LMK Election Guide 2023

Meet the candidates: They answer the Landmarks’s questions | Early voting details For complete candidate interviews and bios visit online at rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide

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It’s time to vote. Here’s what you need to know

A

the schools, have a vision for the library, are committed to ll democracy is local. better village services or holding taxes or growing equity.

And as we move toward the spring elections for Or all of the above. village, school, library leaders, the Riverside-BrookAs you read these pages of questions and answers from field Landmark is offering you this Election Guide. each of these candidates know that there is a That coverage comes in print today and, more lot on the line this year. expansively at RBLandmark.com.

Your vote truly matters.

This year we have profiled many candidates Do you plan to early vote? The details on in contested elections, and we’ve also sent how to do it are just below. detailed questionnaires to every candidate in And don’t miss the digital version of this a contested race. The answers to our questions Election Guide on our RBLandmark.com are presented here in this Election Guide, which website. The Q&As are there in longer versions. was designed by Javier Govea, our editorial Thanks to Stacy Coleman, our digital manager, design manager. for building out these sites.

Let’s start with the candidates.

SEE COMPLETE Finally, this expanded coverage is possible There is something brave and generous, only ELECTION GUIDE ONLINE because of a donation to our Growing Comoccasionally ego-driven, that leads a local permunity Media nonprofit from the Good Heart son to run for local office. Growing Community Media has been watching for 43 years and our observation Work Smart Foundation. It has allowed us not only to fund our election reporting and create this guide but also to is that with a dud once in a while, with people we have widely increase our circulation for this issue of Wednesday disagreed with on policy, that in our non-partisan elecJournal. tions almost all candidates run because they care about

Almost time for early voting Here’s how and when you can vote

For the April 4 Consolidated Election – school board, village boards, park and library boards -- early voting starts March 20 and continues through April 3.

Courtesy of the Cook County Clerk’s office we have all the early voting locations in our area and the hours when you can vote.

What do you need to vote early?

Voters do not need to provide an excuse or reason why they cannot vote on Election Day. Government-issued photo ID is not required but is helpful if there is a question about the voter’s registration, address or signature.

Providing an ID can also speed up the process because we have ID card readers at every check-in station.

You can also register to vote at all the early voting sites. However,

any voter who needs to register for the first time or file an address change must present two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter’s current address.

Voting equipment Early voting is conducted on touch screens that store every ballot style in the county, permitting any voter in suburban Cook to vote at any location. Your ballot will remain secret and securely stored.

Early voting records The names of all early voters are available to the public and are updated each day during Early Voting. Please call (312) 603-0900 for early voting information.

In-person voting only Voters who participate in early voting must vote in person.

We are mailing a paper this week to additional homes and apartments in North Riverside, where there is a contested municipal election this year. These are people who do not regularly receive the paper. We hope they will be motivated to vote, and, yes, we hope they will consider subscribing to our weekly print edition or become a donor on our digital side.

This election is in your hands. Educate yourselves on the issues and the candidates. And then seize the power of your vote.

Dan Haley EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Growing Community Media

Jessica Mackinnon ELECTION COORDINATOR Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS (APRIL 4, 2023 CONSOLIDATED GENERAL ELECTION) The early voting locations listed here are for Suburban Cook County voters only.

If you live in the City of Chicago please visit chicagoelections.gov for their Early Voting locations.

BROOKFIELD VILLAGE HALL 8820 BROOKFIELD AVE. BROOKFIELD, IL 60513 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3

LYONS VILLAGE HALL

BERWYN CITY HALL 6700 W. 26TH ST. BERWYN, IL 60402

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3

4200 S LAWNDALE AVE LYONS, IL 60534

Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

HODGKINS VILLAGE HALL 8990 LYONS ST HODGKINS, IL 60525 Monday-Friday Mar. 20 - Mar. 24 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 27 - Mar. 31 Apr. 3 Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Mar. 25, Apr. 1 Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mar. 26, Apr. 2

Why we no longer endorse candidates Since 2020 Growing Community Media has been a nonprofit news organization. Because of that change we operate under regulations set by the Internal Revenue Service. Among those IRS require-

ments is the rule that as a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit that we are no longer permitted to endorse specific candidates for office.

That ended our long-standing process of interviewing all local

candidates and offering endorsements. In lieu of that we have stepped up our information gathering and reporting on the candidates and are presenting that to voters in this Election Guide.

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NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE BOARD (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) How will the pension burWe need all the revenue we can den of adding six firefightget, especially with the hiring of ers/paramedics over the next so many more employees. The three years be absorbed in revenue from non-residents is future budgets? essential. I believe the capping of The decision to remove the existing licenses to 10 hinders the private paramedics was the Village. Revenue streams like this popular decision, but it may not are important. Important to taxes have been the financially correct and fees that go to the Village. one made in the last 40 years.

Important for the business owners Six more firemen aren’t going JOSE DEL ANGEL that operate these establishments. to be hired, it will require 9-10 Placed in the proper location, it to make up for 6 contract paramedics. The would be a win/win. pension costs will be unsustainable and layoffs for recreation and public works are going Would you support a referendum asking to happen. Ways to generate more revenues for the Village to become a home rule must be found. community? Would you support seeking home rule status for the Village?

