staff told police that internal trauma the woman had suffered in the crash contributed to her death. Police issued the driver of the Nissan a pair of tickets, including failure to yield and having expired insurance. ■ While police were handling the above crash, there was another crash with injuries at the First/Cermak intersection at 4:30 p.m. One woman in the victim vehicle was taken to Loyola for treatment of unspecified injuries. The driver, a man was not hurt. The offending vehicle, driven by a 26-year-old Chicago woman, fled the scene, according to police, but was located at First Avenue and 13th Street in Maywood. Police issued her three citations, including leaving the scene of a crash.

North Riverside bank robbed A man who implied he was armed with a weapon robbed BMO Harris Bank, 9101 Cermak Road in North Riverside, making off with an undisclosed amount of cash on March 17 around 4:40 p.m. The FBI, which is handing the investigation, reported that the suspect entered the bank and displayed a note to the teller, demanding cash and threatening he was armed. The offender was described as a Hispanic male, about 5-foot9 or 5-foot-10, weighing 180 pounds and wearing a gray and black skull cap, light blue face covering possibly with a Chicago Cubs insig-

nia, a black rain jacket zipped up to his neck, jeans and black winter gloves. After the teller gave the offender money from the drawer, the offender reportedly said, “Thank you,” and left the bank. A witness told police the man was last seen leaving the bank and walking toward a white sedan parked on 14th Avenue. A white sedan was then seen leaving the area eastbound on Cermak Road.

Felony DUI Ulises Campos Guzman, 29, of Aurora, faces felony drunken driving charges after he was stopped for driving erratically through Riverside, including driving on the public parkway in the 100 block of Scottswood Road, on March 18 at about 8:05 p.m. Another motorist called 911 to report that the vehicle “was all over the roadway and bouncing off curbs” while eastbound on Forest Avenue from First Avenue. Police located the vehicle, crossing the railroad tracks at Longcommon Avenue and followed it as it headed toward Scottswood Road, bouncing off curbs and at one point going up onto the parkway. Guzman reportedly told police he thought he was in Aurora. He reportedly told police he’d been drinking the entire day and allegedly was drinking beer when he was stopped by police. According to Riverside police, Guzman’s driver’s license was suspended due to a drunken driving arrest in Streamwood in December 2020.

North Riversider charged with burglary Juan R. Ruiz, 38, of North Riverside, was charged with two counts of burglary after he allegedly stole four bicycles and a Bluetooth speaker from a garage in the 2500 block of Park Avenue and an air compressor from the garage of a residence in the 2300 block of Park Avenue in the past two weeks. Police arrested Ruiz at about 4:55 a.m. on March 19 in the vicinity of Cermak Road and Keystone Avenue, allegedly riding one of the stolen bicycles. After obtaining a search warrant for Ruiz’s apartment in the 2200 block of Desplaines Avenue, police reportedly recovered the Bluetooth speaker and the air compressor. As of March 22, Ruiz was being held without bond at Cook County jail, awaiting trial. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, March 15-21 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

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The Landmark, March 24, 2021

North Riverside trustee brushes off calls to resign, apologize Mayoral campaign again steals the spotlight at village board meeting By BOB UPHUES

cine pop-up event for senior citizens in February organized by Mengoni with help from village hall staff. The mailer alleged without evidence that Former North Riverside Mayor Kenneth Krochmal called on Trustee Marybelle Man- vaccines were “only offered to [Mengoni’s] podel to resign and Village Administrator Sue litical supporters.” Joanne Suba, one of four village hall emScarpiniti demanded that Mandel apologize to her for disparaging her publicly during the ployees to randomly call senior citizens based latest village board meeting to turn into politi- on a list drawn from water billing and vehicle sticker records, told Mandel durcal theater on March 15 as a critiing the public comment portion cal election draws near. of the March 15 meeting that the Mandel, who is running for “vaccine for votes” allegation is “a mayor in a three-way race pitting complete lie.” her against incumbent Mayor Hu“My co-workers and I made all bert Hermanek Jr. and Trustee the calls to schedule the vaccinaJoseph Mengoni, rejected the tions,” Suba said. “We had only 48 thought of resigning and did not hours to pull this together. We did apologize. the best we could on such short Krochmal, who has sought to tie notice and at the end of the day, Mandel to her husband’s 2000 federal conviction for making a false MARYBELLE MANDEL because of our efforts, we got 170 North Riverside seniors vaccinatstatement to a financial institued. The only agenda was to take tion, again read from a federal appellate court opinion on the case, in which a judge wrote care of the senior residents of North RiverMandel was a knowing participant in her hus- side. “The implication that our tireless efforts band’s scheme by wiring bogus gift letters for were politically motivated is an insult to the down payments on property. Calling for Mandel’s resignation, Krochmal integrity of our office.” Other village hall employees, who previsaid Mandel was a “bag man in [her] husously had been reticent to specifically name band’s criminal scheme.” “What is a bag man doing here as a trust- Mandel as the reason they chose to unionize late last year, told her directly that she was the ee?” Krochmal asked. “I’m not a bag person, I’m an elected official reason. Koula Michalopulos, financial analyst for working on behalf of the residents for a vilthe village, said People Before Politics’ camlage that I love,” Mandel said. In addition to Scarpiniti, five other village paign mailers misrepresented the reason she hall employees lined up to blast Mandel for and other non-union employees chose to orgastatements in campaign literature they said nize. “We are unionizing because of statements demeans them, with particular focus on a remade by Trustee Mandel that consistently decent campaign mailer from Mandel’s People Before Politics Party that labeled without evi- values the work that we do and the value we dence as “vaccines for votes” a COVID-19 vac- bring to the village of North Riverside,” MiEditor

Olmsted Society Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

Student Poetry Contest Time! Olmsted Society’s annual Reflections on Riverside Student Poetry Contest is accepting entries April 1-30. This year’s theme is Riverside Beginnings. Please visit our website or Facebook page for more details. Visit olmstedsociety.org or facebook.com/RiversideFLOS for details

chalopulos said. Mandel, who spoke only briefly during the roughly half-hour lecture she received from employees, said she was surprised employees would say such things, since they are cordial when she sees them. “Whenever I walk into the village hall, see any employee out on the street, I say hello and treat everybody with respect,” said Mandel, who added that because she had seen her opponents’ nominating petitions, she knew who supported who. “I’m very surprised the office employees would say such a thing, because when I come in there we’re joking, saying hello. … What I’m hearing today is actually much different than what actually happens.” Scarpiniti, the village’s finance director for the past two decades, slammed Mandel for comments the trustee made two weeks ago at a village board meeting, claiming Scarpiniti was illegally being paid for additional duties she took on last year as acting village administrator. She said Mandel’s claims of respecting village employees rang hollow and suggested that Mandel was incapable of recognizing that it was inappropriate for an elected official to publicly allege an employee was committing a crime for being paid to do a job. “You did not afford me that respect two weeks ago on March 1 when you accused me of being a criminal and stealing $52,000 from this village and the residents of this community,” Scarpiniti told Mandel. “You don’t provide me respect every single day when I come into work, when we’ve asked you repeatedly to please honor the position of the village administrator [and] do not go behind my back and go directly to departments and seek remedies for problems that you have.” Scarpiniti told Mandel that, as an elected official and policy maker, she sets the culture for the village, and demanded an apology for Mandel attacking her integrity. “You, for that, owe me a public apology,” Scarpiniti said. “The comments you made that I did anything illegal are absolutely false and wrong. And I just think it’s criminal in fact that you would be allowed to make those statements that would defame and disparage another member, regardless of political affiliation, of which I have none, in this town. “You failed as not only a public official, but then you can’t even recognize that failure and even provide someone with the courtesy of a public apology for something you know you did that was wrong.”

Missing Riverside woman found safe in Tennessee

A 55-year-old Riverside woman last seen by her family on March 5 and reported missing on March 13 has been found unharmed in Tennessee, according to Riverside police, who have been working continuously on the case for more than a week. Police and family have had no idea where Lisa Ann Vais was since March 14, when her cellphone last pinged in the vicinity of Murphy, North Carolina, in the far southwest corner of the state. But, on March 22 at about 3 p.m., detectives received an automatic notification that Vais cellphone had started to ping in a densely wooded, remote area in the Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee, about 25 miles west of Murphy, North Carolina. Detectives contacted the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office, which patrols that area of the state. They located Vais as she walked out of the woods in Turtletown. She reportedly told police she had been in the woods for about 10 days. Police notified her family and Vais was taken to a hospital in Blue Ridge, Georgia, as a precaution. Police have not yet recovered her vehicle. “My officers, detectives and our consolidated dispatch center employees worked on this case almost around the clock since Lisa Vais was reported missing,” said Police Chief Thomas Weitzel in a press release. “I am thankful she was found alive and is now getting proper medical treatment at a hospital. Every resource available was used in order to locate this missing Riverside resident, and I am glad to see that their efforts paid off.” In the days prior to the last time Vais’ phone signaled her location on March 14, she had been seen twice elsewhere in North Carolina, said Weitzel. She was briefly at a hospital on March 11 in Fletcher, about 15 miles south of Ashville. On March 13, she visited a Food Lion grocery store in Brevard, where she reportedly purchased a large amount of non-perishable food. Riverside police interviewed store employees, who said the 55-year-old Vais was alone and that they assisted her with loading the food into her vehicle. The store’s management also sent police surveillance camera video from inside the store that shows Vais exiting the store. Someone also reached out to police on March 15 after news stories about Vais’ disappearance started circulating to report seeing someone matching Vais’ description walking on a roadway at 6:30 p.m. in the area of the John W. Morrow Parkway and Jessie Jewel Parkway in Gainesville, Georgia, about 55 miles northeast of Atlanta. Police say that sighting was unconfirmed and that Gainesville police had no report of any incident involving Vais. — Bob Uphues

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Riverside officials mull floodwall design options By BOB UPHUES

Each proposal based on an existing wall design by Olmsted

Editor

Riverside elected officials next month will discuss and could potentially make a decision on the look of a floodwall being designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that would run along the east bank of the Des Plaines River from Park Place to the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad right of way and along Park Place from the river to roughly Woodside Road. The village board has not made a final decision to build the wall, but settling on how such a wall will look if they do give the go-ahead was a critical step, especially after c o m p u t e r- g e n erated images from the Army Corps depicting a white wall of concrete late last year caused a bit of alarm. Since then, the village asked its engineering firm, Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd., to create renderings of a floodwall, usDOUGLAS GOTHAM ing the village’s Senior landscape architect historic connecBurke Engineering tion to Frederick Law Olmsted as a guide. On March 18, Village President Ben Sells unveiled three design options, all of which are based upon walls Olmsted designed or co-designed. Burke engineering’s senior landscape architect, Douglas Gotham, used walls in Olmsted’s Franklin Park in Boston, Prospect Park in Brooklyn

“A common element in all his projects that contained walls was the tendency of [Olmsted] to use stone unfinished as much as possible.”

Prospect Park option

COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

Franklin Park option and The Rockery in Easton, Massachusetts, as guides for the examples shown to the village board last week. “It became apparent through our examination that a common element in all his projects that contained walls was the tendency of [Olmsted] to use stone unfinished as much as possible,” Gotham wrote in a memo to Village Manager Jessica Frances last week. “He preferred the natural appearance of stone and obviously used stone native to the region.” According to Village Engineer Orion Galey, the Army Corps would use form liners to create the stone-like finish of the wall, which will constructed of poured-in-place reinforced concrete. To get the “stone” to have color, the concrete can either be dyed or it can be painted afterward if the village wants a multicol-

ored effect. In the Franklin Park-inspired option, the wall would be formed to look like it was constructed of irregularly sized stones and topped with a rounded capstone, with rectangular capstones atop the columns that will line the wall at regular intervals. The Prospect Park-inspired version would feature a wall whose lower two-thirds would appear built of irregularly shaped and colored stones topped by what would look like a smooth-faced limestone cap. The third option would combine the Franklin Park style and The Rockery, where walls are made of large boulders, by stacking boulders at an angle against the riverside of the concrete wall. Sells told trustees that he would seek feedback from both the Riverside Landscape Advisory Commission and the Riverside Pres-

COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

Franklin/Rockery option

ervation Commission on whether they had a preference. The village board will discuss the floodwall design options and accept comment from members of the public at their meetings on April 1 and April 15. If there’s some sort of consensus, the village board could choose a design at the second meeting, which would then be sent to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency so they can review it as required under state law to make sure doesn’t affect the village’s national landmark status. Sells revealed last week that the Illinois Historic Preservation Office did, in fact, review the proposed floodwall in 2015 and ruled it did not affect any historic properties. However, those ruling are good for only two years, so Riverside will seek another based on the preferred design.

COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Brookfield to begin final round of referendum road repairs $22 million infrastructure campaign will have improved 15.3 miles of streets

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The village of Brookfield will break ground next month on the final round of referendum-funded residential side street improvements, wrapping up a six-year, $22 million campaign that saw the village resurface or rebuild more than one-third, or 15.3 miles, of roadway. On March 8, Brookfield trustees voted unanimously to award a $2.9 million construction contract for the work, which will also include a pair of water main improvement projects, to Addison-based R.W. Dunteman Company, which submitted the lowest of five bids. For the sixth consecutive year, bids for the project came in under the village engineer’s budget of nearly $3.5 million. This year’s project will improve a little more than a mile of roadway, mainly in the north end of the village. Village Engineer Derek Treichel estimated that construction would begin in mid-April and last through August. A separate project to replace the Brookfield Avenue bridge over Salt Creek is also expected to begin in earnest in mid-April. Among the streets included in this year’s improvement project are Harrison Avenue, from Monroe Avenue to 31st Street; Madison Avenue, from Grand Boulevard to 31st Street; Park Avenue, from Grand Boulevard to Washington Avenue; Oak Avenue, from Lincoln Avenue to Washington Avenue; and Blanchan Avenue, from Ogden Avenue to the north terminus at the railroad right of way. For each of those projects, the street will be widened by three feet, with complete curb and gutter placement on both sides, along with pavement resurfacing. Also being resurfaced this year is Cleveland Avenue, from Monroe Avenue to Lexington Avenue. The street will not be widened as there are few homes fronting Cleveland Avenue along that stretch. Finally, a short stretch of Eberly Avenue, from Ogden Avenue to the north terminus at the railroad right of way, will be resurfaced as a joint project between Brookfield and LaGrange, which share that street.

Village Engineer Derek Treichel estimated that construction would begin in mid-April and last through August.

Water main work Brookfield will also improve a couple of

ON DECK: Brookfield will complete its referendum-funded street improvement campaign this summer. During the 6-year effort, the village will have resurfaced or rebuilt more than one-third of its residential side streets. COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

stretches of water main in 2021 after those pipes experienced multiple breaks and officials fear further breaks in the future. The larger of the two projects will entail replacing the 6-inch water main under Oak Avenue, from Ogden Avenue to Shields Avenue, with an 8-inch main that will be located under the west sidewalk. In addition to the new main, work will include installing new copper service lines

from the main to the B-boxes that connect the system with residential properties. Once the main is in place, new sidewalks and any disturbed areas of driveways will be restored. The old 6-inch main under the street will be abandoned in place. A new 8-inch water main will also be installed on Brookfield Avenue between Hollywood Avenue and Woodside Avenue. It will be located in the north parking lane of

the street, meaning those parking spaces will be offline during the actual main installation. The street will be patched after construction. The village plans in the next two to four years anticipates obtaining federal grant money through the West Central Municipal Conference to help fund resurfacing Brookfield Avenue, which is considered a collector route.