Would you support reinstalling red light We need home rule to create more necescameras, which produce more than $1 sary revenue. However, that is a question that million in revenue, at Harlem and Cermak should be proposed to the resident. Also, reonce the intersection is improved this sponsible officials need to be elected to overyear? If not, how do you believe North see it properly. Transparency is key for this Riverside can make up for that loss of board to succeed. revenue?

The village should do everything possible Would you support a referendum seekto keep red light cameras; the ing to impose a tax levy to fund revenue comes mostly from non police and/or fire pension obliresidents and pays pensions. gations? Would you support a The loss is devastating, and the pension levy referendum? elected officials should have, The tax levy referendum needs and could have gone to Springto be voted on up or down. The field to try and stop its removal. deficit is unsustainable. I believe we are near crisis mode and need Would you support the adto make decisions as such. The dition of a cannabis dispensa- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE elected officials need to kick it ry in the Village? If yes, where ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE into gear and find ways to plug should it be located? Are there the leak. any specific expenses that the Village should prioritize using cannabis How do you believe the Village should tax revenue? determine the best use for the former The Village should do everything in its Presbyterian church property at 24th power to have dispensaries. The revenue is Street and 8th Avenue? Should the Vilnecessary, and non-residents will be ones lage keep it? If so, for what purpose? If mostly using them if they are placed in the not, why not? right location. More revenue that comes from The property should be eventually be non-residents, the better--that fact keeps our made a recreation center for the residents taxes lower. when it can get the grants to construct it. In the mean time, it should be a temporary site In the absence of a cannabis dispensary, for recreation activities as it is now. would you support an expansion of video gambling parlors? How would you reThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: spond to those who believe these parlors rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide should be limited to the existing 10?

How will the pension burMaking up for loss of den of adding six firefightrevenue is ALWAYS a multiers/paramedics over the next pronged approach.

The three years be absorbed in current Administration has future budgets? never properly approached Let’s not forget that it was the budgeting process. always the position of the VIP/ All they have ever done is United Party to continue with spend and mis-manage. All PSI [Paramedic Services of Ilbudgetary line items must linois]. They waged a five-year be researched and scrutiMARYBELLE war against the firefighters from nized. We should look for MANDEL 2014 through 2019. They lost at budget SAVINGS FIRST, beevery turn and cost the taxpayfore we automatically look ers an estimated million in attorney fees. for increased revenues.

During this same period, we were promoting bringing paramedic services in-house, How do you believe the Village should using the Silver Spanner program and sav- determine the best use for the former ing the citizens of North Riverside an esti- Presbyterian church property at 24th mated $100,000 per year.

Street and 8th Avenue? Should the VilThere appears to be no reason why these lage keep it? If so, for what purpose? If annual savings will not hold up; even after not, why not? the expense of employing an additional Once Again - THEY LIED (your VIP / UNITthree (not six) firefighters with their sal- ED PARTY administration). In 2020, while ary, benefits and pension costs. It is also the Village was languishing in debt, with a my understanding that the administration deplorable bond rating, and heading headbotched grant applications long toward bankruptcy, your that were available to help Administration spent $600,000 pay for new firefighters over of your money to purchase a three-year period. We must the abandoned church and look into these grants once demolish it. There was NO feaagain. If the program is propsibility study, NO plan and NO erly implemented, there will PUBLIC INPUT. Then they LIED be a cost savings to the Viland stated that they got a state lage. These savings must be grant to fund the project. Three documented and earmarked years later and they still can’t for very specific uses, and not SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE substantiate that claim. Why? just absorbed into the general ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Because they lied. fund where, as history tells us, If they had any competence they will be mismanaged by the current and they had $600,000 laying around; why administration. didn’t they pay down some of the pension debt? It’s three years later and we still have Would you support reinstalling red NO PLAN. I am open to citizen input and light cameras, which produce more professional analysis to determine if a realthan $1 million in revenue, at Harlem istic approach for public uses of the propand Cermak once the intersection is erty can be achieved. Otherwise, perhaps improved this year? If not, how do you it is time to try to recover the funds that we believe North Riverside can make up for lost from this lunacy. Have the property that loss of revenue? appraised and seek bids from developers If you follow the news; red-light cam- for a residential development that would eras remain controversial for a number of put the property back on the tax rolls. reasons; and continue to be both a blessing and a curse on all communities that The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. use them. Relying on this elusive revenue The full unedited responses can be found online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide source is a mistake to begin with.

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NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE BOARD (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) How will the pension burSome potential sources of den of adding six firefightrevenue, a cannabis dispensary ers/paramedics over the next or more video gaming parlors, three years be absorbed in require additional forethought future budgets? due to the sensitive nature of We must know where we such matters. Resident input stand to begin to move forward. would allow greater autonomy Successful businesses conduct to build the Village into a coheaudits to ensure operations are sive whole. The establishment running efficiently and to apof regular neighborhood meetpropriate funds for essential SANDRA GREICIUS ings would provide a forum for projects. This is the first step residents to address concerns for all financial undertakings. In the short and ideas prior to issues arising. As such, term, it is important to develop innovative establishments would be located in a comstrategies to prevent any additional tax mercial district, suggestions to improve burden on the residents from a reduction these areas would be constructive as well. in revenue from pension obligations or the loss of the red-light cameras. With such Would you support a referendum aska plan in place, any funds collected from ing for the Village to become a home red-light cameras, once approved, would rule community? Would you support be reserved to decrease the current debt. seeking home rule status for the VilFurther, in-house paramedic services will lage? provide timely cost-savings in the interim.

Home rule, I feel, suppresses the voice of the residents and provides the local govWould you support reinstalling red ernment with more laxity in making decilight cameras, which produce more than sions resulting in increased taxes and ap$1 million in revenue, at Harlem and proving referendums without voter input. I would not support a home rule Cermak once the intersection referendum. is improved this year? If not, how do you believe North How do you believe the VilRiverside can make up for lage should determine the that loss of revenue? best use for the former PresAs stated, developing a varibyterian church property at ety of methods to compensate 24th Street and 8th Avenue? for the loss of proceeds from Should the Village keep it? If red-light cameras, as well as so, for what purpose? If not, pension obligations, is key. Creating innovative strategies to SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE why not?

The best use for the former form new streams of revenue, ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Presbyterian church property, investigating current programs now the vacant lot at 24th for best use and viability, and researching grants, government programs, Street and 8th Avenue, is residential propand fundraisers would not only lessen our erty development. The sale of the property dependence on the red-light cameras, but would offset the expenses incurred, not an approval for reinstalling the red-light add to the current debt, and increase tax cameras would provide revenue to de- revenue. Through addressing this issue, as well as other concerns, with an innovative, crease the debt. business-oriented mindset, may we develWould you support the addition of op a strong Village for all. a cannabis dispensary in the Village?

If yes, where should it be located? Are there any specific expenses that the VilThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: lage should prioritize using cannabis rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide tax revenue?

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NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE BOARD (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) How will the pension Looking at the amount of burden of adding six fireviolations handed out by the fighters/paramedics over cameras at that intersection the next three years be abalone, you can clearly see sorbed in future budgets? that traffic control methods Since my tenure on the like this are essential for the village board began, I have safety of residents. Placement committed myself to making of a red light camera at this insure that the village pays it retersection will hopefully conquired contribution towards tinue to assist with deterring DEBORAH A. pension payments. With drivers from not stopping CZAJKA these new hires in place, I will / speeding through these work to ensure that the villights and hopefully avoid selage avoids taking pension holidays and rious accidents in the future. continues to fund the ongoing pension costs year over year. With the onboarding Do you believe that it is important to of these new hires, the cost will be mini- continue the major project of improvmal due to these employees just starting ing the Cermak Road water main west their careers with North Riverside. As we of First Avenue? If so, how can the Vilcontinue to keep funding the pensions lage fund this work, which has cost alevery single year at the required level, most $500,000 for each of its first three we should be able to keep up with our phases? pension payments, so there will not be as It is important for the village to conmuch a strain on our annual budget. tinue this project. A project of this undertaking is essential for creating the Would you support reinstalling red right amount of pressure needed on the light cameras, which produce more farthest section of town away from the than $1 million in revenue, stand pipe. We discussed as at Harlem and Cermak a board this project and we once the intersection is knew it would be a multiimproved this year? If not, year commitment. That is how do you believe North the reason why our curRiverside can make up for rent water rates are high. that loss of revenue?

The board discussed the Yes, I am personally in faincrease in water rates in vor of the red light cameras order to cover those capital being reinstalled at that inexpenditures. Our water rate tersection once the improve- SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE has been set to take care of ments have been made. They ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE the operating deficit in that seem to be generating revefund. We have been operatnue because there is an influx of drivers ing this fund for 20 years and this is the who are frankly disobeying the law and first time we are operating in the black, continually avoiding stopping at these as opposed to the red. Not only have we lights. We don’t have the resources to po- replenished our deficit, we have actusition an officer at this intersection at all ally built up a surplus of funds to cover hours of the day. As much as people don’t unexpected projects. So, with that belike the concept of red light cameras, it’s ing said and with this project in mind, I been determined that the intersection feel we are able to handle the remaining of Harlem and Cermak is one of the most phases of this project. heavily trafficked intersections in the state of Illinois. This is why IDOT is committed to changing out the signals and reworkThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found ing lane configurations in an attempt to online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide make the intersection safer as a whole.

How will the pension burden of Would you support the adding six firefighters/paramedaddition of a cannabis disics over the next three years be abpensary in the Village? If sorbed in future budgets? yes, where should it be loAfter sitting through the last two cated? Are there any specific years of budget meetings, I’ve seen expenses that the Village how difficult it can be to make some of should prioritize using canthose hard decision. Figuring out ways nabis tax revenue? to limit our pension liability will be Yes, absolutely. Allowing a one our biggest challenges for North business that is regulated by Riverside. As a current trustee on the NICHOLAS TRICOCI the state, while generating Fire pension board for nearly 2 years, I some astronomical tax revcan understand the funding, contribution, and enue dollars for many communities, could be liability of both sides. One way to fund the pen- a great idea. Having the proper procedures sions could be through contract negotiations. and protocols in place is key. Creating an orMaking decisions during contract negotiations dinance that makes the most sense is the first that benefit the village and its fire fighters is. step. A dispensary would best be suited in our Also, continuing to explore what works best for business district to keep traffic at a minimum other neighboring communities is a good idea. and more visual to traffic. One of our neighborWe are not the only town dealing with this. As ing towns is estimating a sales tax revenue of hard as it will be, I believe the appropriate de- $250,000 per year from a cannabis dispensary. cisions can be made if all of the trustees bring If we are able to acquire a cannabis dispensary, ideas to the conversation.