Voter

Empowerment Guide

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The Landmark, March 24, 2021

The future of these villages is in your hands

ll democracy is local. And Brookfield, North Riverside and Riverside move toward the spring elections for village and school leaders, library and township offices the Landmark is offering you this Voter Empowerment Guide. It is a part of our Campaign for Democracy that includes our ongoing coverage of the candidates and this guide to the women and men who are putting themselves forward as candidates. Let’s start there. There is something brave and generous, only occasionally egodriven, that leads a local person to run for local office. We’ve been watching for 41 years and our observation is that with a dud once Landmark | 2021 in a while, with people we have All democracy is local strongly disagreed with on policy, that in our non-partisan elections almost all candidates run because they care about the high school, have a vision for the library, are committed to better village services or holding taxes or growing equity. Or all of the above. As you read these questions and answers from each of these candidates in the area’s contested races know that there is a lot on the line this year. Lyons Township High School District 204 will embrace the challenge of incorporating equity into its decision-making with new leadership and fresh voices. North Riverside village government may be moving in a new direction. Komarek District 94 is about to commence an enormously consequential overhaul of its campus as it emerges from the pandemic. Your vote truly matters. Do you plan to early vote? The details on how to do it are just below. Also, there is a digital version of this Voter Empowerment Guide on our RBLandmark.com website. The Q&As are there in longer versions and precinct maps. Finally, this expanded coverage is possible because of a donation to our Growing Community Media nonprofit from the Good Heart Work Smart Foundation. It has allowed us not only to fund our election reporting and create this guide. This election is in your hands. Educate yourselves on the issues and the candidates. And then seize the power of your vote. Dan Haley

Bob Uphues

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

EDITOR

Growing Community Media

Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

Landmark won’t be endorsing candidates Dan Haley, editor and publisher of Growing Community Media, wishes to remind readers that, for the first time since the company purchased the newspaper in 1997, the Landmark will not be offering candidate endorsements. Recently reformed as a non-profit entity, Growing Community Media publications are not allowed to endorse candidates under restrictions set by the Internal Revenue Service.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Early voting runs through April 5 at Brookfield Village Hall Cast ballots for village, school, township, library board races By BOB UPHUES

EDITOR

lection Day isn’t officially until April 6, but suburban Cook County voters can cast their ballots early for the spring Consolidated Election – for municipal, library, school and township boards – through Monday, April 5 at more than 50 sites scattered throughout the county. If you’re a Landmark reader, you won’t have to travel far to exercise your franchise, because there are several early voting locations close to home, including in Brookfield, Lyons, Stickney and Hodgkins. The early voting site at Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave., will be open Monday through Saturday, March 22-27 and March 29-April 3, as well as Monday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The polling place will also be open on Sunday, March 28 and Sunday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those hours will be identical at the early voting locations at the Lyons Village Hall, 4200 Lawndale Ave.; Hodgkins Village Hall, 8990 Lyons St.; and the Stickney Township North Building, 6721 W. 40th St. More information on all the Cook County suburban early voting sites and times of operation can be found at cookcountyclerk.com/service/early-voting-locations. Any registered suburban voter can vote early at any

of the suburban early voting locations. All early voting will be done on touch screens, because the machines are able to store every ballot style in the county. Ballots remain secret and are stored securely to be tallied on Election Day. Unlike last fall, when a crush of early voters swarmed the Brookfield Village Hall’s early voting polling place and officials closed the main lobby for business to limit the spread of COVID-19, residents and contractors will be able to use the front window for village business as usual. Municipal elections typically draw a fraction of voter interest compared to U.S. presidential elections. The polls this spring are also open for shorter periods each day. “We’re expecting much less volume, so this round we’re planning on staying open to the public like we are now,” said Brookfield Village Manager Timothy Wiberg. Voters who are already registered do not need to present an ID to vote, nor does anyone voting early need to provide a reason for doing so. If you are not registered to vote, suburban residents can register to vote at any of the early voting sites. If you’re registering for the first time or changing your address, you must present two forms of identification, one of which shows your current address. Visit online at cookcountyclerk.com/service/when-votersdo-and-dont-need-identification-id to learn what forms of ID are acceptable.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

NORTH RIVERSIDE MAYOR (3 CANDIDATES FOR 1 OPEN SEAT) HUBERT HERMANEK JR. Age: 62 Occupation: Attorney Education: B.A Loyola University (1980), J.D. De Paul University College of Law (1983) Why are you running for mayor of North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I am running for my 3rd term as Mayor. I was previously a Village Trustee, from 2009-2013. I believe I have made significant improvements for the Village since becoming Mayor in 2013. My background as a Trial Attorney, I believe, helps me make complex decisions and causes good rational judgment in making these difficult decisions. What can be done to ensure the village’s long-term financial viability and make it more resistant to downturns in sales tax revenues? Since becoming Mayor, I have diversified revenue streams significantly which helps when revenue from sales taxes declines during trying economic times. As mayor you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? When have you had occasion to do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? I have always put the interest of the Village first when making decisions affecting specific businesses and specific residents. I have been successful in solving individual issues with individuals without harming Village interests. What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? Should affordable housing be part of that redevelopment conversation? Why or why not? The Village during my Administration has made significant improvements and modernizations in its Zoning and vision of the future regarding redevelopment of the Mall and retail areas. We are intending on keeping our stores occupied and aesthetically attractive as possible and practicable. Currently, I do not believe there is any interest or necessity in sponsoring affordable housing. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with local residents, but not everyone in the village is on social

media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents and how will you communicate with the wider community beyond that? Since becoming Mayor, the Village has never been more transparent with disseminating information and responding to concerns of our residents and businesses. We are in the process of unveiling our new Village website which will significantly add to transparency and communication. The Village has currently opened Facebook pages for the Village, Police and Recreation to be in touch with the residents and businesses.

MARYBELLE MANDEL

Age: 51 Occupation: Property Management Education: High School Graduate - 1986

Why are you running for mayor of North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I am running for Mayor because I love this Village and want to ensure it becomes the place that my family and I believe it can become. I became a community activist several years ago; meeting the folks in my neighborhood as we discussed great ideas to for our community. Since becoming a Village Trustee in 2019, I have continued that work and have pledged always to keep the citizens involved. My background for decades has been in property management. In that profession, I work with people to problemsolve; and I must successfully balance a budget, focused on efficiencies, while still providing for the necessities.

Last summer was a challenging one for North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil unrest and safety concerns at North Riverside Park Mall. What role should What can be done to the village play in WEB EXTRA ensure the village’s longresponding to and preCandidate responses have been edited for print. term financial viability The full unedited responses can be found online at venting such incidents and make it more resistant RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE in the future? to downturns in sales tax We have always partrevenues? nered with the Mall The VIP/United Party when it comes to prolegacy will always be that tecting it and those they missed opportunities to diversify revenue who frequent there. The Mall is private streams while they still had a big one (The Mall). property, but it is in our Village, and our They had a “golden goose” and they just rode it Police have an obligation to prevent ununtil it collapsed. rest there as it would any other place in Failing to plan is no longer an option. We must the Village. get the help of the best and the brightest so that North Riverside historically has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. With pension obligations continuing to grow and the state of retail sales on uncertain ground, how would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? Since becoming Mayor, I have funded our pension obligations for our Police and Fire Departments 100%. I have tried to raise revenues to do so by not affecting our own residents (Video Gaming, Place for Eating Taxes, etc.). Our Village has low taxes and high services, which makes it such an attractive place for people to come, live, and go to our great schools. Significantly raising property taxes may hinder those goals. What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? I believe funding the Pensions, Community Development, and keeping our Village safe are the 3 most important issues. I will continue to progress in doing so as I have been for the past 8 years.

we can compete with our west suburban neighbors for retail and other commercial enterprises. Also, diversification is key. We can no longer idly put all our eggs in one basket.

As mayor you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? As Mayor I will do what the prior administrations have refused to do. Listen to the people; get input from the residents; bring in professionals with new and creative approaches to business development and Village management; and seek consensus for short-term and long-term planning. What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? Public input is an integral perspective needed to establish short range and long-range Village plans. Transparency and honesty are critical before any major decisions can be made related to any modifications in zoning and business development that will impact either sector (residential or commercial). Once specialized professionals work with us to determine how North Riverside can best utilize any competitive advantages we have; these plans must be thoroughly vetted through public

review and citizen input. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with local residents, but not everyone in the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media? Communication must always be a multi-phased approach. (a) an efficient website is critical; (b) timely interaction between residents, departments and elected officials utilizing Facebook, blogs, and internet forums; (c) notifications to residents using the water bill and other mailings; (d) finding ways to assist our seniors, through special phone hotlines, robocalls, and volunteer neighborhood outreach. One size does not fit all. Last summer was a challenging one for North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil unrest and safety concerns at North Riverside Park Mall. What role should the village play in responding to and preventing such incidents in the future? Public safety must always be a coordinated approach between the public and private sector. Our police department does great work, but we cannot overtax that resource. An Emergency Management Team (with an incident command center) must be established, including protocols, contingency plans, a chain of command, and an action plan. North Riverside historically has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. How would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? The VIP/United Party has bungled the Village’s finances for decades. My first step is to end the VIP/United Party approach and STOP LYING TO RESIDENTS. VIP/United Party financial mismanagement has put the Village in a deep hole; to the tune of over $117 million in long term debt. IT’S A FACT. We will start with a “Zero Based Budgeting” process, where every program and expense will be scrutinized; and all programs and services will be prioritized. We will find ways to tighten our belts, economize, and put more resources/revenues toward retiring the debt of prior administrations. What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? 1. Transparency & Communication: Public input will be solicited and incorporated into every decision concerning priorities for programs and services and the budgetary process. 2. Financial Integrity: North Riverside’s own website shows tremendous debt growth and fiscal mismanagement over the years. Balance our Budgets, prioritize our programs and services; properly fund debt reduction. 3. Enhanced Business Development: Diversification is the key, while we play our great resources to our competitive advantage. This will take planning and the use of creative specialists and professionals to fight with us.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

NORTH RIVERSIDE MAYOR (3 CANDIDATES FOR 1 OPEN SEAT)

NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE TRUSTEE (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS)

JOSEPH MENGONI

JASON BIANCO

Age: 52 Occupation: Executive Director / Non-profit Administration Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

safe business district. This is a call to revamp ordinances and codes. We are a beautifully diverse community, and we are dedicated to all of our residents. Should the property owners consider adding housing to any redevelopment plans I would strongly advocate for a percentage to be designated for low-income households but include community input into any planned development.

Why are you running for mayor of North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I am running for mayor to improve the lives of Social media has become an important way our residents and sustain a higher quality of life for all in our village. I believe we can restore the for local officials to communicate with local charm and pride that our small town had in years residents, but not everyone in the village is on past and ensure that our commercial corridors re- social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media. main vibrant and safe. Social media is a tricky yet very powerful tool. In my professional career, I assist individuals and their families in meeting their needs for continued It can be widely beneficial but at the same time it can be incredibly damaging services. It brings me a with misinformation, and ofgreat sense of reward to WEB EXTRA ten times skewed biases. assist people in achieving Candidate responses have been edited for print. I would like to ensure our their goals. The full unedited responses can be found online at residents are getting accurate RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE information in a timely manWhat can be done ner, directly from the village to ensure the village’s and village officials. long-term financial viIn addition, I would like to see ability and make it more our village board meetings televised on local outresistant to downturns in sales tax revenues? This board, along with the vigilance of village lets such as Riverside TV and RBTV. management, have been able to put money aside Last summer was a challenging one for as a reserve or “rainy day” fund to ensure that the village is able weather short term storms while North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil continuing to provide the highest possible quality unrest and safety concerns at North Riverside Park Mall. What role should the village play in of services to our residents. The Village needs to invest in our business dis- responding to and preventing such incidents trict and market it to bolster our tax revenues, and in the future? The Village needs to continue taking the lead also draft new ordinances or amendments to existing ordinances to limit the number of non-tax on dealings and happenings at the North Rivergenerating revenue space throughout our busi- side Mall but there needs to be an obligation on ness district. I also think it’s important that we the part of mall ownership to assist in our costs. I would hold the mall accountable for the growwork side by side with our local business partners with the same dignity and support that we pro- ing need of increased security measures that would ensure the safety and comfort of all patrons. vide to our residents. As mayor you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? I recently created an opportunity for over 150 of our senior citizen residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It was a tough decision because those who were not part of this round of vaccinations were critical of the process in which we were able to bring this service to our community. Unfortunately, no one has the ability to make everyone happy all of the time, and I was faced with a decision. Do I create this life-saving opportunity for our community’s most vulnerable, or do I keep those who criticized the process happy, and risk letting the opportunity pass? What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? I envision restoring that small town charm that may have slipped away by the lack of enforcement of village codes. I want to set a higher standard for all of our business partners that would invite our residents to dine and shop in an attractive, accessible and

North Riverside historically has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. How would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? We need to continue on our path of paying our pension obligations at the same level we have for the past seven years and seek alternative revenue sources to pay for projects and equipment needed for the future. No, the residents do not need to pay more for the pension obligations and that idea would have to go to a referendum which would most likely never pass. What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? All issues and matters are important to me and the more I hear first-hand from our residents, the more I can do to help. To name three I would say: ■ Public safety and security at the North Riverside Mall ■ Restoring the Pride back to North Riverside ■ Maintaining the high level and quality of services that our residents are accustomed to receiving.

Age: 50 Occupation: Financial options broker Education: Nazareth Academy, Dominican University Why are you running for trustee in North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? After the year that we all went through, I feel that my experience, leadership and working with others is paramount to the stability and progress for the Village in the upcoming years. Pre-Covid I was the Chairman of the Committee for Economic Development which took a large group of residents and professionals, and looked at the needs of our community from a business perspective. It is time to act on these ideas and implement them in the future growth of Village. What can be done to ensure the village’s long-term financial viability and make it more resistant to downturns in sales tax revenues? The first is creating a business climate where our existing businesses are able to Rebuild and Renovate, which put themselves in a position to prosper in the future. The second is to aggressively search out businesses that the community needs along with ones that have a high success rate in our area. Building a campaign to attract new businesses, like our surrounding towns, and renovating the space we have in our businesses district is a goal of mine. As a trustee you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? When have you had occasion to do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? I take no vote or decision lightly and always do my homework on what is best for our community, considering all parties involved. One of the best decisions was a multi-year deal with our refuse hauler, we locked in a great price for a long term contract. I still feel it was a great deal for the residents and very cost effective for the Village. What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? After many discussions on Development and Re-Developing existing areas in town, I envision a huge redevelopment project in the business district along the tracks next to the mall and the outlets. This would take a combined effort of the Village and mall to put these plans into action, something that myself and many residents are looking forward to getting started in the near future.

Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with local residents, but not everyone in the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents and how will you communicate with the wider community beyond that? Social media is large portion of our residents form of communication, but not everyone. I want everyone to be aware, and be part of, what’s happening in and around our town. I feel that besides the Village website and a few forums, the Village could also use our “red alert” system more often for events in town, especially when it pertains to residents safety. Last summer was a challenging one for North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil unrest and safety concerns at North Riverside Park Mall. What role should the village play in responding to and preventing such incidents in the future? The next step is for the Village and Mall working hand in hand on a plan to prevent and protect our residents and visitors when we fully open back up. The Village and Mall have to put together a plan for future issues that may arise that protects Residents, Police, Fire, First Responders, Mall Employees and visitors that come to shop or dine here that ensures a peace of mind. Safety of those that live, work and visit our Village is the most important issue facing all of us. North Riverside historically has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. With pension obligations continuing to grow and the state of retail sales on uncertain ground, how would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? As a Trustee, I have seen how fast our financial obligations continue to grow while retail sales continue struggle during these uncertain times. I have no intent on raising or placing any more taxes on the Homeowners, my outlook is to grow our existing businesses and grow our economy through attracting new businesses with high success rate businesses and restaurants. We have an enormous opportunity with the traffic that goes through our community to attract businesses and develop existing unused land that could grow our economy and lesson the financial burden of the Village without having to add any more taxes on our residents, or cutting services. What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? The three most important issues facing North Riverside are safety of our residents, Economic Rebuilding and Redevelopment within our Business District and Financial Responsibility to our residents.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE TRUSTEE (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) FERNANDO FLORES Age: 59 Occupation: Retired Electrical Engineer at ComEd, Current Consultant/Contractor at MZI Group Education: St. Rita High School, Certified Electrical Engineering courses given at ComEd Why are you running for trustee in North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I am motivated to help others in the community prosper. As a person of color, I hope to be a voice to all people in the village and to listen to their needs. As a current trustee of North Riverside, I have served as the Fire and Police Chairperson. The skills I have learned throughout my experiences will continue to guide me as a trustee to better serve my community. What can be done to ensure the village’s long-term financial viability and make it more resistant to downturns in sales tax revenues? As a trustee, I am committed to the development and well-being of North Riverside businesses. During the pandemic, many North Riverside businesses stayed open and thrived despite the difficulties. As a trustee you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? When have you had occasion to do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? My priority as a trustee is to advocate for all North Riverside residents. To demonstrate this, I have made it a priority to improve communication with our residents. For example, when we found out that North Riverside was going to host a Cook County Public Health Clinic to get our residents vaccinated, we informed our residents immediately. What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? Should affordable housing be part of that redevelopment conversation? Why or why not? I envision more commercial stores in the mall as we have one of the busiest corners (i.e. Harlem and Cermak) in the Chicagoland area that attracts many customers. In the future, I see North Riverside businesses modernized with the goal to attract more customers. At this time, all options will be kept open with respect to redevelopment, but our goals will first be to support our residents and local businesses.

SANDRA GREICIUS Age: 50 Occupation: Teacher Education: Bachelor of Science: University of Illinois at Chicago Masters in Teaching: National Louis University, Chicago Currently pursuing an Endorsement as a Reading Specialist

Why are you running for trustee in North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? Drawn to the North Riverside for the balance of commerce and green spaces I Last summer was a challenging one for proudly call the Village my home. LongNorth Riverside in terms of fallout from term careers in community service, buildcivil unrest and safety concerns at North ing writing and organizational skills. CurRiverside Park Mall. What role should the rently teaching for 15 years with prior village play in responding to and preventexperience in the postal service. Served ing such incidents in the as a union representafuture? tive for both. Bachelor North Riverside Village degree in science with WEB EXTRA played a critical role duradditional credits in staCandidate responses have been edited for print. ing the civil unrest. Should tistics and behavioral sciThe full unedited responses can be found online at this happen again, we need RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE ence. Research oriented. to communicate with resiExperience with scientific dents on what is happening reports and data compiand what to do to be safe. lation. Holding a Master’s During the civil unrest, we Degree in Teaching and along with North Riverside Police, issued a pursuing an endorsement as a reading curfew to ensure residents stay safe at home. specialist to promote communication and In order to prevent these incidents, we should literacy. continue to improve and work on our emergency preparedness plan together with our What can be done to ensure the vilPolice Department. lage’s long-term financial viability and make it more resistant to downturns in North Riverside historically has asked sales tax revenues? homeowners to pay very little in property Investigating grants and government taxes to support village services. With programs to provide funding for projpension obligations continuing to grow ects without a tax burden on residents. and the state of retail sales on uncertain Developing opportunities for interested ground, how would you continue to keep residents to volunteer in the community. property taxes low? Do residents need to Rebranding the mall and finding methods start paying more to fund obligations such to attract a greater variety of businesses as pensions? Why or why not? to the Village while providing residents loAt the moment, I don’t see the need to raise cal purchasing options. property taxes. More people are beginning to shop again, bringing revenue to the village. As a trustee you will be asked to As our residents are dealing with the chalbalance what’s best for the village as a lenges of the pandemic, there is no need for whole with what might be in the interproperty taxes to be raised. est of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? When have you What are the three most important had occasion to do something similar issues facing North Riverside in the next in the past and how did you accomfour years? How should those be adplish that? dressed? Approach all issues and concerns with One issue I see that is relevant is the issue an open mind. As an educator seeks balof climate change and North Riverside should ance to ensure success for all students, follow with environmental sustainability. promoting team building and working Another issue is the rebuilding from the together a focus on the best interests of pandemic. the Village will provide a strong commuFinally, North Riverside is becoming more nity for all. and more multicultural, so it is necessary to ensure all residents feel welcomed and no What future do you envision for one is discriminated against. North Riverside’s residential and

commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? Should affordable housing be part of that redevelopment conversation? Why or why not? Provide a balance of forums to ensure that all voices are heard to address residents’ ideas and concerns while seeking input from professionals prior to making long-term decisions. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with local residents, but not everyone in the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents and how will you communicate with the wider community beyond that? Offer multiple methods of communication including phone lines, the website, and community meetings to assist residents in making connections and providing a forum to address ideas and concerns. Aim to build strong community ties. Last summer was a challenging one for North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil unrest and safety concerns at North Riverside Park Mall. What role should the village play in responding to and preventing such incidents in the future? Planning ahead and developing a comprehensive strategy to keep all involved prepared and ready to act. North Riverside historically has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. With pension obligations continuing to grow and the state of retail sales on uncertain ground, how would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? Every effort must be made to keep down property taxes. Developing a goalbased budgeting plan to assess current expenditures, analyzing the necessity of each, while investigating alternatives and identifying areas to limit spending without limiting services. What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? Balancing the budget, business redevelopment, and improved communication and transparency with residents to meet financial goals.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE TRUSTEE (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) KEVIN MELVIN Age: 41 Occupation: Teacher Education: Bachelors from Eastern Illinois; Masters from Governors State; 60 post graduate hours from Loyola Marymount University Why are you running for trustee in North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? The debt the village has accrued is astonishing to me and the decisions the VIP/United Party has made over the years has baffled me. I am motivated to get involved and make some changes so that other families with young children will want to stay in the village and others will continue to want to move here, since families with young children play a big part in keeping the village great. The experience and perspective I will bring to the village is just plain and simple COMMON SENSE. Using common sense, I would be bidding out all contracts and not wasting taxpayer dollars on unwinnable lawsuits. What can be done to ensure the village’s long-term financial viability and make it more resistant to downturns in sales tax revenues? We need to STOP whatever the VIP/UNITED PARTY has been doing with deficit spending and debt growth. Also, the VIP/United Party has done nothing to increase our commercial and retail tax base. For decades they relied only on the Mall, and that’s what got us into financial trouble. A more comprehensive and professional approach is required. Also, in the future I think all employee contracts need to be on a year to year to basis until we see how the economy reacts to the pandemic. As a trustee you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? We all have to work together. I will take residents’ and businesses’ input to see where we can reach consensus. A professional approach and a more vibrant and active chamber of commerce will allow us to help all businesses and find ways to merge efforts for both business and residential priorities. What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? North Riverside needs an active and involved chamber of commerce to work with the Village. I am open to all and any ideas that will help the village to diversify the tax base and the commercial landscape. The village can work in cooperation with each property owner for redevelopment. Although I am in favor of providing incen-

tives to businesses we must not get carried away and give outrageous incentives, like 50% of sales tax the next 20 years. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with local residents, but not everyone in the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents. I think all elected officials should have their own Facebook accounts so residents looking for information or answers can message them directly. This would be in addition to having all Official Village accounts and communication tools being more open and transparent.