I would like to see the revenue earmarked towards current and future pension obligations.

Would you support reinstalling red light Having a plan is always going to be the key to cameras, which produce more than $1 mil- our success. Knowing what we will do with the lion in revenue, at Harlem and Cermak once revenue is very important to keep chipping the intersection is improved this away at current liabilities. year? If not, how do you believe North Riverside can make up for In the absence of a canthat loss of revenue? nabis dispensary, would you Yes, I am a proponent of the redsupport an expansion of light cameras. There are a few reasons video gambling parlors? How why I believe they are important. would you respond to those Many residents may not know this who believe these parlors but in an emergency, those 24-hour should be limited to the existcameras serve as eyes for the police SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE ing 10? department. They assist in traffic ac- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE I support an expansion of vidcidents and can be used for investieo gaming parlors that are limgative purposes. Another important ited to our business district; rereason is that red-light cameras serve as reve- zoning our business district to keep additional nue generators. I understand that red light cam- parlors out of residential areas. Video gaming eras can be unpopular when we address them generated $476,605.48 for the Village of North as revenue generators, but they are. I’m sure Riverside for year 2022. The police chief of has many residents have been in a situation where mentioned numerous times that the Police they wish a police officer was around to catch Department does not get many, if any, calls reckless driving. The surveillance is available from these establishments. The crime is lower to watch online if a ticket is generated, which than some may think, and the Village is benseems straight forward. If you run the light, do efiting from the liquor license fees on top of not yield to traffic signs or almost run over a the monthly revenue they generate. pedestrian, you should expect a ticket. I think most people tend to slow down or are more obThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: servant if a police officer is next to you or if they rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide notice the red-light camera.

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NORTH RIVERSIDE VILLAGE BOARD (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) How will the pension burprioritize using cannabis tax den of adding six firefighters/ revenue? paramedics over the next three I would support an adult years be absorbed in future cannabis dispensary. I think it budgets? should be located in an area With the addition of Firewith high traffic such as Cermak fighter/Paramedics this is more Road. The Village can benefit people contributing to the penthe most by people purchasing sion fund. Newer employees the cannabis. The additional are not paid top pay as are the income can be used for many ANTONIO employee’s salary is less than rethings within the Village. It can SANTUCCI tiring employees along with new be used to guarantee the great employees contributing to the services that the Village curpension fund will either offset or be a plus rently has and provide additional services to to the fund. Another big that the Village will keep the Village safe. save on overtime.

In the absence of a cannabis dispensary, Would you support reinstalling red would you support an expansion of video light cameras, which produce more than gambling parlors? How would you re$1 million in revenue, at Harlem and Cer- spond to those who believe these parlors mak once the intersection is improved should be limited to the existing 10? this year? If not, how do you believe I believe the amount we have in Village North Riverside can make up for that loss now is good. But I have an open mind to disof revenue? cuss this further. If it would greatly benefit I am in favor of the red light camera, not the village then I would agree. only for revenues but for the safety that comes with it. People who may think of goWould you support a referendum seeking through a red light or turn ing to impose a tax levy to on the red light will think twice. fund police and/or fire penThe red light camera will reduce sion obligations? Would you accidents and injury. support a pension levy referendum?

Do you believe that it is I would like to do more reimportant to continue the search on this matter. If the benmajor project of improving efit would be that the Village the Cermak Road water main can add more police and fire west of First Avenue? If so, SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE personal that is always a plus. how can the Village fund this ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE work, which has cost almost How do you believe the $500,000 for each of its first Village should determine three phases? the best use for the former Presbyterian I would want to see a project that was church property at 24th Street and 8th Avstarted get completed. Seeing that this was enue? Should the Village keep it? If so, for a planned project that started over 6 years what purpose? If not, why not? ago I have to look further into the project I believe that the Village should sell to deplans. With large projects like this there is velopers so that houses can be built. If the sometimes state funding available. There parcels can be subdivided there is a good are also other funding options that may be chance that the sale would bring a profit to available. the Village. Also, once the houses are built, it will be additional tax revenue to the Village.

Would you support the addition of a cannabis dispensary in the Village? If yes, The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: where should it be located? Are there any rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide specific expenses that the Village should

How will the pension bursary. In a small town such as den of adding six firefightNorth Riverside, this is not ers/paramedics over the next warranted. We need to work three years be absorbed in on growing the community future budgets? with destinations that families Now that North Riverside want to go to. I think a dispenhas brought the paramedics sary cheapens our little town. I in-house, like so many other don’t want NR to be ‘that town.’ municipalities, it will be able to If it does prevail, the location save a lot of money on not paywill have to be chosen very ing the overtime to a third party JOSEPH MARUSKA carefully, somewhere away private company for the servicfrom schools and children! es that we all rely on. After a five-year battle Now from a government aspect, I underagainst the firefighters at a cost to taxpay- stand the argument NR needs money. If ers of around $1 million in legal fees, and and when it comes down to a vote, and if it lost, North Riverside will have its firefighters were to pass, the money would have to be and in-house paramedics. earmarked for pension payments or paying down the debt.

Would you support reinstalling red light cameras, which produce more than Would you support a referendum ask$1 million in revenue, at Harlem and Cer- ing for the Village to become a home mak once the intersection is improved rule community? Would you support this year? If not, how do you believe seeking home rule status for the Village?

North Riverside can make up for that Absolutely not! By allowing Home Rule loss of revenue? we give our governing body a blank check As a driver, I hate red-light cameras--who to mismanage. This governing body does doesn’t? Unfortunately, due to North Riv- not understand what it means to spend erside’s financial shortcomings, within your means. Home the red-light camera at the Rule would be enabling their Harlem/Cermak intersection spending problems. served a purpose. The revenue it generated helped pay the poHow do you believe the Villice/fire pensions. There is this lage should determine the misconception that red-light best use for the former Prescameras help make an intersecbyterian church property at tion safe--they do not. All they 24th Street and 8th Avenue? are good for is to be a cash regShould the Village keep it? If ister for the city or municipality SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE so, for what purpose? If not, that installs them. As time goes ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE why not? by, that city or municipality This should not have been heavily relies on that revenue purchased by North Riverside. because that camera did not fix anything-- We did not have the money then, and we all it does is allow that city or municipal- sure need that money now. From a busiity spend more frivolously. In the end, the ness point of view, sell the property to a reason for why it was implemented gets developer and make sure the land is zoned drowned out by more debt. for residential single-family housing. North Riverside needs to recoup as much out-ofWould you support the addition of pocket expense as it can from this huge a cannabis dispensary in the Village? mistake.

If yes, where should it be located? Are there any specific expenses that the Village should prioritize using cannabis tax The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: revenue?

Personally, I am not in favor of a dispen- rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide

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RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL D208 (2 CANDIDATES FOR ONE 2-YEAR TERM ) Why are you running for the board of Riverside Brookfield High School? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would these be valuable as an elected official?

I have been a member of the Riverside Brookfield High School Board for approximately 9 years.

When there was a vacant position on the board in 2021, I volunteered and was appointed. I am running for a two-year position to continue my community volunteer work and to help look after our high school, which is one of the jewels of our community.

MICHAEL WELCH

finance committee. When I was first elected, the school was in a structural deficit; meaning we were spending more than the resources our community were providing to us. Over the years, I have helped steer the school’s finances in the correct direction.

During my time on the board, I believe we have had a balanced budget each year. I am running for the board to continue my oversight of behalf of our community and hope to continue having balanced budgets.

What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing District 208 and how should the As a school board member, school board address them?

SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE how will your values inform ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Each challenge that comes your approach to budgeting to the RBHS board must be adand fiscal planning? dressed. This is what the board Each year that I have been on the RBHS does. Providing the best education for our board, I have been a member of the advisory students should always been our goal.

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Why are you running school was sponsoring or the for the board of Riverside services they offer. In addition, Brookfield High School? ensuring that the information What motivates you and is readily available to Spanishwhat experience and perspeaking families in the area is spectives would you bring important too. The school has to the job? How would made some recent improvethese be valuable as an ments in this area but it should elected official? continue to take steps to mainI am running for a seat on tain that progress.

CAROLYN LACH the Board of Ed for RBHS beI also feel my experience as a cause I feel as the parent of college administrator provides a current student, I have an understand- me with some perspective on what high ing of the day-to-day activities within the school graduates need to be successful school. I also understand how difficult it once they leave the halls of RBHS. Whethcan be to motivate students at this point er they decide to attend post-secondary in their life to take advantage of all the op- education, enter the trades, or join the portunities available to them and want to workforce, I have practical experience in help RBHS bridge that gap. In addition, in working with 18 to 22-year-olds and helpmy career, I interpret federal regulations ing them navigate those first post-high and guidelines on a daily basis and that school steps. I look forward to finding experience is applicable at the school ways to work with RBHS faculty, adminboard level. As board members, we need istrators and staff to prepare students for to stay abreast of changes in state and lives of significance once they graduate. federal policies that affect schools and pivot to implement changes with miniAs a school board member, how will mal guidance and often a lack of funding. your values inform your approach to Finally, as a resident of North budgeting and fiscal planRiverside, I feel it is important ning? our village have a voice on the Fiscal responsibility is a board; I want to be sure that strong value of mine. From the students and families of my experience as a KomKomarek, the smallest feeder arek School Board Member, school into RB, have someone I learned first-hand how who can advocate on their important it is to utilize evbehalf. ery dollar in the most costeffective way possible. Many SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE Do you believe it is neces- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE people might not realize how sary for RBHS to do more to dependent our local schools better serve all students? are on property tax dollars If so, what areas need improvement? and that the timing of those bills directly Do you believe that RBHS focuses too affects schools. In addition, making cost much attention on one area? How can effective choices might not be the popuRBHS better prepare students for col- lar choice, but are necessary to maintain lege and/or career? the fiscal health of the school. As a board I believe RBHS provides many services member I will continue to make choices to its students, but there is always room that are cost-effective without giving up for improvement. One area that needs the quality education the community has improvement is with the community at come to expect from RBHS. large. If you have a student in the school, it is easier to stay informed of the happenings at the school. However, before my The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found own children attended RBHS, it was not online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide easy to find out about events the high

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RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL D208 (5 CANDIDATES FOR FOUR 4-YEAR TERMS ) Why are you running for the better prepare students for board of Riverside Brookfield college and/or career?