ALLAN PINEDA Age: 56 Occupation: Retired 27-year Law Enforcement Professional with Command Experience Education: Bachelor’s Degree Why are you running for trustee in North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official?

I am running for trustee because I feel that it is time for some new unbiased opinions and input to our village. Also, I am not afraid of making the best and sometimes the toughest decisions that would impact the village. I have been the Chairman of the North Riverside Civil Service Commission since 2014. Last summer was a challenging one for Since 2016, I have been a trustee for the North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil North Riverside Public Library. During my unrest and safety concerns time as a library trustee, we at North Riverside Park have hired a new director, Mall. What role should the WEB EXTRA installed a clear divider in village play in responding Candidate responses have been edited for print. the teenager area and we to and preventing such The full unedited responses can be found online at have replaced the original incidents in the future? RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE heating and cooling unit for I believe the Village Police the whole library. I am also a Officers did well in respondblock captain and a member ing to the civil unrest in town. of the Holy Name Society. The NR police did an awesome job by blocking street access to nonresidents What can be done to ensure the village’s and keeping all of the opportunists away from the long-term financial viability and make it residential homes, for the most part. more resistant to downturns in sales tax As a Trustee I will work with all departments to revenues? continue to plan for such emergencies. We also The world is vulnerable to the unexpected need better communication with, and cooperaand it is hard to predict and maintain goals tion from, our business community. A joint apduring uncertainty. But one thing for sure proach is important. would be to have a dialog with businesses and potential business owners to maintain the North Riverside historically has asked stores and store fronts as occupied as possible. homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. How would As a trustee you will be asked to balyou continue to keep property taxes low? ance what’s best for the village as a whole Do residents need to start paying more to with what might be in the interest of busifund obligations such as pensions? Why or nesses or specific residents. How will you why not? do that? When have you had occasion to Residents should not have to pay more to fund do something similar in the past and how pensions. The mismanagement of money by the did you accomplish that? VIP/ United Party has put us in this situation. We The residents and the business are the vilwill have to economize and find ways to tackle the lage. This means that everyone has something debt. at stake but in the end, the village provides for We will not deficit spend like the VIP. Once they the residents and businesses. As the Chairman are gone, we will work toward long range solufor the Civil Service Commission, I have had to tions with professional financial management. make difficult decisions frequently. Also, as a trustee for the library, we have had to discuss What are the three most important issues and make similar decisions. facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? What future do you envision for North The debt is the most important issue North RivRiverside’s residential and commercial erside faces. This can be addressed by bidding out districts? How should the village apcontracts and looking closely at every expense the proach redevelopment in the face the village has, which includes all paid employees. challenges faced by the retail sector? While businesses around town were shut down Should affordable housing be part of that and the village was losing income from it, the VIP/ redevelopment conversation? Why or United Party administration went ahead and hired why not? I envision a future which is positive and employees instead of being prudent and waiting.

filled with opportunity for the residents and businesses. I feel that the village should embrace redevelopment. Again, there should not be any empty business locations in the village. The village should concentrate on keeping businesses within the village and bringing in new ones. I do not feel that affordable housing would create a better revenue stream than businesses. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with residents, but not everyone in the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents and how will you communicate with the wider community beyond that? As the question states, “not everyone in the village is on social media”. Everyone has their reasons for not being on, but I think the main reason is that social media is too one sided. I think a better option would be a podcast or a local tv station that would show the board meetings as they take place. Last summer was a challenging one for North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil unrest and safety concerns at North Riverside Park Mall. What role should the village play in responding to and preventing such incidents in the future? I feel that the village, police, and fire departments did an outstanding job during all the chaos. Everything was contained within the mall area and it did not spill into the neighborhood. North Riverside historically has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. With pension obligations continuing to grow and the state of retail sales on uncertain ground, how would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? How do you continue to keep property taxes low? By bringing in more businesses and keeping the ones that are in the village now. Pensions are promised to those that have contributed during their career. I do not feel that the residents should fund the pensions. What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? Resident trust in politics. These should be addressed by being the politicians being and honest with the community. Keeping businesses in the village. Working with the business owners to help maintain all stores and businesses open and occupied. Maintain low property taxes. Keep businesses in the village, find different revenue streams.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE TRUSTEE (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) THERESA “TERRI” SARRO Age: 53 Occupation: A/R Specialist Education: Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Masters of Business Administration Why are you running for trustee in North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? Prior to being elected I was very active on a volunteer basis with Komarek School, North Riverside Little League, local fundraisers and Christmas for a Cause. I currently am an Accounts Receivable Specialist for Parathon Recovery Services and hold both a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Business Administration. What can be done to ensure the village’s long-term financial viability and make it more resistant to downturns in sales tax revenues? One of my goals as a Village Trustee is to implement an effective marketing and advertising plan to attract new businesses into our business district. We have one of the most trafficked areas in the state of Illinois and it is time for North Riverside to attract those commuters to our local businesses. As a trustee you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? When have you had occasion to do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? As a Village Trustee, you have to balance what is best for the village as a whole. We need to keep our business district strong and safe with a variety of businesses while providing high quality services for our residents. We need to listen to suggestions and concerns from all residents and businesses to ensure North Riverside thrives. What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? Should affordable housing be part of that redevelopment conversation? Why or why not? As we redevelop and rebuild both from COVID-19 and the retail downturn, it is imperative that we continue to put our village and residents first. All redevelopment options will be discussed; however our priorities will continue to be economic development and community safety as we help rebuild our community stronger than before for both our residents and businesses. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with local residents, but not everyone in

the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents and how will you communicate with the wider community beyond that? I am proud of the improvements we have made to both our social media platforms and our community alert system. On local Facebook pages, I have been able to provide residents with timely and accurate information and updates. In addition, we implemented an auto attendant free caller support system. We know each resident has different means of getting alerts, and we will continue to expand each of our communication systems to reach all residents in a timely manner

RICHARD WAGNER Age: 38 Occupation: Storage Administrator for Veteran Affairs (Hines) Education: BAS (Computer Science) Why are you running for trustee in North Riverside? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I moved here with my wife in 2013, and we have grown to love this Village. Since moving here in 2013, I have watched the Village debt increase at a rampant rate, which should be concerning for all tax paying residents. I work in IT for the Department of Veteran Affairs at Hines, and in the IT field we troubleshoot issues every day and constantly must come up with solutions to hard problems. I believe this daily work would translate directly into my role as a Trustee if elected.

Last summer was a challenging one for What can be done to ensure the village’s North Riverside in terms of fallout from long-term financial viability and make it civil unrest and safety concerns at North more resistant to downturns in sales tax Riverside Park Mall. What role should the revenues? village play in responding We need to be honest to and preventing such WEB EXTRA with ourselves regarding incidents in the future? Candidate responses have been edited for print. the mall and the amount of The Village has continued The full unedited responses can be found online at money the Village receives to improve ways of keeping RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE from sales tax revenue. our communities safe. The Malls around the country North Riverside Park Mall has are closing as people turn an increased police presence to Amazon and other online and monitors social media outlets for shopping. for any possible threats to the safety at the I believe that we have an opportunity with a mall. lot of the parking lot land that the mall owns to make some major improvements. North Riverside historically has asked Failing to plan is planning for failure, and we homeowners to pay very little in property should look at any and all plans for the future. taxes to support village services. With

pension obligations continuing to grow and the state of retail sales on uncertain ground, how would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? Historically North Riverside has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes; approximately 2.5%. We plan to keep property taxes low by focusing our marketing efforts on the economic development of the business district, seek grant opportunities, and to cut costs where feasible while ensuring high quality services to our residents.

What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? The main challenges over the next four years include generating revenue to bring prosperity to the Village and residents, funding our pension plans, and to continue to provide residents with great village services while keeping our costs down. We will not cut the budget with meaningless cuts nor cut services for our residents. We will develop and implement effective marketing and advertising plans to maintain and attract new businesses to this Village.

As a trustee you will be asked to balance what’s best for the village as a whole with what might be in the interest of businesses or specific residents. How will you do that? When have you had occasion to do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? I personally don’t believe there is a difference between what’s best for the village and what is in the interest of business or specific residents. If the village prospers and is successful, then it is because businesses and residents are prospering. What future do you envision for North Riverside’s residential and commercial districts? How should the village approach redevelopment in the face the challenges faced by the retail sector? I envision a beautification process along Cermak, west of First Avenue. I can see a small promenade area being created near the mall, with green space in the center. A Rosemont type area that can be used for live music during warm months and ice skating in the winter. Restaurants and shops could line the perimeter, with outdoor seating overlooking the park. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with

local residents, but not everyone in the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents and how will you communicate with the wider community beyond that? In founding the North Riverside Open Forum, I realize that social media is an important way for residents to reach out to officials. The Village has made board meetings available via Zoom for residents to attend remotely, which is a great idea. I think the communication process with this can be improved so residents get alerted prior to meetings and have correct login information prior to five minutes before a meeting. Village meetings should be streamed via Facebook Live as well as Zoom, and it should be streamed from the official Facebook page. Last summer was a challenging one for North Riverside in terms of fallout from civil unrest and safety concerns at North Riverside Park Mall. What role should the village play in responding to and preventing such incidents in the future? Communication is key here, and the mall should be heavily involved in this aspect as well. An Emergency Management Team (with an incident command center) should be established, including protocols, contingency plans, a chain of command, and an action plan. North Riverside historically has asked homeowners to pay very little in property taxes to support village services. With pension obligations continuing to grow and the state of retail sales on uncertain ground, how would you continue to keep property taxes low? Do residents need to start paying more to fund obligations such as pensions? Why or why not? We will start with a “Zero Based Budgeting” process, where every program and expense will be scrutinized; and all programs and services will be prioritized. We will find ways to tighten our belts, economize, and put more resources/ revenues toward retiring the debt of prior administrations. What are the three most important issues facing North Riverside in the next four years? How should those be addressed? 1. Transparency & Communication: Residents will be our partners in righting the ship. Public input will be solicited and incorporated into every decision concerning priorities for programs and services and the budgetary process. 2. Financial Integrity: Balance our Budgets, prioritize our programs and services; properly fund debt reduction. Be realistic and honest and we can work together to implement solutions. 3. Enhanced Business Development: Diversification is the key, while we play our great resources to our competitive advantage. This will take planning and the use of creative specialists and professionals to fight with us.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

NORTH RIVERSIDE CLERK (2 CANDIDATES FOR 1 OPEN SEAT) CARMEN M. CIRCELLI Age: 66 Occupation: Business accounting Education: Business College Why are you running for North Riverside village clerk? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I’m motivated and interested in being Village Clerk to bring more transparency to the table. I have experience in gathering data of all kinds, more importantly financial data. I hope to bring forth a new agenda that will allow the Village Clerks position to bring forth as much information as possible to all Residents. What is your understanding of the role of the village clerk and what do you feel is the most important aspect of that role? The Village Clerk’s position maintains recorded copies of Village Board meeting’ minutes, Agendas and filing the necessary paperwork to be submitted to the County Clerk’s Office while maintaining those same records and making them readily available for the Public. What is the clerk’s responsibility to ensure information about village government is available to the public? How do you intend to ensure North Riverside’s government is transparent and accountable to the public? What is the clerk’s role in communicating with the public? I propose to work closely with Village Staff and the Village’s Webmaster to ensure the Residents have complete access to all files online. Furthermore, I would make sure that I not only record, comprehend and relate the exact words that were spoken at meeting. I have

witnessed that there has been a great deal of paraphrasing in the past. I want to vehemently stress that I would not post Meeting Minutes that are not word for word.

KATHY RANIERI Age: 51 Occupation: Small business owner for 27 years Education: Trade school

Why are you running for North Riverside village clerk? What motivates you and what experience and Social media has become perspectives would you bring to an important way for local the job? How would those be valuofficials to communicate with able as an elected official? local residents, but not everyDiscovering the issues amongst residents, meetone in the village is on social media. What ing new members of the community through do you feel is the best way for elected the local schools, church and community groups officials to use social media to commucomes from the many years I have dedicated as nicate with residents and how will you a proud resident of North Riverside. Along with communicate with the wider community my community involvement, my experience with beyond that? working with the public for over 30 years of emThe Village recently (after more than a ployment has become extremely valuable tool decade) has decided to make a Village Govan elected official these past ernment Facebook page. years. I would like to expend on Witnessing misinformation that social media avenue WEB EXTRA and or complaints has given and build on it. To be more Candidate responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found online at transparent with those me the motivation to run involved. Those who are RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE as Village Clerk for another not using social media can term. I believe expanding our simply come to the Village upgraded technology to live or call to receive any inforstreaming at meetings will mation they desire. help better inform residents. Are there any services the clerk’s office should offer that aren’t being offered now? A full comprehensive plan on getting the residents the information they need to vote. Where to vote and when to vote. Have to keep the residents up to date. What would be your priorities as village clerk and how would you accomplish meeting those goals? Keeping people informed on current events such as changes in polling places track all information and put the current changes on the website so people are informed.

Do you want to keep your public officials accountable?

What is your understanding of the role of the village clerk and what do you feel is the most important aspect of that role? The role of Village Clerk is the official keeper of records. The duties also include taking accurate minutes at board meetings and putting together a well informed agenda and agenda packet which I have created during my term as Village Clerk. There are many important roles as Village Clerk, such as working with the Cook County Clerk’s Office. However, getting accurate information out to residents is most important. What is the clerk’s responsibility to ensure information about village government is avail-

able to the public? How do you intend to ensure North Riverside’s government is transparent and accountable to the public? What is the clerk’s role in communicating with the public? It is the Clerk’s responsibility to ensure village information such as meeting dates, times and minutes are not only made available for residents but in a timely matter as well. Since elected, an agenda packet for the Board of Trustees Meetings has been created with full transparency for all residents to see prior to meetings. Social media has become an important way for local officials to communicate with local residents, but not everyone in the village is on social media. What do you feel is the best way for elected officials to use social media to communicate with residents and how will you communicate with the wider community beyond that? Although I’m not typically a fan of social media, it can be a great tool to use to reach members of the community if used properly. The village has a created a Facebook page but what I would like to see is a YouTube site with a monthly Mayoral update. Are there any services the clerk’s office should offer that aren’t being offered now? As stated above, I would definitely love to see the expansion of the Clerk’s Office with extended services to those in need and seniors. This I have come to realize since the pandemic started. What would be your priorities as village clerk and how would you accomplish meeting those goals? I have aggressively been working with the County Clerk’s Office for several years and hopefully getting closer to having our North Riverside Commons Building serve as an early voting site.

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The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

DISTRICT 208 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) LORENA GASCA Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? When I moved to North Riverside eight years ago, one of the most welcomed surprises was that I now lived in a school district that elected their school board members. I was raised in Chicago and attended Chicago Public Schools. To date, one of the biggest challenges in that school district is the lack of ability to elect a school board. I remember thinking, “One day I will serve my community in that capacity.” Historically, North Riverside has not had consistent representation on the RBHS board and when I heard that our current North Riverside school member was not running again, I knew it was time to step up. I am motivated by the idea of serving others. My ability to recognize that issues are multifaceted and must therefore have multiple viewpoints in order to find the best solution possible will serve me well. I feel very comfortable listening to others and helping craft viable solutions for educational opportunities. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? In essence, equity is making decisions with the needs of specific groups in mind. It is not a one size fits all approach. What is in the best interest of one group is not necessarily in the real or perceived best interest of the other. And this is where the balance you mention comes into play. As leaders, we have the responsibility to make decisions that are informed through an equity lens to ensure that all groups, especially those that have been traditionally marginalized by those that hold the power to make decisions, have their needs met, in order to be a part of a thriving community. The past year has been a challenge. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? The current pandemic in which we are living has caused us all to adapt to living differently. One of the unfortunate outcomes of having to implement remote learning has been the division of stakeholders in all schools. This is perhaps where the District could have done more. I am a huge believer in ensuring that ALL voices, not just the loudest voices, are heard. Remote learning, in my opinion, is not a yes or no, wrong or right issue. I truly believe that it was done out of necessity. Adapting to virtual learning AND teaching has not been easy, but instead necessary, in order to keep each other safe. And the greater good, in this instance, was the implementation of remote learning AND remote teaching. As far as future disruptions are concerned, it

is my hope that there will be some serious reflection given to the lessons learned during this time. We have spent the last 12 months in reactive mode and that should never happen again.