High School? How would your We’ve made progress over experience and perspectives the last year as there appears to be valuable as an elected ofbe a substantial interest in caficial? reer and tech education (CTE) I am running for re-election courses. We need to remain to continue the progress made flexible and open-minded to in promoting opportunities for new trends and needs. This our students in the trades and week, we approved a new hire I would like to explore potential WILLIAM T. DURKIN with a great background to internships for our students. I expand CTE. Exposure to and also want to work on the continuation of educating our students on opportunities the school being fiscally responsible. within the trades has made great strides.

My motivation to run for re-election is We need to continue listening to the needs mainly based on witnessing firsthand the of the students. energy and engagement of the students We are making positive strides in exposat the Trades and Career Fair last year. Stu- ing our students to career opportunities. dents need to be aware of meaningful and There’s always more work that can be done, respected opportunities besides college. and we must remain flexible and openThese programs allow you to earn while you minded. We need to work on dual credit learn and are great opportunities. I want to opportunities. continue being a voice and advocate for An area that I would like to work on beour students interested in the trades. sides apprenticeships is looking for internMy background is in the private sector as ships for our students. Many RBHS alum, an insurance broker. For the past five years, families, and community members own I’ve served as a co-managing partner of a businesses and work in various industries. It 100+ year-old, mid-size insurwould be great to connect our ance brokerage. Every day is students with this group and filled with negotiations, comothers. It would be much work promise, and problem-solving to establish, but that shouldn’t for internal duties and for my be an obstacle in making an efclients. I believe these, and fort to build it. having a business mindset and background, bring value to the As a school board member, board. how will your values inform Being an entrepreneur and your approach to budgeting managing a business requires SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE and fiscal planning? me to know a little about ev- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE What’s best for the students erything. With my contacts and is the top priority while berelationships, I’ve introduced a ing fiscally responsible for the dozen or so apprentice programs to our ad- community members. min and counselors. The goal was to establish direct connections between RBHS and What do you believe are the biggest these programs. Linking them together has challenges facing District 208 and how been very rewarding, and I’d like to contin- should the school board address them? ue building something that can positively The increase in unfunded state mandates impact our student’s futures. now and in the future. We need to continue to be fiscally responsible and flexible.

Do you believe it is necessary for RBHS to do more to better serve all students?

If so, what areas need improvement? Do The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: you believe that RBHS focuses too much rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide attention on one area? How can RBHS

Why are you running come and they stay, which says for the board of Riverside a lot about our community, Brookfield High School? How our students, and our school. would your experience and Dr. Smetana and Ms. Lindquist perspectives be valuable as cast a broad net for new posian elected official? tions to attract a qualified and I am running for the School diverse staff. We recently hired Board because I believe this is a bilingual Spanish-speaking an area where I can contribute mathematics teacher. We also the most. I have worked in the strive to diversify our adminLAURA HRUSKA istration, where students may area of professional education, and I have worked with feel safe and inspired by the Industry. I currently substitute teach for leadership of the school. Our principle, the Elmhurst Consolidated School District Dr. Freytas, has been a tremendous addi205. I have greatly enjoyed my time in tion and his charisma inspires our Latino Elmhurst, they are a diverse and creative youth. We have diversified our deans, our district. They have 27 languages spoken student guidance counselors, and school in their schools, they have an entire grade- psychologist. We hired these individuals school devoted to bilingual education. because we believed they were the most I have opportunity to be in classrooms qualified for their positions and would be from Kindergarten through high school, the best fit for our students. and the opportunity to see different programs implemented such as block schedHow do you think the school has done uling. On the other side I have spent many regarding implementing initiatives years on the governance committees of that promote equity, as emphasized in our professional school board organiza- RBHS’ new mission statement? tion. The most driving factor for me is out Our mission statement is designed to youth, which are the future of be a lens we see everything our country. Education has through as we move forward. looked very similar for many As we review each policy, we decades, however, currently look to make sure there are not there are so many advances any hidden biases. As we apand new opportunities, stuprove student trips, the board dents around the world are is conscientious that there is excelling in science, technolequal access for all our stuogy, and other core subjects. dents and not only those from Every conference we attend SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE wealthier homes. As we conas a Board, we are reminded ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE sider new programs or policies, that we are preparing our the district utilizes diverse comstudents for jobs that do not mittees. When we send out ineven exist yet. formation, we are ensuring that our Latino families also have access to information in Between 2006 and 2021, RBHS’ stu- Spanish. We rely on our students, staff and dent demographics changed signifi- community members to point out new arcantly. Do you believe that RBHS has eas. Our club, “Girls who Code,” was a solumade progress in recruiting teachers tion to a bias in the field of programming who reflect these changes and, if not, which is typically dominated by men. The how can it do more in that respect? women in this club have done well. StuI believe that RBHS should recruit the dent can propose any club. best teachers we can for any open position. My own children are bi-racial, their father and his family are from Mexico, and The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found they never felt isolated or left out of the online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide RBHS community. Many of our teachers

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RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD HIGH SCHOOL D208 (5 CANDIDATES FOR FOUR 4-YEAR TERMS ) Do you believe it is necesgoing training and engagesary for RBHS to do more to ment in diversity, equity, and better serve all students? inclusion.”

If so, what areas need improvement? Do you believe As a school board memthat RBHS focuses too much ber, how will your values inattention on one area? How form your approach to budcan RBHS better prepare geting and fiscal planning?

With 20+ years of experistudents for college and/or ence in the public sector, I career?

DEANNA ZALAS understand the need to balAs a Board and as a commuance competing priorities usnity, we need to acknowledge that students begin with different resourc- ing limited resources. In my current term, I es and we must find ways to equitably have led the board’s efforts to negotiate a support them in and out of the classroom. fair and reasonable contract with our barDistrict 208 is not immune to the challeng- gained members and a fair and reasones inherent to public education, and bal- able contract with our superintendent. ancing demands that range from govern- Good government budgeting requires ment mandates to Advanced Placement a transparent process that respects both opportunities to extra-curricular support historic trends and anticipated changes to Special Education requirements to Arts while understanding the full array of fundprogramming to Social Emotional Learn- ing source. The current district budget reing needs - all within a constrained budget mains balanced and responsible while in- often results in some displeasure. A goal- vesting in staff and programs that directly oriented district can support continuous support student outcomes. improvement across all areas, What do you believe are and leveraging RBHS’ small the biggest challenges facsize, dedicated teachers, and ing District 208 and how parental engagement can should the school board adensure that, in the words of dress them? our mission statement, “gradWhen I ran for my first uates are well-equipped to term on this board, no one be responsible members of was predicting a world-wide a diverse and ever-changing pandemic.

As we navigated world.”

SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE the pandemic period, there ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE were certainly disagreements How do you think the along the way but ultimately school has done regarding implementing initiatives that promote the strong core that is District 208 (parequity, as emphasized in RBHS’ new ents, teachers, administrators and community) allowed us to move forward and mission statement?

Addressing systemic racism requires serve the students. The Board of Educathe long-term focus and investment of tion must lead by example - listen to mulgovernment bodies, and District 208 has tiple perspectives, understand complex begun to make these important efforts. situations, and maintain a focus on the A top priority for the Board of Education educational outcome of District 208. I must be a continued partnership with believe I have the temperament and enthe school community to support not just gagement required to continue this valuthe 2021 mission statement but also to able work regardless of the future chaladvance an annual, detailed goal setting lenges we may face. process. Through the Board of Education’s leadership, District 208 has begun The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found to meet the action steps in support of the online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide 2022-23 goals in an effort to “continue on-

more technology at a student’s Do you believe it is necessary for fingertips from a young age, there RBHS to do more to better serve are some drawbacks that are beall students? If so, what areas need coming increasingly prevalent that improvement? Do you believe that we need to be aware of. Some of RBHS focuses too much attention these things are being addressed on one area? How can RBHS better already in the schools but there prepare students for college and/ are also emerging trends such as or career? the impact of the Covid years that There’s always an opportunity for need to be accounted for. schools such as Riverside-Brookfield A key resource already in place to do more for students. The ques- KENYON DUNER is a curriculum with social emotion is how best to achieve that with the time limitations in school and after school tional learning. Increased time spent online clubs, staff work load, and budget. With the sometimes leads to feelings of isolation for increased attention paid to student loan debt kids, a lack of communication skills for directly there has been helpful discussions about developing relationships, decreased emotional schools expanding the vocational pathways development, and a lack of empathy that maniavailable to students as well as a focus on com- fests itself in bullying behaviors. Brook Park’s munity college options. I think RB has been hiring of a full time SEL teacher was a good step proactive in acknowledging these tracks for stu- in addressing these challenges to students.

A recent issue of concern in students and dents through classes.

The dual enrollment programs available adults is media and information literacy. While through Triton College to RB students is a great it’s very easy to find news and opinions about opportunity to get a head start. The variety of topics, it’s becoming harder to verify the credprograms available are strong, but hopefully ibility of many of these sources. Having a stucan be expanded. A strong Applied Arts Pro- dent attending a school district that currently gram can help with opening up vocational op- doesn’t have a full-time degreed librarian in either the elementary school or portunities for students as well. RB’s the middle school, it does a disTelevision Arts Program and Autoservice for students for many reamotive sequence are assets to the sons, including a lack of quality school. instruction in information literacy, RB has a robust dual credit proeffective research skills, and ungram through Advanced Placement derstanding formats and sources. classes that offer the basics like EngThey then start high school with lish and Math as well as less tradithese deficiencies and need to tional options such as studio art and music theory. The opportunity for SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE catch up. While RBHS used to independent study offered by RB is ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE have two full-time librarians, they currently have one, leaving less also a valuable chance for a student opportunities for students to masto receive credit for curriculum such as foreign languages not offered by the district. ter those abilities before graduation.