WILLIAM SMITHING Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I have been a board member for four years, two of those as president and leader. We have been through some of the greatest challenges to our education system in a lifetime. The work is not done, as we open our schools full time with lunch (safely) we will have to work through what our virtual options will look like going forward. This will take strength, experience and demonstrated leadership to maximize our best educational solutions.

How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 208 do to address that subject? Equity is ensuring that all stakeholders get what they need in order to succeed. It is not a one size fits all approach. (One size fits all and everyone gets the same thing is equality) As a woman of color, I have been affected by issues of both equity and equality. The As a school board member you will be only thing that has evolved for me is realizasked to balance what’s best for the district ing that people currently don’t feel comfortas a whole with what might be in the interest able talking about these issues. What are orof specific groups. How will you do that? ganizations, RBHS included, really willing to I am proud of our accomplishments with do to ensure that students’ opening for in-person needs are being met? Hiring learning. As president of the someone is easy; willing to board I led a collaborative WEB EXTRA change years of institutional process working Candidate responses have been edited for print. culture is not. through obstacles to the The full unedited responses can be found online at One of the biggest op- RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE educational environment portunities that District such as: Staff vaccinations, 208 has is addressing the COVID testing, stipends, gap that exists between the sick days, work flexibility for student body population “at risk” employees, childcare and the staff serving them. Students thrive flexibility, enhanced cleaning procedures, in environments where responsible adults special education, and, hybrid learning look like them. What recruitment efforts are procedures. being made to attract others that reflect the student body? What relationships are being The past year has been a challenge from developed with area universities to host stuthe perspective of balancing the social, dent teachers that mirror the student body emotional and academic needs of students population? with the need to ensure the health and safety of all in the extended school family. As a school board member you will play What could the school district have done a role in budgeting. How will your values better to achieve that balance and what inform your approach to budgeting and succeeded? What planning is needed fiscal planning? to respond more quickly to any future For me, budgeting is simple: what goals are disruptions in the traditional learning you trying to achieve, both in the short and environment? long term? What resources are you willing One of my major concerns throughout the to allocate in order to achieve those goals? pandemic has been the academic and mental Finally, what are the school’s priorities? health needs of our children. Therefore, I have As a school board member, the responsibility been focused on in-person learning and the is not only to budget with what the district is intricate process of getting this back on track given but also to actively look for additional for our most in need children within our comresources to help the district fund the munity. We worked with the Special Education necessary improvements. department to bring students back to school in August and these students have been in school What are the biggest challenges facing five days a week for the entire 20-21 school District 208 and how should the school year. Currently RB is open in a hybrid (50% stuboard address them? dent attendance) format, we have space availThe pandemic has amplified the need for able for additional children due to a modest social emotional learning and mental health turnout rate. We have opened additional days needs of our teens to be addressed. for low performing students and children with One of the best ways we can serve our teens IEPs. Currently the administration and staff our is to ensure that a plan is in place to address working on an option to allow any student in these needs. the district the choice to attend four days of We can no longer continue to neglect these in-person learning. I do not believe any perneeds and blame it all on the pandemic. What son or community could have prepared for a are we doing to proactively have support resimilar worldwide health pandemic; however sources in place for students as they transition I believe the district has done a great historiback into the building? cal job of building and preparing our district

financial situation so that we were able to react quickly to the needs and demands of our students and staff. Furthermore, we were able to make our school safe through enhanced cleaning, personal barriers, increased HVAC airflow, and were one of the first district to have 100% COVID testing available to our staff. Currently we are on track to have the entire teaching and support staff 100% vaccinated by April 1st. How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 208 do to address that subject? Equity is each of us getting what we need to survive or succeed to our full potential, access to opportunity, networks, resources, and support without any bias or favoritism. Education is the best antidote to prejudice and discrimination. At RB we strive to value character as well as intellect. It commits us to helping students develop their capacities to think freely, critically, and humanely, and to conduct themselves with honor, integrity, and civility. This year we are committed to having open discussions as it pertains to the equity question. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? I have been on the financial advisory board for past four years and we have been committed to living within our means. District 208 is coming into some difficult financial years, particularly due to the COVID pandemic. We are projecting deficit spending for the next five years. Our focus must be on the students in most need of education. I would like us to invest in the Freshman on track program over the next couple of years. What are the biggest challenges facing District 208 and how should the school board address them? 1. Budget: This is one of the major challenges for District 208, especially with COVID related expenditures. The board will need to look to the future for financial stability and prepare for needed growth. 2. Preparedness: The loss of education for our students is staggering. As a board, we need to prepare our future students to increase their studies and make up for lost opportunities due to the virtual COVID response. Balancing the needs of the students, teachers, and taxpayers’ will be instrumental in the next year. 3. College/Career path: Almost 40% of our students attend 2-year community/trade school or join the work force after graduation. I would like us to evaluate the means we are preparing these students for productive career choices. With the incredible cost of postsecondary education, I would like us to track how many students complete their education with a diploma and a job in their related fields, not just a mountain of debt.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

DISTRICT 208 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) RAMONA TOWNER Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I am running for re-election because I want to continue the good work that we are doing. We need to continue to ensure that RBHS remains financially stable while continuing to offer the educational programs and services we are known for providing to our students and their families. I also want to continue the work we are doing to ensure that all District 208 students will have many post-secondary opportunities to explore. I have been a public school educator for 31 years. I believe all children deserve a fair and equitable education. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? When have you had occasion to do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? As 1 of 7 school board members I must look at the big picture. As a group we set policy, review the financials and look at what is best for students. We also rely on the expertise of the Superintendent, Dr Skinkis and his administrative team to guide our thinking. They are the experts. As a member of a not-for-profit board that dealt with Big Pharma it was important for us to always put our members interests first. The past year has been a challenge from the perspective of balancing the social, emotional and academic needs of students with the need to ensure the health and safety of all in the extended school family. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? What planning is needed to respond more quickly to any future disruptions in the traditional learning environment? Our diverse learners and those students who receive related services have been in school 5 days a week since August. Our special education staff went above and beyond to meet the needs those students. We were able to give students and staff all of the PPE required to return to in-person learning. We need to remember to continue to listen to the concerns of our families and staff. Now that we have been through the ultimate pivot during a pandemic, creating contingency plans and timelines for what might come next should be easy for the staff and administration. How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 208 do to address that subject? Through the education lens equity is de-

RYAN VENHORST

Why are you running to be on fined by me as, every student the school board? What motigetting what he/she/they need vates you and what experience to be successful during their and perspectives would you high school years. During their bring to the job? How would time at RBHS all students should those be valuable as an elected also gain the skills necessary to official? make them success after they As a member of this communileave high school. ty, I have an interest in seeing the I have learned that addresspublic education thrive. Despite ing equity issues something the circumstances of our current that schools should be reviewworld, I believe this shake-up is a chance to ing on a regular basis, so that changes can be build on what was done well before the panmade to address deficit areas. The adminisdemic making our high school a place where students see opportunity in their futures. trative team had listening meetings last sumI have been in the public education sysmer, and quickly formed an equity committem for my entire life. I moved to Oak Park in tee that meets on a regular basis. 2003 and began my 18 year teaching career The community requested that the RBHS at Oak Park and River Forest High School. I’ve staff make up be representative of the diseen many aspects of learning, teaching, and verse backgrounds of the people that live mentoring, and I hope to bring my experiin our community. We have increased the ences to the board room as we navigate the amount of diversity in our administrative changes that have so heavily team. We hired a female impacted our lives over the Business Manager, a HisWEB EXTRA past year. panic School Principal, a Candidate responses have been edited for print. As a career and technical female Dean and a HisThe full unedited responses can be found online at education teacher (CTE), I panic Dean. RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE have a strong desire to be Another opportunity to making connections with improve equity for all stustudents in the classroom. I dents would be to move believe that I can be an objecaway from traditional tive person listening to community concerns, grades and implement standards-based reweighing myriad options, and making leaderporting. ship decisions that attempt to best serve the community. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values As a school board member you will be inform your approach to budgeting and asked to balance what’s best for the district fiscal planning? as a whole with what might be in the As a Board we continue to look at where interest of specific groups. How will you do we have been, and forecasts for the future that? When have you had occasion to do in order to budget properly. We budget consomething similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? servatively, we make sure expenditures are I have worked the better part of my adult rounded up and revenues are rounded down. life reconciling what I thought I knew from the Eighty percent of our expenditures are in perspective of my upbringing to where my life the form of salaries and benefits for the staff. has ventured beyond the walls of childhood. I The majority of our revenue comes from have spent over 20 years in reflection of an upproperty taxes. The state and county are nobringing that offered expansive opportunities, toriously late with their payments every year. and I don’t think there are many people who The state of Illinois does not fund schools at would say I have held fast to any belief without rate at which they have promised. first questioning its origin and utility in life as I move forward. What are the biggest challenges facing I hope to be an honest broker deciding on District 208 and how should the school any issue that arises in the community as it reboard address them? lates to the high school. I have been a teacher, Given the poor financial climate of the a wrestling coach, and a parent, and each of State of Illinois, the biggest challenge facthese roles requires balancing the interests ing District 208 is to remain financially stable of various groups. Being a board member rewhile continuing to deliver the top-notch quires a level of thoughtful, dispassionate coneducation and services to our students and sideration. I am willing to reflect on the needs families that we are known for providing. of a curious student population, a dedicated Second to that would be supporting the teaching staff, the loving parents and families, innovative practice that will come, post COand the hard-working leadership of the district. VID. History has shown us that when in crisis, most organizations do not innovate, but post The past year has been a challenge. What crisis many changes take place. The educacould the school district have done better to tional landscape has been forever changed achieve that balance and what succeeded? by the last 12 months. The communities of North Riverside, Brookfield, and Riverside have been met with imIt will be exciting to see what comes next.

mense adversity, and the desires to return to the world we were familiar with is the natural reaction. I appreciate the fact that the board, administration, and a group of community stakeholders met and devised a plan that was wellintended for the students. I believe now is the time to consider creating an action plan for any potential future disturbance in the typical education process. I’d begin by suggesting that the plan create a method for temporal stability regardless of the situation. Taking into consideration the concerns of the community and individual stakeholders, a collaborative plan addressing the concerns for the unknown will need to be adaptable and intentional. How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 208 do to address that subject? Equity in my perspective is the ability to meet the needs of the individual while tending to the good of the whole. I am a 41 year old cis white male. My lived experiences will undoubtedly inform my view of the world, but I do not begin to believe that my lived experience can describe the perspective(s) of our student population. My vision is to create an experience for every student to have access to career pathways that can lead to a meaningful and successful future. I believe this is paramount in our education system. The success of our community is reliant on our youth finding purpose in their lives as contributing members of society. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? Illinois is a unique state in the way that it forms school districts. Because of the nature of local funding, we have communities that are inextricably linked to the strength of public education which relates to many economic impacts on the community. If we agree on a mission statement, it becomes easier to approach the topic of budget and fiscal planning because we’ve collectively expressed our values. If we are creating a place where teens value their education, I believe our community will appreciate our budgetary priorities. What are the biggest challenges facing District 208 and how should the school board address them? District 208 is going to be a part of the nationwide discussion around the “look” of education as we make our way through and beyond this pandemic. Another topic that will be facing our students and families year after year is the prospect of opportunities after high school. Ideally, we’ll provide career pathway options for our students.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

LYONS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL D204 (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) TIM ALBORES Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I have been blessed with many things in my life. While I like to do service quietly, I know I need to share my experiences here. It should be noted that I am running for the Lyons Township School Board to be of service to our students, school, and community I hold in such high regard. We all have a responsibility to care for one another. For me, I do this when I can, with the time I have, in the areas where I feel my experience can benefit others. I believe that it is important to always care for others. While I feel the most effective board is one with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, I also feel that a board should not lack someone with educational experience. While having community members with law, finance, or business backgrounds is beneficial, it is also important to have someone with inside knowledge about how districts are run and how decisions affect all stakeholders. I believe my 24 years as a social worker and administrator in many different environments would be an asset to our community. The one constant throughout all of my experiences is that kids need people who will care for them. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? This is something I do on a daily basis at the administration center of the fifth largest school district in the state. There are many times when the decision that needs to be made is not good for the individual but good for the school. This is often seen where disciplinary actions must protect the masses, which cannot meet the underlying needs of the individual student. Often times these decisions can be made in ways where you don’t have to choose one over the other. This is where my educational experiences, social worker’s listening and analyzing skills, and patience in working with multiple groups will be an effective assist the LTHS school board. The past year has been a challenge. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? Moving from a traditional learning model to a virtual one is no easy task. That being said, some adjustments should have been made to both the schedule and instructional practices early on. Students needed a better balance of being on a screen all day and rigorous instruction. What worked well was the decision to allow students to come in and out of remote learning as needed. Now that the district has gone through this

already, the plan to move to this new learning model should be more efficient.

DAWN AUBERT

Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I am running for the LTHS School Board with immense enthusiasm and passion for our community, our students, and our schools. As a former District 102 board member for 8 years, I know how to be a successful school board member, and I understand my responsibility to students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers. I will be able to hit the ground running without a learning curve to advocate for positive change at LTHS. Please learn more about my priorities and candidacy at www.dawnaubertford204.com

How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 204 do to address that subject? The common misnomer is that equity means everyone is getting the same thing. Equality means getting everyone what they need to be successful. Just like we do not hold it against people with poor eyesight and complain that having glasses is an unfair advantage, we should not hold it against those who need support in order to have the same access to their education because of their special needs, socioeconomic status, race, genAs a school board member you will be der, or language barriers. asked to balance what’s best for the district When plans are made with curriculum, staffas a whole with what might be in the interest ing, infrastructure, finance, and thousands of of specific groups. How will you do that? additional planning areas of any educational It is critical to understand institution, there must be the interests of the commuthought and consideration nity and to ensure that deciWEB EXTRA as to how this impacts Candidate responses have been edited for print. sions represent the best interany of our disadvantaged The full unedited responses can be found online at ests of the district as a whole. groups. RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE When I was on the District 102 School Board, we As a school board were considering options member you will play a to address space issues in the role in budgeting. How schools. will your values inform your approach to We held meetings at each of the schools to budgeting and fiscal planning? discuss the options with the community and While we allocate resources, time, and ento solicit feedback. We also did surveys and ergy into the average student’s programming, we must also ensure that our struggling, accelTown Hall meetings, and discussed options at erated, and average students are all representseveral regular board meetings. ed in the financial decisions we make. This also includes ensuring that we are balThe past year has been a challenge. What ancing our fiscal conservative tendencies with could the school district have done better ensuring a safe and appropriate learning envito achieve that balance and what sucronment for our students and staff (infrastrucceeded? ture, air conditioning, etc.) and ensuring the Overall, the district needs to improve comteachers and staff we put before our children munications to the stakeholders and allow for feel valued and supported. formal avenues of feedback earlier in the planning process. I am also perplexed that District What are the biggest challenges facing 204 did not take advantage of surveillance District 204 and how should the school screening, which is a safety layer that would board address them? have allowed LTHS to bring students back to I believe the first priority of the school board school earlier, and to keep them there. is to ensure that the district is doing everything As we move forward, it will be essential for it can to support all learners. This involves the the district to engage in earlier planning, and continuation of investing time, energy, and to communicate and formally query stakeresources to close the achievement gap of our holder feedback earlier in the process. Many underserved populations. high schools have already done commuSecondly, we must also ensure that the nity meetings announcing plans for return to social and emotional needs of our students school in the fall. are being met. We need to be prepared to address these needs as students walk through How do you define equity? How has our doors. your thinking around the subject of equity Additionally, we need to ensure that our evolved and what should District 204 do to teachers and staff have what they need to be address that subject? successful. These people are the backbone of Every child deserves to attend a school with our school! They have done, and continue to access, opportunities, and supports to a high exdo, all that they can to ensure our students pectation and rigorous learning environment. have what they need to grow and learn. It Every child needs to feel a sense that they bewill be important that the district investigates long in their school and in their community and where these skills need to be realigned so that that their worth and dignity are honored. our students will be prepared for the future. In order for us to make meaningful progress in

the area of equity, the school board and District need to drive a vision of inclusivity within the school and community. The school board recently adopted an equity statement into policy, but action plans need to be determined to carry out this vision. I would expect equity for all students to be part of the strategic plan whereby the goals and objectives, along with metrics to measure progress, will be clearly defined in the plan.

As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? As a former school board member for eight years, I understand school finances and the importance of budgeting and planning to operate on a balanced budget. This year, LTHS is projecting a deficit that to my knowledge is the first deficit in decades or longer. While this appears to be the result of revenue changes, it will be critical to plan for a balanced budget and to replenish reserves. What are the biggest challenges facing District 204 and how should the school board address them? I have outlined six priorities on my website (www.dawnaubertford204.com) that I believe are the biggest challenges facing the district. These are: Covid-19 Impact, Equity for All Students, New Superintendent Transition, Strategic Planning, Financial Stewardship and Grading Changes Evaluation. ■ Covid-19 Impact Students need to be back in school. The district needs to communicate a plan for the fall whereby students will return to school for full day, in-person learning for five days per week. Contingent plans should also be developed and communicated in case virus levels increase to a point where mandates prohibit students from returning to school. ■ Grading Changes Evaluation Six grading changes were implemented this year that have been significantly challenging to student, teachers, and parents. It is curious to me that these changes were made during a time when our students and teachers are experiencing the most disruption ever seen in our education system. I have significant concerns about the grading changes and the impact they are having on our students right now. A thorough evaluation of these changes is needed and a restatement and understanding of the goals to be achieved by these changes needs to be articulated. ■ New Superintendent and Strategic Planning Dr. Waterman and the new school board will need to work effectively and swiftly to navigate out of the pandemic and engage in the vision, goals, and direction of LTHS. LTHS does not have a strategic plan, and I view this as an immediate opportunity for the school board and superintendent to evaluate.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

LYONS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL D204 (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) JILL GRECH Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? With several seats turning over this election, there’s a unique opportunity to add new voices to the Board. Like most in our community, I want to close the achievement gap, ensure social-emotional support for students, and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. I’ll be an LT parent through 2027 – one of only three candidates with LT students the duration of this four-year term. Additionally, I bring a unique perspective from my role on Loyola University’s marketing and communication team, where I typically focus on digital strategy and data analytics. At any given time, I’m working with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force, on our Anti-Racism Initiative, organizing communications for our University strategic plan or meeting with students about the challenges of COVID life. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? Developing a comprehensive strategic plan would help the Board and LT’s Administration balance critical decisions like this. A structured development process allows key stakeholders input in and ownership of key priorities and strategies for successful outcomes. Once adopted, the strategic plan becomes our compass. The past year has been a challenge. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? I appreciated the Board and Administration re-evaluating the original plan last summer to bring us the current hybrid model. They prioritized flexibility for our students in a way many other schools have not. This model served us especially well with the fluctuating COVID rates through the holidays. I am in favor of a full return, following safety protocols, as soon as possible. It seems prudent to explore testing options and any necessary adjustments to learning spaces, which haven’t been discussed at length during open Board meetings in recent months. As the parent of a freshman, I know there has been little opportunity for meaningful interpersonal engagement among students and with faculty. I would expect additional professional development programs for teachers to recognize and address the needs of students whose struggling may not be as evident. How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 204 do to

RICARDO MARTINEZ

Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I’m running for District 204 School Board because I want to be a strong voice for equity in achievement and to advocate for access to opportunity. I’ve been active at LT School Board meetings – organizing robust community support for facilities investment in 2019 and asking for progress in racial equity in 2020. I served as a panelist for Highlands’principal panel and participated in LT’s superintendent search forum. I also work as an analytics and insights manager for a distributor and hope to bring this data expertise to LT’s Board. I worked with Belonging & Equity at LT from its inception, and after speaking at length with several students and members of the community around As a school board member you will racial equity, combined with play a role in budgeting. my own personal learned expeHow will your values rience, I’m comfortable being a inform your approach WEB EXTRA leader to help increase belongto budgeting and fiscal Candidate responses have been edited for print. ing and reduce the achieveplanning? The full unedited responses can be found online at ment gap in our district. Over the years, LT and RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE the Board have been fisAs a school board memcally responsible stewards, ber you will be asked to resulting in very healthy balance what’s best for the reserves. I would continue district as a whole with what might be in the a fiscally conservative approach, support interest of specific groups. How will you do spending when in our students’ immediate that? best interests and advances equitable access, First, I look forward to working collaboratively such as the 1:1 technology initiative. with the Board on the District goals which are set to expire this year. Generally, it will be easier to What are the biggest challenges facing write policy and approve funding that directly District 204 and how should the school helps our school achieve these long-term goals. board address them? Outside of that, I will be frequently asking for First and foremost, we need a compredata and considering equity in every decision. hensive strategic plan. Our community has I plan to advocate for an inclusive and belongexpressed an immediate need to address soing environment at District 204 as well! cial-emotional learning (especially during the pandemic), equity and the achievement gap, The past year has been a challenge.What and transparency of communication (especould the school district have done better to cially related to the new grading policy). achieve that balance and what succeeded? Teens were experiencing an alarming menLT has taken some steps to be helpful around tal health crisis before Covid, exacerbated by social emotional health. I’d like to see more inthis past year. Social-emotional needs are bevestments in support staff as the ratio of social ing discussed in Board meetings, but keeping workers at the school is 1:1,000, student support students engaged and successful academicounselor ratio is 1:1,333, and school psychologist cally remains a challenge. I will advocate for ratio is 1:2,000. If elected, I will advocate for a reasmaximum resources, raise community concerns, and plan for parent education / supsessment of these ratios as we prepare for the fall port tactics. semester of 2021. It will be up to the Board and LT to create COVID has put a spotlight on the historical lack meaning out of the new equity statement. of spending on facilities at both campuses. I’m Our community needs, expects, and is askencouraged that the District secured a grant to ining for clarity around policies, initiatives, and vest in some air conditioning. However, the buildactions. Given my role on the marketing and ings will require some additional investment to incommunications team at Loyola University crease safety standards. If elected, I will advocate Chicago, I’m uniquely positioned to help on for improving the building such that students and this front. teachers can return expediently, and potentially The real need is improved and transparent help to decrease disruptions in the future. Board communication. The website should be evaluated for improved accessibility, highHow do you define equity? How has lighting key issues. Proactive meeting remindyour thinking around the subject of equity ers and more prominent contact details would evolved and what should District 204 do to improve community engagement. address that subject? address that subject? Equity is not a stand-alone concept, but the cornerstone for building solutions to address key issues like the achievement gap and social emotional learning. Our community voices, coupled with data evidence, are crystal clear that this is a priority. I don’t view equity as an “either/ or” problem to solve for some students and not others. It is a “both/and” necessity. Investing in our underserved students makes all our students stronger. Our new equity statement is only the beginning. It is critically important for ALL our students to build relationships with teachers from all walks of life.

Equity in a school setting means that you put systems and policy in place to strive for every learner having an equal chance to succeed. Enacting better policies on racial equity and inclusion starts with listening and understanding, which I see as a primary responsibility of serving on the Board. To start, nine months after LT’s special meeting to address these issues and after meeting with a consultant, the Board released a responsive equity statement. I absolutely agree with everything that was written in the statement, but this was not the racial equity statement that I feel the community was waiting for. Missing from the equity statement was any mention of race at all – I will advocate that any future statement or resolution around equity should acknowledge the complex and historical factors that have contributed to inequities within District 204. District 204 School Board should work to collaboratively draft a resolution that puts our administration to work on items such as integrating racially/culturally relevant content into curriculum, gathering complaints about racial bias and sharing them with the Board, gathering data on hiring and promotional trends among racial groups for staff, and much more. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? I’ve had the chance to work on the budget as a member of the Board for my synagogue, and I’m very comfortable with the ins and outs of budgets. I will use my background in data analytics and strategic recommendations to ensure that the district can make sound investments without deficits becoming a cause for future community concern. I will continue to advocate for a flexible long-term plan for additional capital improvements to upgrade learning spaces in the school. What are the biggest challenges facing District 204 and how should the school board address them? ■ Racial Belonging & Equity I will advocate for a collaborative resolution that both acknowledges racism and specifically assigns administration to tasks to improve belonging for the 28% minority population I will advocate for a data-centric approach to close the achievement gap. ■ Facilities I will advocate for a long-term plan to fully air condition LT I will advocate for incremental improvements to learning spaces including HVAC upgrades and many other overdue classroom repairs ■ Grading I have talked with the community and will advocate that District 204 totally reevaluate to precisely determine the costs and benefits of the new system

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

LYONS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL D204 (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) JULIE SWINEHART Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I’m running for LT school board because I am passionate about LT and education broadly, and I bring unique, diverse experience, including a strong financial skillset, which I believe will enhance the make-up of the school board. I bring different perspectives having served on other volunteer boards, including the La Grange Field Club and The Avery Coonley School’s Board of Trustees. I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a member of a community of finance professionals, a member of a community of parents and certainly a member of the D204 community. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? Of course, opinions will differ on a variety of topics, and we have seen that this year on the topic of school re-opening. As a school board member, I am only one person, and our group of seven members will need to reach agreement on issues. I have deep experience in leadership roles building consensus and reaching decisions in groups. In my day job as CFO, it is part of my daily effort as I lead my teams, collaborate with the other members of the executive management team and seek approval on various topics from our board of directors. I am a confident, experienced leader and feel I would play a key role in decision-making and consensus-building with the LT school board. The past year has been a challenge. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? First and foremost, LT offered families choices amidst a global pandemic, and for that I commend LT. I believe most, if not all, people agree that students learn best in-person. However, families disagree as to what environment is best for their students currently. I observed LT prioritizing safety, but also listening to parent concerns and responding, for example during September 2020 when the administration listened to feedback during the school board meeting and later that week announced a hybrid learning model to start in October. I think there could have been more frequent two-way communication during the school year to both gather the ever-changing and evolving input from families, and similarly to share with families updates and information from LT. From where we sit today with many teachers already vaccinated, but with so many students still learning remotely, I believe LT needs to work to continue to permit additional inperson learning time in the current school year for those who desire that model, while continuing to permit fully remote learning for

students who prefer that option. LT should be establishing a task force to address how to fully re-open in August for the next school year.

MICHAEL THOMAS Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? My interest to continue to serve our community as an LT Board Member is the culmination of my upbringing and my desire to give back to the community. My experience as a Board Member at LT and District 102 would add value to the Board because I am familiar with how to work collectively with a team to confront an array of tough challenges and make well-informed decisions that represent all students to continue moving the District forward.

How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 204 do to address that subject? To me, equity means ensuring that the same opportunity is available for a group of people, acknowledging that people within the group have different backgrounds and different barriers to achieving success. The critical piece is that one cannot preAs a school board member, you will be sume everyone in a group enters the group asked to balance what’s best for the district as having been afforded the same experience a whole with what might be in the interest of or opportunity prior to the group coming tospecific groups. How will you do that? gether. Also, equity is rooted in the very basic The best way to balance what’s best for the concept of belonging, and district as a whole over speI have always felt that stucific interest groups is to dents learn best when they WEB EXTRA develop a district-wide straaren’t worried about being Candidate responses have been edited for print. tegic plan that would esviewed as lesser or differThe full unedited responses can be found online at tablish priorities and action ent by peers or teachers. RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE plans in the areas of student I am dedicated to listenlearning and achievement ing to others on the topic based on input from all to determine what steps stakeholders (teachers, staff, we can take to create a betstudents, parents, and community members). ter, stronger learning environment. As a member of La Grange School District 102 Board of Education; I was part of the Board As a school board member you will play that had to make a decision about re-opening a role in budgeting. How will your values schools in the Fall of 2020 in the middle of the inform your approach to budgeting and Global Pandemic. I had to collaborate with my fiscal planning? board colleagues and superintendent to enI am a CPA and a CFO for a publicly-traded sure that a comprehensive plan was delivered commercial real estate owner and operator of to families and teachers. shopping centers. I have a tremendous amount of experience What could the school district have done with financial planning and budgeting, and better to achieve that balance and what with acting in a fiduciary manner. succeeded? I would commit to being a good steward of While there is no perfect solution in the taxpayer dollars for the constituents of District middle of a Global Pandemic; I believe that the 204. The taxpayers fund the vast majority of District could have looked closer at surveillance LT’s operating budget and it is important that testing to add to their mitigation strategies. the school board work with the administration It could have encouraged more families to opt team to ensure those dollars are spent thoughtinto hybrid instruction. The District should confully and in ways that further the success of the sider bringing together a COVID-19 Task force school, focusing on student learning objectives. that includes teachers, students, staff, parents and medical experts that can brainstorm and deWhat are the biggest challenges facing velop action plans based on best practices seen District 204 and how should the school around the country as well as evidence-based board address them? practices that are innovative so that we are ready One of the most significant near-term chalto implement them in the future. lenges facing LT is being able to safely fully re-open the school for in-person learning. I How do you define equity? How has your will secondly note that advancing diversity, thinking around the subject of equity evolved equity and inclusion initiatives makes my list and what should District 204 do to address of the top areas of focus for LT. that subject? Another key topic for me is technology adEquity means offering individualized support vancement, and LT has taken a big step a few to students that addresses possible barriers. My months back when they announced the 1:1 thinking has evolved on Equity to the point that technology initiative, which also addresses when all schools are mindful of different backsome issues of equity. grounds and provide the right resources, all stuFinally, and perhaps most importantly, is dents are prepared to learn and help each other the topic of social-emotional health. Even to succeed. before the pandemic, this topic was at or District 204 should partner with the feeder near the top of my list, but unfortunately the schools to develop bridge programs and suppandemic has introduced stronger pressures, ports to reach students in those early formative anxiety and negative feelings in many of our years to help close the achievement gaps sooner. students.

Additionally, the District should adopt an Equity Lens approach to decision-making throughout the district. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? I believe in being a good steward of financial resources and exercising frugality when it comes to managing my expenses as well as those of our tax paying base in the community. As part of the board, I would advocate that the board establish clear expectations for maintenance of the district’s financial health and monitor month-to-month financial performance to ensure the plan remained within the budget. What are the biggest challenges facing District 204 and how should the school board address them? The top three priorities facing the District 204 Board in the near future are: Financial stability; COVID-19 Impact on student achievement; and Equity for all students. ■ Financial Stability According to District 204’s latest financial projections published on the website, the District’s expenses are exceeding revenues, and there is a projected $1.9 million deficit for the year. Current expenses may be understated as the District balances the uncertain times of the Pandemic, which could further exacerbate the projected deficit. The District will need to prioritize capital projects and work judiciously to find a balanced budget while at the same time not losing programming that provides our students with an excellent education. ■ COVID-19 Impact on Student Achievement Our education system was not built to deal with extended shutdowns and hybrid learning caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition to the negative effects of learning loss, the Pandemic has increased social isolation and anxiety among our students, which has reduced academic motivation and general levels of engagement. Our District must think creatively about how to encourage ongoing learning over the summer. Additionally, a creative option could include partnering with corporations to help identify and train volunteer tutors to provide expanded support resources as students head back into the classrooms in the Fall. ■ Equity for All Students Lyons Township High School consistently achieves high performance levels on the standardized SAT Test as published on the Illinois State Report Card website. However, a difference in achievement across some student demographic groups is evident when taking a closer look at these results. The expectation for all students should be to meet and exceed standards regardless of their income, race, gender, or disability. Our students should be provided with excellent teachers who set high expectations in a high-quality learning environment and ensure that equitable resources are provided, so all students can reach their full potential.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

KOMAREK SCHOOL D94 (5 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) RAUL JASSO Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? My name is Raul Jasso and I am running for a seat on the Komarek School District 94 Board. My family and I moved to North Riverside in 1987 when I was just six years old. I graduated from Komarek, RB, Triton and then graduated from Illinois State University. After I returned from college, I bought my first home in Brookfield but after living there for ten years, I decided to move back to North Riverside in 2018. North Riverside is such a valuable town with such unique and stunning qualities that I knew I had to move back. I now have begun my own family here with my wife, Mary. We have two young boys who will eventually also be attending my alma mater, Komarek. We were surprised to hear not much work had been done to Komarek since I graduated in 1995. Both my wife and I were disappointed to hear about the conditions and agreed something needed to change and we wanted to be part of the solution to fix it. This community has such great roots. Our neighbors have become our friends and family and they are what motivate me. Education is something I am already passionate about but these neighbors, friends and family help motivate me to work so hard at making sure our school flourishes. We have this great base, a new state of the art school in our near future. That is such a positive step in the right direction but there is so much more that needs to be done. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? Every situation is unique, so I would evaluate and assess the situation and try to find the solution that would be in the best interest of the overall group. For our solution to work it will have to be differentiated and it may look different based on each group involved. Usually that involves changing policies and seeking new resources. I have experience with this but a simple example of this occurred during my time volunteering at a youth program called Chill. Chill empowers youth through boardsports such as my favorite hobby, snowboarding. The youth we worked with came from foster care programs and underprivileged neighborhoods and were provided everything for free. Once a week for seven weeks, we would bus the youth to Grand Geneva in Wisconsin. These were long days for these kids. They would be at school all day and then jump on the bus immediately after. After the

first week, we noticed that several of the youth we brought did not pack snacks or food. I began reaching out to a couple supermarket stores that were within the community of where the students were residing. To no surprise to me, after the stores heard the dilemma we were faced with, they were more than willing to help. These store owners donated all the food and drinks for our group and much more. For the rest of the program all the participants were well fed.

WILLIE D. MERRILL

Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I am running for school board to help be a part of some of the tough decisions ahead and be a voice for the ever changing population that our district serves. I am motivated hearing the entire community becoming more involved in the recent years and being able to hear The past year has been a challenge. and help with issues that have been What could the school district have done brought forth. better to achieve that balance and what As a former graduate and previous staff succeeded? member, (Boys Basketball coach), I have This past year has been unprecedented. seen firsthand how great of a school and There was no perfect decision that would community that Komarek can be. That’s have fixed everything. I think the people inthe main reason I moved back into the volved did what they thought was in the best area when my children were of age. I plan interest of everyone. to listen to what is being I feel the biggest probsaid on both sides and lem was the people who work together with the WEB EXTRA allowed our school to get already established well Candidate responses have been edited for print. to the current conditions run board to come up The full unedited responses can be found online at it is in. Now with the ref- RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE with the best outcome. erendum we are on the path to where we need As a school board to be. member you will be asked to balance what’s How do you define equity? How has best for the district as a whole with your thinking around the subject of equity what might be in the interest of specific evolved and what should District 94 do to groups. How will you do that? When address that subject? have you had occasion to do something Equity to me is simple: it’s value or what similar in the past and how did you something is worth. In district 94 the discusaccomplish that? sion of equity became a frequent discussion Well I would treat this board like any when the conditions of our school came to team that I’ve ever worked with. There’s light. always going to be tough decisions but Years of neglect and kicking the can down that is why there will be several members the road put us in a spot where we had to pass to weigh the options. a referendum to access 20.8 million dollars in I plan to make sure all points are heard bonds. As a school board member you would and work to the best of my abilities to have to see where we see value. What expenscome up with the best option. In previes have the biggest return in our children or ous situations, we took the time together community’s future. to develop a cohesive strategy that best helps the tasks set before us. Everyone As a school board member you will play presents their side and we will all work toa role in budgeting. How will your values gether to find common ground. inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? The past year has been a challenge As a working class member of this commufrom the perspective of balancing the nity, we know how important it is to be fissocial, emotional and academic needs cally responsible in order to best provide for of students with the need to ensure our family. This goes back to equity. We need the health and safety of all in the to make decisions that create equity and not extended school family. What could liabilities. the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what What are the biggest challenges facing succeeded? What planning is needed District 94 and how should the school to respond more quickly to any future board address them? disruptions in the traditional learning Covid has really put constraints on our environment? classrooms. The upcoming construction is Well as you mentioned this past year has going to create even more constraints. We been a challenge. I think things did turn for are going to have to get very creative to overbetter as my family, and even several othcome these hurdles. ers running for board positions took to the

streets to try and answer any questions people may have had with the changes happening in the district. I think as we go forward we need to continue to be transparent with the district and make sure everyone is informed on the changes happening within the school. The continual building zoom calls for construction, recording of board meetings, and just making sure people can be heard. In my opinion the Komarek Adminstration has being doing an amazing job lately holding these extra meetings weekly to keep everyone informed. I do recognize that everyone will not be happy or satisfied but we need to continue to do our best moving forward. How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 94 do to address that subject? Equity is something you value and will fight for. Komarek is a one town district and we need to continue to improve our situation to continue to draw great staff and families to our amazing district. A couple years ago a patient of mine saved an article for me about how North Riverside was ranked as one of the greatest places to live and have a family. We need to continually strive to remain in that conversation and stand out from the rest because it is an amazing place to live! As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? My approach will always be finding ways to save money. As a family we always have competitions with ways to save money to reward ourselves in the end. I would approach the school in the same demeanor. I plan to work with the other board members to develop new strategies to continue to push our district forward. What are the biggest challenges facing District 94 and how should the school board address them? First thing that is obvious is the impending school construction and revamping. We need to continue to be transparent and build the best school that the kids, staff, and community deserve. We also need to keep the community involved, even those of whom that don’t have kids in Komarek. We can show them that the new building will be open to them as well and something they can be a part of too. We need to overall continue to strive to be better each day and be the district that everyone can be proud of!

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

KOMAREK SCHOOL D94 (5 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) HOLLY NEUMANN Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I’m running because I think I can do some good. I’m a Komarek parent who values education and a District 94 taxpayer who believes in the power of community engagement. When I was doing community outreach for the referendum effort, I frequently heard North Riverside and Broadview residents talk about how important transparency is to them. The D94 community has a strong desire to have all the facts laid out, and some people I spoke with had a historical mistrust of the school administration, school board, and town officials. I respect that demand for transparency, and I’d like to take it a step further: Engagement. Transparency is often one-sided; an inert presentation of information from one party to another. But engagement is a way to strengthen and improve the relationship between the taxpayers and the school board. I would come to the school board wearing two hats: 1. I’m a parent. I have a 3rd grader at Komarek, and next year I’ll also have a Kindergartener. I care deeply about their education, this school, and this community. I’m a member of the PTA. 2. I’m a health policy researcher, with a master’s in public policy. Much of my work at RTI International is focused on Medicare, and how to provide high quality health care while managing costs. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? Balancing the needs of various stakeholders is a key part of my job at RTI. My job is to find the themes, summarize the issues, and help CMS respond. This is a role that requires careful attention to opposing viewpoints, synthesizing lots of information, and weighing costs/benefits. It’s my intention to listen carefully to the concerns of the groups involved. It’s not the school board’s job to make all of these groups happy. It’s the board’s job to listen to all perspectives and make the best decision based on the resources available. The past year has been a challenge. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? As a board member, listening to parents and teachers is paramount to the task of governance. As a public health researcher, I have also appreciated that the district has been listening to the advice of scientists and taking into account the current condition of

the school’s aging ventilation system in these decisions. I also feel that the teachers have done an amazing job under these circumstances. One area of improvement would have been giving teachers more resources for virtual learning, so that they were not tasked with figuring out every technical aspect and could focus more on the actual learning.

MELISSA OBROCK Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I am running for a position on the school board because I believe in the importance of strong public education systems, and after 10 years as a Komarek parent I have come to be truly passionate about investing my time in our Komarek community. I feel that active community participation is vital to maintaining a great school district and want to apply the knowledge I gained while working on the referendum.

How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 94 do to address that subject? Equity is ensuring that every student has the same opportunity to succeed. Equity is not just about leveling the playing field, but about equipping each student with what As a school board member you will they need in order to play. It is not enough be asked to balance what’s best for to provide equal resources; the district as a whole we need to take individual with what might be in factors into account so that the interest of specific WEB EXTRA each student has the tools Candidate responses have been edited for print. groups. How will you The full unedited responses can be found online at to reach the goals of the do that? When have RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE school. you had occasion to do I also plan to meet with as something similar in the many teachers and adminpast and how did you istrators as I can to find out accomplish that? more about ongoing and One of the best things future plans to address equity in D94. about our district is the diversity of the student body. To determine what is best for As a school board member you will play the entire district, a member of the school a role in budgeting. How will your values board should be committed to understandinform your approach to budgeting and ing the perspectives of all the groups within fiscal planning? the community. To achieve real success, we The role of a school board member is to must address the needs of those who feel clearly elucidate the district’s vision, and emexcluded or underserved. power the superintendent and school staff As a Girl Scout leader, I guide a troop with to carry out that vision. The district’s budget diverse backgrounds. The goal is to build should be the conduit through which that each girl’s individual leadership skills, while work is done. also developing strong relationships and A budget should be a living document, a learning to work together with others in trust formed between the community and the troop. To ensure that each girl receives the school. The board must also be nimble the most rewarding experience, the needs and open to new ideas, including the posof the individuals must always be balanced sibility that post-COVID school might look with those of the entire troop. different in many ways. The past year has been a challenge What are the biggest challenges facing from the perspective of balancing the District 94 and how should the school social, emotional and academic needs board address them? of students with the need to ensure the In the wake of the COVID Public Health health and safety of all in the extended Emergency, we face the ongoing threat of school family. What could the school shrinking revenues at the state and local district have done better to achieve level. that balance and what succeeded? What While the planned Illinois state education planning is needed to respond more budget for FY 2022 budget is an increase quickly to any future disruptions in the over the previous year, we can expect a budtraditional learning environment? get crunch at the local level that might be As a current parent, I feel that this has felt for the next few years. been an incredibly challenging time for all On the other hand, I am heartened at the involved – teachers, students, parents, and progress being made in construction to upadministrators. The information available has often been conflicting and has changed date the school facilities. I was a vocal advorapidly. The school district has done an cate for the referendum, and I believe this admirable job of focusing on the health district deserves a physical structure that and safety of all involved. They have been both represents the learning inside it, as well responsive to the feedback from all parents, as equips us to keep improving.

whether they want their kids in school or prefer to learn at home. To respond quickly to any future disruptions in the traditional learning environment, the district should critically assess what worked during the current crisis (such as access to technology for all grade levels) and what could be improved. This assessment should be used to develop a formal plan for the future. How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 94 do to address that subject? Equity refers to the fair treatment of all people, ensuring access and opportunity for all despite the barriers that might be in the way. My understanding of equity has evolved due to my experiences in our diverse school community. I have learned that it is vital to focus on equity to ensure a positive school experience for all students. Each individual student may need slightly different things to be successful, and while this may be difficult, it is an important goal to strive for. District 94 is making great strides in one area with the construction plans ensuring that all students will be able to move easily throughout the building. As a school board member, I hope to understand the experiences of other members in the community and participate in addressing equity issues that either exist now or arise in the future. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? In my professional life, institutional budgets are a daily topic of conversation. Working for non-profits my entire career, I believe strongly in transparency and efficiency in budgeting. Through my work with the recent referendum, I have become familiar with the district’s financial situation. What are the biggest challenges facing District 94 and how should the school board address them? One area where I feel I could make an impact as a member of the school board is to play a role in ensuring that the makeup of the student body is better represented in the faculty. In recent years, the diversity of the student body has changed rapidly, while the makeup of the faculty has changed more slowly. An additional area in which I would hope to make a positive impact is funding the increasing need for technology. I hope to participate in identifying how funds might be allocated to continue to increase the quality of the district’s technology, while still meeting all the needs of the district.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

KOMAREK SCHOOL D94 (5 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) FRANK SAVAGLIO planning is needed to respond Why are you running to be more quickly to any future on the school board? What disruptions in the traditional motivates you and what expelearning environment? rience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How District 94 staff have displayed would those be valuable as an impressive support for students elected official? since my oldest daughter started I am running for the opportuattending Komarek sixteen years nity to humbly continue servago. Obviously, we have faced ing my community as a member several unprecedented challenges of the district 94 school board. I with the past year. As usual the bring fifteen years of police experience with Komarek staff has stood tall and continued to me as a board member. provide a quality education to our students. The safety and security of the students, Families were also given the choice of in person staff, and community are my focus. I am par- or remote learning based on their difficulties ticularly interested in maintaining a school with the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction resource officer program. There has been of remote learning via computer has been much confusion about the role of a school re- crucial and has given us an alternative form source officer over the past couple years. An of learning from home under a variety of SRO is present at the school in the event of an circumstances. There goes snow days! emergency, weather a medical emergency, soft lock down, or active shooter situation. How do you define equity? How has An SRO can quickly and efficiently comyour thinking around the subject of municate with public equity evolved and safety departments what should District WEB EXTRA and get the needed re94 do to address that Candidate responses have been edited for print. sources. Also, and SRO’s subject? The full unedited responses can be found online at presence within the Equity means to ensure RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE school helps to instill a fairness and equal opsense of trust between portunity for all students young members of the to be provided with the community and police highest quality services we officers. Building this trust is more important can offer. I have always appreciated the divernow than it has ever been. sity within our small school district. I believe it is ideal for young children to be exposed to different cultures at a young age so they may As a school board member you will be learn about different peoples through their asked to balance what’s best for the disown experience. It is our responsibility to entrict as a whole with what might be in the sure that our district continues to provide our interest of specific groups. How will you students and their families all the opportunido that? When have you had occasion to ties to be successful. do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? As a school board member you will play When considering decisions as a school board member, one must be sure to do what a role in budgeting. How will your values is best for the district. However, a board inform your approach to budgeting and member must also understand that the dis- fiscal planning? Our business office along with the current trict is made up of students, teachers, adminsuperintendent have been working tirelessly istrators, and members of the community. Keeping all stakeholders well informed can to improve ways to maximize the district’s ensure that everyone’s needs are met and in budget. As a school board member, one of alignment with the objective of providing my responsibilities is to ensure that we are the best quality education for our students. spending money as smart as possible, espeAs a North Riverside resident and a school cially while we move forward with the school board member, I have been approached by construction project with our community befriends and neighbors with questions or con- ing more invested than ever. cerns about the district. I have always given the best answer I could while maintaining What are the biggest challenges facing the integrity of board business. I have also District 94 and how should the school directed their questions or concerns to the board address them? school administration when appropriate. Our biggest challenge right now is continuing to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the district. We need to continue The past year has been a challenge to move forward towards full in-person learnfrom the perspective of balancing the ing. There are several outside factors that social, emotional and academic needs will determine how quickly or not that hapof students with the need to ensure the health and safety of all in the extended pens. We are also in the beginning stages of school family. What could the school a multi-million-dollar school renovation. The district have done better to achieve board needs to ensure the integrity and efthat balance and what succeeded? What ficiency of the project.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

LAGRANGE-BROOKFIELD D102 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) DORREN GERTSENBRIAND Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? As a currently serving board member, I am working with colleagues on the board, staff in the schools, parents and organizations in the community to address business items and concerns that have arisen. I have served as a public servant before, being a library trustee in La Grange Park for five years. I was treasurer for several years. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? The basis for any community work is listening with respect to all constituents. As a school board member, one must impartially balance the needs of students, staff, and families with resources, educational goals, and law. As a library trustee, I did this. As a museum professional working on repatriation, I had a front row seat in sometimes contentious discussions and different world views — and took pride in the creative collaborations or restorative solutions that resulted. The past year has been a challenge. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? What did we get right? ■ Sought considerable input from all stakeholders in developing the schedule ■ Implemented safety precautions for students and employees that have kept us safe and engaged in educating our students ■ Being able to offer both hybrid and remote options for families ■ Achieving the one-to-one ratio of students to computers, and providing technical support, new devices, repairs and substitutes as needed ■ Acquiring the Infinite Campus platform ■ Gave teachers an extra week to prepare for the fall term ■ Teachers and support staff have given students opportunities to hang out in the remote platform; formed new teacher support groups for constant analysis and support of what was working and what wasn’t, and have developed new procedures for re-engaging students who started slipping What could we have done better? ■ Anticipated a longer timeframe for pandemic impact from the beginning ■ Communicated more about the process and made it more transparent ■ Earlier, more concrete decision making and deadlines provided by the board and administration would have avoided stress employees and families experienced surrounding their planning needs ■ This COVID-19 experience has exposed

a weakness in our emergency preparedness. From now on we should have a policy and a budget reserve requiring procedures for dealing with emergencies like this How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 102 do to address that subject? Equity is not just about race and economics as barriers to developing potential, but anything that is used in a prejudicial manner. As a family member I have lived my life witnessing the impact of learning disabilities and also strong intelligence and artistic ability. As a museum person I have witnessed many different ways of expressing the depths of human achievement and value them all. I believe every person brings gifts, and we must strive to allow them grow to be shared. This kind of foundational change takes time. You can’t say what the end result will be because it is really a process of community growth, forming new understandings and relationships, and seeing new ways to respond to challenges. In the school district this means examining everything we do in light of this approach, and ensuring the school environments and curriculum embody it, that our policies and services support it, and that we reflect this value back to our community. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? I am conservative in financial approach to caring for public dollars. I want to follow professional standards; employ qualified staff for financial positions and administration; and communicate clearly regarding needs, goals, and resources. What are the biggest challenges facing District 102 and how should the school board address them? I think the top three priorities are: ■ Planning for this school year and 2021/22 in a way that supports education that meets students where they are at as we continue to navigate the pandemic response ■ Ongoing administrative obligations such as negotiating contracts and budget issues ■ Returning to discussions of space and class size The board has to address these issues by: ■ Arranging for necessary space studies or alteration of spaces to meet district needs ■ Communicating plans and establishing schedules so all parties can be prepared for their roles ■ Setting policy and ensuring it is reflected in the budget ■ Holding the administration accountable for carrying out the approved plans ■ Listening for input regarding the developing plans for this time period from district and community members

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

LAGRANGE-BROOKFIELD D102 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) EDWARD CAMPBELL Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I am running for re-election because I believe we have charted a successful course as a district and I know I am qualified to ensure that we maintain that course and address the challenges we will encounter after the pandemic. Having served one term as a board member, I can say that I have continued to learn how to serve in this role throughout my term, and this experience will be invaluable in my second term in office. As a school board member you will be asked to balance what’s best for the district as a whole with what might be in the interest of specific groups. How will you do that? When have you had occasion to do something similar in the past and how did you accomplish that? I have demonstrated my ability to engage numerous stakeholders, with disparate interests and viewpoints, and found ways to work towards shared goals. An example would be the development of our saliva surveillance program, which was conceived of during discussions with our teachers over the summer while discussing how to return to school “safely”. In this way, we were able to generate buy-in from our teachers, both for the surveillance program and our plan to re-open more broadly, allowing us to be one of the few districts I am aware of that has been in-person for the entire academic year. The past year has been a challenge from the perspective of balancing the social, emotional and academic needs of students with the need to ensure the health and safety of all in the extended school family. What could the school district have done better to achieve that balance and what succeeded? What planning is needed to respond more quickly to any future disruptions in the traditional learning environment? I think, like every district in America, we were caught somewhat flat-footed by the realities imposed on the pandemic in the spring of 2020. However, I think we demonstrated ourselves to be very resilient and willing to take risks in the fall. In addition to the saliva surveillance program, I think being willing to meet the challenges associated with two

learning models offering both remote and in-person learning models allowed our district to provide the needs of each of our students to the best of our ability. Having worked with both models for the entirety of the year, we are also well positioned to respond to future disruptions, should that be necessary.

JESSICA MANDRA Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would those be valuable as an elected official? I have proudly worked in public education for the past 12 years. I believe deeply in public education’s power to lift up individuals, communities and our society. I have over 20 years of experience in communication and community outreach which I believe would be an important contribution to the board. Furthermore, I have been elected Vice-Chair of my institution’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Shared Governance Committee for two consecutive years. While in this position, I have co-led the process of reviewing, amending and approving diversity and equity statements for the college. As a board member, I would champion D102’s mission to developing creative, innovative, problem-solvers with a passion for learning and empathy.

How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 102 do to address that subject? I would define as providing all students with the resources they need, as individuals, to succeed. Our district has been a leader on the topic of equity, which has culminated in an equity policy that we have recently adopted as a district. I have certainly learned a great deal about the concept of equity, and its implementation, by being part of the discussions associWEB EXTRA ated with adopting Candidate responses have been edited for print. As a school board member The full unedited responses can be found online at this policy. I would you will be asked to balance encourage anyone RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE what’s best for the district as interested to review a whole with what might be in it on our district the interest of specific groups. website. I wholeHow will you do that? heartedly support I think the key to managing these situations is this policy. to listen with an open mind but always keep the mission of the institution and the role of a board As a school board member you will member in mind. play a role in budgeting. How will There will be specific group interests that your values inform your approach to qualify within our mission, such as special edubudgeting and fiscal planning? cation and there will be areas that overlap with I realize the responsibility to act as other institutions or government agencies, such a responsible steward of taxpayer dolas helping students with food insecurity. Where lars. In my first three years in office, our these needs are outside the district’s mission or district added to the reserve while prothe district is not able to serve these students’ viding exceptional learning opportunineeds within its own resources, we should look ties to our students. Although last year, to create partnerships with other institutions our financial situation took a step in the and organizations to help meet the need as we wrong direction, we should quickly recknow there are many supplemental factors that tify this in the coming year and I expect support a child’s education. we will be able to continue to add to our reserve in the coming years. The past year has been a challenge. What could the school district have done better to What are the biggest challenges achieve that balance and what succeeded? facing District 102 and how should This year in particular, I have been pleased to the school board address them? see the remote education module, while not When the pandemic is over, we will perfect, is demonstrably better than the remote need to approach the consequences that experience from the spring. I also appreciate the the pandemic had on our students, both board’s initiative and willingness to think outside at the academic and social/emotional the box and pilot saliva testing which has added level. This will require a steady, focused another layer of safety during the pandemic. I approach that effectively identifies the think every parent learned this year how hard needs of our students, one that reacts being a teacher actually is. to the needs of our students without beAs for improvements, a theme I kept hearing ing reflexive or reactionary, but rather at board meetings is communication. I think an resolved and determine to understand area of growth for the district will be to strengthand address the issues underlying the en the communication with our stakeholders, in data we are presented over the next few particular with our teachers. Strong relationships years. and open communication lines with our stake-

holders is key to being able to quickly adapt to new developments. How do you define equity? How has your thinking around the subject of equity evolved and what should District 102 do to address that subject? The Committee for Equity and Minority Achievement (CEMA), which is a committee comprised of D102 administration, board members, teachers, staff, parents and community members worked together and very thoughtfully developed the following definition of equity for D102. “Equity is defined as the absence of avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people achieved by providing all with resources and opportunities that fit their circumstances.” D102 is committed to equity work and along with CEMA are already working on various areas with an equity lens. Another example of D102’s commitment to equity is the investment and deep equity work it is doing with the consultant group Corwin. The work also focuses on changing culture and climate which is important understanding of how organizations effectively change. So as a board, we really have to be willing to look at everything from the top down and ask – is this policy, norm or way of doing things equitable? And if not, be willing to change it so it is. As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning? The district is in a stable financial situation currently with an annual budget of $45 million and has worked hard to grow its fund balance. However, a significant issue for D102 will be how to financially prepare our district for potential shortages in state funding in the near future. As a board member, my inclusive approach and the value I see in planning and effective communication to build strong relationships would inform my approach to budgeting. What are the biggest challenges facing District 102 and how should the school board address them? The district continues to work hard and assess how best to provide quality education safely during the COVID pandemic. Our top priority needs to be to help our students that are struggling. The core mission of D102 is to provide relevant, rigorous and integrated curriculum that is all equitable for all students. I think the priority of the board should be to focus on the goals of the strategic plan and continue to work on realizing them fully. Thirdly, a significant issue for D102 will be how to financially prepare our district for potential shortages in state funding in the near future.

Voter Empowerment Election Guide • 2021 • sponsored by GOOD HEART/WORK SMART FOUNDATION

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

LAGRANGE-BROOKFIELD D102 (4 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) MICHAEL G. MELENDEZ Why are you running to be on the school board? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? I am motivated by a strong sense of public service, and I am committed to serving the community I live in. During the first two years of my term, I spent a great deal of time working on special education issues with concerned parents and the administration. We had a tremendous responsibility thrust upon us a board to help come up with a plan for a safe return to school this past year, with little to no assistance from state or federal officials. This experience will be incredibly valuable to both me and the district if I am fortunate enough to continue serving on the school board.

has been a primary focus during my term on the board, and now that we have adopted an equity policy, the next step is to expand our communication efforts on this front. The district can increase diversity in its workforce to better reflect the students it serves, maintain a rigorous curriculum, and continue to train our incredible staff on culturally responsive teaching methods, but its ultimate success in this arena lies with obtaining community support. The Committee on Equity and Minority Achievement (CEMA) will play a significant role in advancing the cause of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

As a school board member you will play a role in budgeting. How will your values As a school board member you will be inform your approach to budgeting and asked to balance what’s best for the district fiscal planning? as a whole with what might be in the I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility. When I interest of specific groups. How will you was elected to the board, the community had just do that? When have approved a referendum to you had occasion to do increase our tax limiting something similar in the WEB EXTRA rate and I felt a tremendous Candidate responses have been edited for print. past and how did you responsibility to be a good The full unedited responses can be found online at accomplish that? financial steward of the disIt is not unusual for RBLANDMARK.COM/VOTEREMPOWERMENTGUIDE trict’s finances. groups to reach out to the Over the course of my board members to advoterm, the board has placed cate for certain issues, but the district on strong finanas a member it is critical to cial ground. Our budget is balanced despite the remember that an individual member has no aupandemic, with net revenue expected to exceed thority outside the board. costs this year, our credit rating is strong once I think it is important to hear from various peragain, and our fund balance is back to 24%, just spectives on any given issue, and ultimately, we 1% off our target goal. have a responsibility to make decisions based on what we believe is in the best interest of the disWhat are the biggest challenges facing trict. Individual positions must always be secondDistrict 102 and how should the school board ary to the interests of the district. address them? The biggest challenge is how and when to The past year has been a challenge. What safely get back to as close to a normal learning could the school district have done better to environment as possible. In order to do that, we achieve that balance and what succeeded? must confront two harsh realities. The first is that The district has generally done well in terms of this pandemic is not going away anytime soon, balancing the academic, social, and emotional and the second is that school will look different needs of our children through our remote and hybrid options, though there is certainly room than what we are normally accustomed to for a while longer. for improvement. Secondly, we must understand that everyone Where we could have improved is in advertishas been impacted in some way by this pandeming many of the programs and activities that we have available for enrichment opportunities and ic, especially our students. Our district will need that help supplement our social and emotional to fully assess where our students are at, both academically and emotionally. From there, the learning goals. Kids have been incredibly siloed this year and district can determine how to set ambitious yet that has undoubtedly had an impact on them, so appropriate goals and implement a plan that is finding ways for them to reconnect with other responsive to the needs of our students. Finally, equity and closing the achievement students and form strong social bonds is critical. gap remain significant challenges, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic. In the How do you define equity? How has term ahead, a great deal of work will need to your thinking around the subject of equity be done to continue to address these issues, evolved and what should District 102 do to and it starts by understanding the impacts this address that subject? For me, the term equity refers to fairness and pandemic has had on our students and getting justice, and it requires an understanding that them back in the classroom on a full-time basis we all do not start off at the same place. Equity by the fall.

The Year that Wasn’t:

Young Adults and the Pandemic Thursday, April 8, 2021 7:30-8:30 pm CDT

Guest speaker Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, CGT The pandemic has changed life for all of us, no matter our age. The losses of one group - young adults in their late 20s to early 40s - have largely gone unnoticed in the media. Milestones that before provided meaning, such as dating, starting a family, and taking on a new career opportunity, have all been put on hold. Their sense of loss is real and depression a too frequent outcome. This Thrive Talk will focus on young adults. We’ll discuss how to honor grief without guilt, cope in real time and create meaning, even during this challenging time. Together, we will explore how to rebuild a sense of hope and look toward the future.

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The Landmark, March 24, 2021

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The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Brookfield officials mull water main replacement program Rate hike proposed to replace pipes that are 100+ years old

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Sometime this summer, Brookfield homeowners and commercial property owners are likely to see their water bills go up by as much as 18 percent as village officials seek to put in place funding for a program to systematically begin replacing its aging water infrastructure. That means the average water customer in Brookfield (based on using 7,856 gallons during the bimonthly billing period) could pay about $95 more per year, while those customers paying the minimum bill (about 34 percent of households) could see an annual increase of about $60, according to figures provided by Brookfield Finance Director Doug Cooper. “That’s a big hit,” said Trustee Edward Cote, who suggested perhaps charging less, during a discussion of the subject at the village board’s March 8 committee of the whole meeting. “We are coming off of a time frame where everybody’s struggling for money.” But, with the pace of water main replacement now moving at a snail’s pace and with 51 percent of Brookfield’s water mains – accounting for almost 31 miles -- at least 100 years old and another 20 percent at least 60 years old, there’s a fear that not tackling replacement systematically could lead to more expensive, widespread emergency replacement as the pipes fail.

“I think it’s safe to say that at 100 years we’ve gotten our money’s worth out of these water mains,” Village Manager Timothy Wiberg told trustees. “The good news is we don’t have any area [showing significant failure]. The bad news is, as sure as we’re all sitting here today, these will eventually fail and they’re very expensive to replace. “You don’t want to be addressing water mains when they’re all failing at the same time.” The village’s current water rate of $11.47 per 1,000 gallons generates a surplus of $556,000 per year, which theoretically could be used to replace about 1,400 feet of water mains annually. At that rate, it would take 116 years to replace all of the water mains that are already 100 years old, according to Village Engineer Derek Treichel. But the village’s progress has actually been slower than that, since the village also uses that surplus to fund other water/sewer system projects. As a result, over the past 10 years, the village has replaced just 5,300 feet of water main, or 530 feet per year. Treichel estimated that at today’s prices, it would cost $64.9 million to replace all of the 100-year-old water mains. By raising the water rate from $11.47 to $13.50, he said, the village could generate nearly $1.3 million per year solely for water main replacement. That amount of money could replace about 3,245 feet of pipe (about five blocks) annually, which would put the village on

pace to replace all of its 100+ year water mains in 50 years. Because construction prices will vary over time, Treichel said village officials would have to reassess the water rate structure every five years or so to make sure they kept the project on pace. Treichel presented two other options that slowed the replacement pace to 75 years and 100 years. While that might save customers money in the short term, the risk of higher future construction prices coupled with more and more breaks could make replacement more expensive in the long run. Trustee Brian Conroy suggested performing a condition audit of the system to identify the most at-risk sections of the system to perhaps control costs, but Trustee Michael Garvey argued that the 100-year-old pipes will continue to age and that not addressing replacement comprehensively was delaying the inevitable. “I agree that it is a major hit to do this, but by delaying it or doing it at a slower pace, all it’s doing is passing the buck to another board,” said Garvey, who is running unopposed for mayor and will be installed in that post in May. “An audit may show that some don’t need to be done as fast, but some major work is going to need to be done, and by doing it this way we have some approximate idea that it’s going to cost $65 million. “If we put it off and there’s a higher percentage of emergency repairs that need to

District 103 will stick with remote learning to end school year

Superintendent says ‘too many factors’ will prevent in-person instruction By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

While most schoolchildren across the area are now attending school in person for at least part of the day, one local school district has apparently decided to not to have any in person school this entire school year. That district is Lyons-Brookfield School District 103. District 103 Superintendent Kristofer Rivera said in a video posted on the district’s website on March 19 that the need to bring students to the schools for in-person, statemandated testing in April and May will

prevent the district from offering in-person some in-person school for those who want it. instruction this year. As a result, the district Riverside Elementary School District 96 is will be sticking with the 100-percent remote switching to a modified full-day schedule in April while also doing the state learning model it has offered testing. since the start of the school year District 103 school board memlast fall. ber Marge Hubacek said Rivera “We just could not coordinate did not discuss the decision to all of this at once with the schedcontinue with remote learning uling and provide education to for the rest of the year with the the students while maintaining school board. the safety protocols,” Rivera Hubacek said that while Risaid. “It just had to have too vera may have discussed the ismany factors in place that could sue with school board president not be coordinated.” Jorge Torres, he did not discuss District 103 students will come KRISTOPHER RIVERA the matter with entire school to school next month only to take board. the state-mandated tests, but all “Every other school district has gone back teaching will still be done remotely. [to some in-person school],” Hubacek said. Other area districts face the same challenges but are figuring out how to manSee D103 on page 31 age the state testing while offering at least

be done, it’s going to grow incrementally larger.” Trustee Katie Kaluzny suggested that in order to help residents keep bills down, the village could educate homeowners on ways to save water. Wiberg agreed that could be done, but also mentioned that lower water use would also result in lower revenues, which could affect the pace of repairs. The Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission, which sells Brookfield water from the city of Chicago, typically informs the village of any rate hike in May. Wiberg said that based on that information, the village could impose the fee for water main replacement in June. “That would be the logical time to pass on whatever rate the board is comfortable with,” Wiberg said. Village President Kit Ketchmark, who is running unopposed for trustee and will also be seated in May, indicated he supported imposing a fee to get started on a water main replacement effort. “It’s easy not to do this, and board should have done that for a long, long time,” Ketchmark said. “But that doesn’t make the problem get any better.”

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The Landmark, March 24, 2021

D96

to three. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education recently reduced its social distancing guidelines for masked students, allowing school districts the flexibility to switch from page 1 to full-day school, Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye said. district’s elementary school teachers, the The district is making the change in reDistrict 96 Board of Education signed off sponse to pressure from many parents to Wednesday evening on the administration’s offer to full-day school. In a recent survey, plan to move to a full-day schedule with 80 76.7 percent of parents said they were comminutes off for lunch. fortable with reducing social distancing to Most students will be expected to go home three feet. for lunch, although special arrangements However, most teachers were uncomfortwill be made for those who able with the reduction in can’t. Nearly 80 percent of parsocial distancing. In a survey ents said in a survey that they conducted by the Riverside could have their children home Education Council, the teachfor lunch. ers union, completed before The school day at the disthe IDPH changed their guidetrict’s four elementary schools lines, 75.55 percent of elemenwill start at 8:20 a.m. Students tary school teachers were will break for lunch at 10:50 against changing the social a.m. and return to school at distancing guidelines. 12:10 p.m. The school days will Four District 96 elementary JEFF MILLER end at 2:55 p.m. school teachers spoke during D96 school board member Families will continue to the public comment portion have the option for their chilof the school board meeting, dren to attend school remotely asking the school board not to if they wish, but the current change the district’s current half-day hybrid option will end. hybrid model of instruction. Parents are being asked to de“I do not believe that changcide by April 1 on an option. ing schedules with weeks of Currently about 17 percent of elementary the school year left would be best for kids,” school students in District 96 attend school said Kelly Lyson, a fourth-grade teacher at remotely, but 34 percent of those families Central School, the school she attended as said that they were interested in returning child. to in-person attendance if the school day Second-grade teacher Kristen Econowas extended. mos became emotional when she asked the Students in each teacher’s morning and school board not to change a schedule that afternoon hybrid classes will be combined was working for kids. into one all day class with social distanc“I feel that D96 has established a schedule ing between students reduced from six feet that is helping students navigate through

Teachers favor hybrid

“There are tradeoffs, but I think on balance this will be good for our students.”

Hybrid option expanded at Hauser Jr. High

Since March 5, nearly 400 students at L.J. Hauser Junior High School in Riverside have been attending school in person for four days week. Hauser modified its hybrid schedule this month to give students the option of attending school in person four days a week after attending school in person twice a week for most of the school year. Some 387 Hauser students took advantage of the opportunity to go the school more often, with only 14 students choosing to continue to attend school in person twice a week. Twenty-six Hauser students switched from remote learning to attend school in person, while 169 students continue to attend school remotely. Students attending Hauser in person are at the school from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Then they go home for lunch but are expected to be online from 2 to 3 p.m. to get help from teachers, ask questions or do homework. However, many students are apparently not getting on-

line at 2 p.m. At the March 17 school board meeting, Hauser Principal April Mahy reminded parents that students are expected to be online from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays continue to be a remote learning day for all Hauser students. Some adjustments have been made to maintain social distancing with increased numbers of students in the building. The library has been divided into two spaces that are being used as classrooms. The auditorium is also being used as a classroom. Mahy told the school board that the switch to having more students in the building has gone well. “It’s been a great feeling, because it is closer to normal,” Mahy said. Clubs and a couple of sports, basketball and volleyball, have also resumed on a limited basis. Hauser teams will not compete in person against other schools, though. A virtual musical will be performed this spring. — Bob Skolnik

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

BACK IN BUSINESS: Ames School in Riverside, shown here when the renovated building opened in September for hybrid learning, will welcome back students into classrooms more or less full time next month for the first time in more than a year. this pandemic,” Economos said. “The students know what to expect and to uproot their schedule and routine this late in the school year would truly be a disservice.” Teachers also expressed concerns about larger classes. The largest combined class would probably be 27 students at Central School. That class would probably be moved to a bigger room and a co-teacher or aide would be added to help out. Ryan-Toye said the district would try to hire three to five additional teachers as longterm substitutes for the final eight weeks of the school year to help out in larger classes. Students who switch from remote to inperson learning would be assigned to the smallest classes available and would not be guaranteed to attend their home school for the rest of the school year. The only students who would have to change teachers would be students switching from remote or in-person instruction, Ryan-Toye said. After the meeting the co-presidents of the REC said teachers would do their best to make the new model work. “The District 96 staff always wants what’s best for our students,” said co-presidents Jen Ohlman and Katie Kayastha in an email. “Regardless of any changes or the learning model, the teachers and staff will ensure a successful and positive conclusion to our school year.” Before the start of the school year, 51 percent of District 96 teachers opposed any inperson learning. One parent spoke during the public comment portion of the school board meeting supporting the longer school day. Lia Pusko, the mother of a first-grader, said that she teaches in a school that has had full-day, in-person instruction since August and said that it has worked well. She said she was confident that District 96 could make it work. She added that the hybrid model was not working for her daughter.

“This hybrid option makes it difficult to provide structure to my daughter and other students who need in-school learning to keep up with the required curriculum and do not benefit from a class via Zoom,” Pusko said. Six of the seven school board members supported the plan while one, Shari Klyber, a former teacher, wanted more information. Klyber said that she was encouraged by what she heard. “I personally would love to hear more about the teacher concerns and what we’re going to do to support them,” Klyber said. “I’m looking forward to learning more but it seems encouraging at this point so we’ll see what happens in the next few weeks and we’ll see what the parents are feeling and the staff.” Board member Jeff Miller acknowledged there were downsides to the change and wished that the longer school day would start before April 12, but he supported the change. “I think it is a good step forward,” Miller said. “There are tradeoffs, but I think on balance this will be good for our students.” School board President Dan Hunt also favored the change to full-day school. “I think, with the amount of time left in the year, it is worth it,” Hunt said. “It is something we can and should do for the kids, so I’m definitely in favor.” Board member Lynda Murphy also favored the shift to all-day school, but she wanted the teachers to know that the board understood their concerns. “I want to make sure that they are being heard and we completely understand that,” Murphy said. Ryan-Toye said the increased in-person instruction was worth doing for the rest of the school year. “Eight weeks of instruction feels significant to me,” Ryan-Toye said.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

PARKS & REC Online survey from page 1 it was Memorial Hall from the structure files at the Riverside Historical Museum. He says he’d like actual photos from Memorial Hall’s former turn as a recreation facility to adorn the walls. “If anyone attended a recreation program at Memorial Hall, we would love a copy of those photos for display at the Quincy building,” Malchiodi said. If you have digital copies, you can email them to riversidepr@riverside.il.us. The newly renovated headquarters houses the department’s four full-time employees in a secondfloor office space above the garage. The main public spaces include a new reception area with a desk that accommodates two work stations. There are two new ADA-compliant bathrooms off the lobby. A wall separates the lobby from a larger multipurpose activity room that will be used for recreation programs. During the Landmark’s visit to the building last week, the room was being used for the department’s hybrid school year program. “This is a little bigger than the water tower, so it will house some of the bigger activity classes, more of the adult classes and the water tower will become more of our early childhood programs,” said Malchiodi, referencing the department’s former headquarters in the water tower complex at 10 Pine Ave. “Essentially, it just doubles our programming opportunities, especially in the evening, so where we now have four time slots, we’ll have eight.” The new facility will also allow the department to house special recreation programming in partnership with West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA), which provides those programs for

BOB UPHUES/Editor

NEW HOME: Riverside Recreation Director Ron Malchiodi stands in the reception area of the new Parks and Rec HQ at 43 E. Quincy St. last week. The new space will allow the department to double its programming and also rent the space for private events. Riverside residents. Right now, the village doesn’t have space to accommodate any onsite special recreation programs. Parks and Rec has launched a community survey to help the department focus its programming efforts for the new space. Residents are asked to participate by visiting online at surveymonkey.com/ r/7DBJFQS. Beyond recreation programs, Malchiodi said that Riverside Parks and Rec wants to “ramp up” rentals of the public spaces for private events. There’s a large storage space at the rear of the multipurpose room to store tables and chairs, each of the bathrooms can

D103

Positivity rates high from page 29 “I don’t think they met with the parents. You know, I don’t have a kid in the school, but I hear from parents and there are many who feel we can go back safely now.” Infection rates are still high in Lyons with a weekly new COVID-19 case rate of 114.4 cases per 100,000 during the week of March 11, according to information posted on the

accommodate multiple people at once and there’s a small kitchenette with a sink, microwave and fridge that can be used for private events. Malchiodi said the department also plans to use the facility’s offstreet parking lot occasionally for special pop-up events. He has already reached out to the Riverside Arts Center, just across the street, about possible collaboration.

Costs ballooned The renovated public spaces look pretty modest and functional, but the renovation of the old Memorial Hall into Riverside Parks and Rec HQ turned out to be quite expen-

District 103 website. A case rate of more than 100 per 100,000 is considered substantial, and the district’s target new case rate is less than 50 per 100,000. No ZIP code served by District 103 currently has a new case rate of less than 50 per 100,000, although the March 11 new case rate in Brookfield was 58.5 per 100,000. Positive test results have gone down in recent weeks to 6.15 percent in Lyons and just 2.52 percent in Brookfield. The district has been targeting a positivity rate of less than 5 percent. Other school districts in areas hard hit by COVID are returning to some in person school.

sive, and a final accounting has not been tallied. That report, according to Finance Director Karin Johns, is expected to be presented to the village board in April. “What we’re planning on doing at our second meeting in April is having a public discussion of the project, where the overages came in and how,” said Village President Ben Sells. According to Johns, there are still “many large outstanding invoices that need to be applied to this project.” Those unspecified invoices are on top of a total that was 61 percent over the initial budget last October. Riverside initially budgeted $456,000 for the renovation, but after

South Berwyn District 100 and North Berwyn District 98 began offering hybrid models of instruction last month, with students coming to school in person for part of the day. Cicero School District 99 started offering some in-person school this week. Recently, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the federal Center for Disease Control have reduced the social distancing guidelines in schools from six feet to three feet, and some studies have indicated that schools do not seem to be a focus of COVID spread. Many District 103 teachers have been vaccinated through a site for educators at Morton High School, and all of the teaching staff

the architect and contractor began taking a closer look at what it would take to bring the building into code compliance – including a fire suppression and alarm system, electrical work, two rooftop HVAC units, new ADA-compliant bathrooms, a triple-basin drainage system for the garage and the installation of a new water line to the property -- by October 2020 the cost had ballooned to about $695,000, about 61 percent over budget. “The most important renovations in the building are things no one will ever see,” said Malchiodi. “A lot of that infrastructure is where we invested a lot of the money.” While the final construction costs are still being determined, the most expensive aspects were approved last October, said Village Manager Jessica Frances. Sells acknowledged the steep cost overruns, and said the village made a mistake by not having an architect walk through the building prior to setting an initial estimate of cost for the work to renovate the building. But the price of the property was such that the village leapt at the chance to obtain space to expand its recreation programming. “The lesson we learned is that we should have taken more time and done our due diligence,” Sells told the Landmark. “We were getting such a good deal on the building, we were blinded by that and rushed things. “But even if we had accurate numbers, I’m certain the board would have done this anyway, because we needed the space to expand our recreation programming.” While the village put up the money to buy the building, Riverside Parks and Recreation will be paying the village back for the cost to renovate it through revenue it collects through programming fees. A repayment schedule will also be presented to the village board for approval in April.

should be vaccinated by the end of March. Former school board member Joanne Schaeffer, who was defeated in the 2019 election after serving on the District 103 school board for nearly 40 years, says that her great granddaughter, a fifth-grader at Lincoln School in Brookfield, has been losing interest in school and is tired of remote learning. Schaeffer blames the leadership of the district for the failure to offer any in person school this year. “This is what happens when politicians take over and administrators don’t keep children at the top of the list,” Schaeffer said.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

THE LANDMARK VIEW

Making the call

ith COVID-19 positivity rates holding steady at levels not seen since early last fall, with vaccinations ramping up and opening up to more and more people and with the state on the verge of entering a “bridge” phase that would expand large gatherings, there are naturally calls from beleaguered parents and students to get classroom back open full time. This is completely understandable. School staff have had the opportunity to receive vaccines since mid-January and many, many of them have taken the opportunity to do just that. School officials who have traced student outbreaks largely have been able to demonstrate that students are being infected outside of the classroom, and in Riverside, Brookfield and North Riverside, we don’t know of any student-to-student transmission, though that’s not to say there haven’t been any at all. So, why isn’t every classroom in the area open full time to students? We’re not inside the schools making those decisions, so we’re inclined to give administrators and school boards the benefit of the doubt when they say the general public -- and even parents chomping at the bit to get the little ones out of the dining room and into schools – might not understand the complexities of bringing everyone back. Of the seven school districts the Landmark covers – five elementary and two high schools – you’ll see roughly the entire spectrum of decision-making as the 2020-21 academic year winds down. Riverside District 96 is moving to a modified full-time, in-person model in April. Riverside-Brookfield High School expanded inperson days in March, but like most of the other districts we cover, they’ll stick with a hybrid learning model, it appears, through the end of the school year. Lyons-Brookfield School District 103 has never had and will not return to in-person instruction at all this school year. Not all school districts are the same. They vary in size, demographically, in governance and in administrative and faculty makeup. They have navigated through two school years during a pandemic, and by and large have done so admirably, if not perfectly. This school year is almost over, and the focus rightly needs to be on next fall and getting classrooms open safely for students, faculty, administrators and the general public. The local school boards are in the best position to know just how difficult it would be to flip the switch to “normal” school. And the fact is, we’re not in “normal” yet, however much we’d like to be.

HOBO’s shot in the arm

From Venture to Kmart to HOBO, the big box at the end the Forest Park Mall has always offered practical goods and a little aspiration. Starting Friday the vacant store will offer life-saving vaccines when it opens as a massive — soon to be 2,000-plus shots a day massive — COVID vaccination site. It will be operated by an array of government bodies, including the state and Cook County government. The Illinois National Guard will administer the program. Local residents do not get precedence for shots, but they have an equal shot and great convenience. With the state opening up vaccines to more and more people – and to all adults in mid-April -- this is the moment.

It’s election season again in the villages

t’s that time again! The April 6 Consolidated Elections for local offices will for the most part be fairly quiet with the only contested village election being in North Riverside. The signs are already showing up. Riverside chose to vet candidates through the Riverside Community Caucus, a longstanding way to choose candidates. The slate was chosen by a small group of people who then presented it to the full Caucus for a vote, although all members of the Caucus were not eligible to vote. That differed from the original Caucus bylaws which gave more people a chance to vote and present candidates at a large meeting. Candidates were usually people who had been active in the community in some way, many having served on a commission. Representation from all areas of the Village was also looked at. The new village president will be Joe Ballerine, who was formerly a trustee and active in for many years in the village. Trustees will include one incumbent trustee and two newcomers, including one who has only resided in the village for four to five years.

Unfortunately, an incumbent trustee and longtime resident was overlooked. Brookfield will have a board that will bring much experience, all of them having served as a trustee or in some other capacity on a village commission. Incoming President Mike Garvey will prove again he has the experience and genuine concern for the village. Look for the fireworks in North Riverside, and not the ones we usually see on July 4. With three candidates seeking the seat of president, the battle has already begun. School board elections for RiversideBrookfield High School and Lyons Township High School need your attention. They are contested and important. Early voting has already begun and nearby one can go to the Brookfield Village Hall at 8820 Brookfield Avenue. You may know it better as the site of the Brookfield Farmers Market and next to Kiwanis Park. Lyons Village Hall at 4200 Lawndale Ave. is also an early voting site. Turn at Culver’s on Ogden Avenue and you will see it. I recommend on your way back you stop at Culver’s and reward yourself. Both venues are safe and secure. There is no reason for anyone not to vote.

JOANNE KOSEY

OBITUARIES

Joseph A. Peck IV, 83

V and Karen (Richard) VanCura; his grandsons, Cole (fiancée Hannah) and Xander; and his brother, John C. Peck. He was a cousin and uncle to many. Mr. Peck was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma T. Peck, and his parents, Joseph and Marie (nee Druzik) Peck. Joseph A. Peck IV, 83, of Countryside, died March 18, Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 2021. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chapel Hill Gardens Born Aug. 12, 1937 in Melrose Park to JoWest Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, seph and Marie Peck, Mr. Peck was a U.S. Oakbrook Terrace. The family would love for Navy veteran and retired Brookfield police everyone that is attending to wear a favorite sergeant. He was a past member of Norway sports team jersey. Service and burial will be Lutheran church in Wisconsin and was a private. member of the Masonic Lodge in WestchesIn lieu of flowers, donations may be made ter, and in Burlington, Wisconsin. to: Alzheimer’s Association, St. Jude ChilMr. Peck loved spending time with family dren’s Hospital or your favorite local animal and friends but especially with his grandshelter. children. Joseph was an avid sports fan and JOSEPH A. PECK IV Memories and expressions of sympathy his two favorite sports teams were the Chimay be shared online at ChapelHillGarcago Blackhawks and Chicago White Sox. densWest.com. He is survived by his two children, Joseph A. Peck

Retired Brookfield police officer

To run an obituary Please contact Bob Uphues by e-mail: buphues@rblandmark.com, Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

CANDIDATE OP-ED

Educators wish to elevate RBHS, promote unity

ur schools have undergone changes this past year that have forced everyone to learn something new in the world of education. Whether you are a parent, student, teacher, support staff, or family member of this group, your world has been forever altered. As summer approaches and we see some sort of a reset in education, this election offers an opportunity for new voices to be heard. We are willing to listen to your voice and we want to be thoughtful actors as we make our way back to an education landscape that has new opportunities and hurdles ahead. We are proud educators, parents and members of our respective communities of North Riverside and Riverside. Lorena has been working with students in Chicago Public Schools to guide their post-secondary education and career paths, and Ryan has been a teacher and coach at Oak Park and River Forest High School since 2003. Together we bring knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion training, career pathways, and career and technical education grant funding affecting the district. Our goal is to elevate the status of the Riverside-Brookfield High School within the communities of Brookfield, LaGrange Park, North Riverside and Riverside. We believe that strong public education reflects the priorities of a community to provide opportunity for our teens to have a sense of place, a chance for growth and an education that respects the diverse interests and talents of our students. We hope to be a voice that will promote unity by listening to the communities and respecting the desires of the

stakeholders who are investing in the trusted institution of public education. We hope to bring a love of service to the board and inspire others to be involved to help our communities move forward together. After a year that has tested us in ways we couldn’t have imagined prior to a pandemic, we found the best in ourselves and in our communities with social supports like a major street closed to traffic in Brookfield to support restaurants and outdoor dining. “Riversiders in Need” was a group created to support individuals and families needing to put food on the table. Our North Riverside neighbors created the North Riverside “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” page to ensure everyone had access to basic necessities at the height of the pandemic. Many RB students became active in organizing marches to support the dignity of life after the George Floyd murder on Memorial Day. We have the ability to come together to support one another as we emerge from a year we wouldn’t have wished on anyone. Our goal is to speak words of positivity, listen to concerns with empathy, and share joy in our communities through the very simple act of public service as school board members for Riverside Brookfield High School District 208. Join us in our mission to elevate our school to be a shining focal point of pride for everyone. Join us: Community. Collaboration. Change. Lorena Gasca and Ryan VenHorst are candidates running for seats on the Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education.

LORENA GASCA & RYAN VENHORST One View

CANDIDATE OP-ED

Passion for Komarek School fuels wish to serve

s a 10-year Komarek parent, I feel quite lucky that my two children have had the good fortune to be students at this fantastic school. The caring staff, small community, and neighborhood feel has made their educational experience special from their very first days as 3-year-old preschoolers. Our wonderful experiences as members of the Komarek community made me excited to find ways to become involved. I am running for a position on the District 94 school board because I believe in the importance of strong public education systems, and feel that active community participation is vital to maintaining a great school district. In my time as a Komarek parent I have actively participated in the school community, first volunteering with the PTA, then serving one year as cosecretary and one year as treasurer on the PTA board. For many years I oversaw the room parent program, ensuring that classrooms had reliable parent involvement for special occasions. Three years ago, when I became involved in the early discussions of a major building renovation, I discovered the true extent of my passion for this special place. As a founder of Citizens for District 94, I spent two

years learning all that I could about the needs of our school facility, speaking with community members about their thoughts on a major renovation, and building an active and empowered Komarek community on the Citizens Facebook page. I am so very proud of the dozens of volunteers who worked together to pass the referendum, and look forward to the groundbreaking for the new building this June. While the referendum effort is behind us, my passion for ensuring the quality of our school community remains. Being fortunate to have built relationships with so many of the wonderful, diverse members of the community I hope to have the opportunity to ensure that these diverse perspectives are heard and supported by the school board. Our school is wonderful, but we must always be committed to questioning our performance and identifying areas for improvement. As with the referendum, I am not afraid to ask the hard questions and I am willing to put in the effort to bring about change when it is needed. I would be thrilled to continue serving our community as a member of the school board. Thank you for your support. Melissa Obrock is a candidates running for a seat on the Komarek School District 94 Board of Education.

MELISSA OBROCK One View

CANDIDATE OP-ED

Delegate Assembly recommends choices for D102 school board

he Delegate Assembly of District 102 has slated three excellent candidates for the LaGrange District 102 school board and fully endorses their candidacy. Based upon the candidates’ qualifications, experience, and commitment to District 102, all as described below, the Delegate Assembly recommends that you vote for each of them – either during early voting or on April 6. ■ Michael Melendez: Michael was elected by the District 102 school board as its president and has deftly steered District 102 through the challenges of opening the schools and creating a remote school program in one summer without a road-map. Michael began his career as an educator, and is now an attorney for the University of Illinois, where he advises the University on a variety of matters including student affairs, Title IX, contracts and real estate. The Delegate Assembly is very excited that after such a challenging summer, he has decided to continue leading the District 102 board. Michael’s calm and measured process to solve issues in District 102 was demonstrated long before the challenges presented by a pandemic, and we believe he will continue to be an outstanding leader of our district. ■ Jessica Mandra: Jessica is a fresh voice to District 102, and the Delegate Assembly is pleased that she decided to take on the challenges that face our district. Jessica holds a master’s degree in management of higher education and has worked in education for the past 12 years in communications. She is currently the multimedia designer and has taught as an adjunct professor at Harper College. Her education and teaching experience have given her a deep understanding of how planning, instruction and assessment work together to educate and support our students. Through her extensive communication experience, Jessica was instrumental in quickly publicizing and organizing volunteers for the COVID surveillance program allowing our schools to open. She is also the vice chair of Harper College’s equity committee and brings with her extensive knowledge and experience with promoting new methods to make our schools more equitable and accessible to all of our students. ■ Ed Campbell: Ed has been on the District 102 board for oneterm and the Delegate Assembly could not be more pleased that he has decided on another term. Ed has a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology, and is a professor at Loyola University. Ed spear-headed District 102’s first in the nation surveillance program for COVID, which has allowed early detection of COVID before it can become widespread. Before COVID, Ed was already a valuable member of the board. Ed was the curriculum liaison advocating for the adoption of next generation science standards for our classrooms. Ed also assisted in the evaluation and initiation of installing solar panels on the District 102 building, which will be completed this summer. Installation of solar panels will not only reduce the district’s electricity costs, but also further fulfills the board’s goal to operate more sustainably. The District 102 Delegate Assembly is a nonpartisan, citizens’ caucus that seeks out qualified candidates, reviews applications, conducts interviews and offers endorsements for the District 102 school board.

DISTRICT 102 DELEGATE ASSEMBLY One View

The Landmark, March 24, 2021

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354 N Delaplaine Rd, Riverside $500,000

293 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000

4441 Wolf Rd, #406, Western Springs $1,050,900

621 S Plymouth Ct, #207, Chicago $249,000

3608 Wenonah Ave, Berwyn $279,000

152 E Burlington St, Riverside $289,900

59 East Quincy, Riverside $369,000

591 E Parkway Rd, Riverside $524,900

192 Waubansee Rd, Riverside $539,000

1317 N Larabee #304, Chicago $589,999

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45 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $975,000

21 Walker Ave #1, Clarendon Hills $3,550/mo

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38 S Kensington Ave #6, LaGrange $2,850/mo

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8613 Rockefeller Ave, Brookfield $1,800/mo.

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622 Robinhood Ln, LaGrange Park $2,200/mo

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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