There are remedies for all these issues facing Summer internship opportunities through RB also give students a chance to receive high education and thankfully many of them are alschool credit in non-traditional ways. The addi- ready in place. The question for the board is are tional requirement of an interview to be accept- they enough to overcome the challenges, and if not, is it best to tweak what is in place (more ed into the program is a valuable experience.

SEL instruction, tutoring, resources for impleWhat do you believe are the biggest chal- menting Move to Learn and other strategies, lenges facing District 208 and how should etc.) or starting from scratch. the school board address them?

One of the biggest challenges facing schools going forward is the impact of students growThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: ing up with increased access to technology. rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide While there are certainly benefits to having

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RB HIGH SCHOOL D208 (5 CANDIDATES FOR FOUR 4-YEAR TERMS ) Why are you running for the students to get their feedback board of Riverside Brookfield on services RBHS can provide High School? How would your to better prepare our students experience and perspectives for college and/or career opbe valuable as an elected ofportunities. With busy school ficial? schedules and after-school A strong belief in commuactivities, it can be challengnity involvement and my family ing for students to think about are two reasons I am running what their future looks like post for District 208 School Board.

RBHS graduation. ImplementPublic service and community NICHOLAS NOVAK ing programs that give all stuinvolvement are values of mine dents more exposure to career that are enriched in my everyday life. I paths vs. college experiences should be have worked for the Wheaton Park District explored. for over 20 years. During this time, I have been involved in the planning, building, How do you think the school has done and maintaining of several parks and fa- regarding implementing initiatives that cilities. Budgeting and hiring full-time promote equity, as emphasized in RBHS’ staff are other essential functions of my job new mission statement? that correlate with the duties of a school I believe Riverside Brookfield High School board member. My wife, Jennifer Novak, has shown that equity and diversity are imhas been an educator for 19 years with For- portant core values. As an elected school est Park School District 91. We have three board member, I would be dedicated to crechildren--Nicholas Novak Jr. (20), Matthew ating a learning environment where all stuNovak (18) and Katie Novak (12). Our fam- dents are valued and treated with respect. ily moved to North Riverside in 2015. RBHS Creating and implementing programs was a big reason we moved to North Riv- to help diverse students succeed in the erside. Nic graduated RBHS in classroom is a way to improve 2021 and is a sophomore at the equity. Treat every student reUniversity of Illinois Urbanaspectfully and value their conChampaign. Matt graduated tribution to the school.

RBHS in 2022 and is a freshman at the University of Dayton. My As a school board member, daughter Katie is in 7th grade at how will your values inform Hauser Middle School. Katie your approach to budgeting will be attending RBHS in the and fiscal planning?

Fall of 2024. I am vested in this Any member of an elected community and want to make a SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE school board must play a role positive impact for all students. ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE in the school’s budget. When If elected, I believe my 20 years using public tax dollars, we of public service and dedication to com- must make responsible decisions and apmunity involvement would be an asset to ply the best business practices to ensure we RBHS’ Board of Education. are accountable to all students and taxpayers. The best way to be fiscally responsible Do you believe it is necessary for RBHS is through transparency. Open and honest to do more to better serve all students? communication between all levels of leadIf so, what areas need improvement? Do ership is how responsible school budgets you believe that RBHS focuses too much are formed. attention on one area? How can RBHS better prepare students for college and/ or career?

The candidate’s responses have been edited for RBHS does a great job of providing serprint. The full unedited responses can be found online at: vices to all students. If elected, I would like rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide to hear from teachers, administrators, and

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LYONS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL D204 (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) started to achieve equitable Why are you running for the outcomes for students and board of Lyons Township High how can it do better?

School? How would your exThis is a position that I was perience and perspectives be instrumental in helping to crevaluable as an elected official? ate and I am passionate about I am the current president the importance of this role. Dr. of the LTHS District 204 School Rowe has been a valuable adBoard and over the last four dition to the LTHS team. In her years, we’ve accomplished role, she is responsible for asso much. I’m excited about KARI DILLON sessing and addressing dispariwhat’s ahead with the recent ties and barriers that prevent adoption of our Strategic Plan, an LTHS first. There are so many reasons marginalized groups from achieving their why I’m running again, but at the core: full potential. The role seeks to ensure historically underserved groups will get the ■ I firmly believe in public education. Not supports they need to have the same oponly do I believe in it, but I am a champion portunities as student groups who are not for it. underserved.

■ I support and admire our teachers and With this role, we’ve implemented profesadministrators. LTHS has an impressive sional training and begun evaluating our reputation for retaining highly qualified processes, procedures and policies. We have teachers and administrators who care a lot more work to do, but I am committed deeply about our students. to making LTHS a welcoming space for all ■ I love our community and I believe to feel as though they belong. It is with that the high school is the heart of focus, that we can affect true it. This is the last stop on our learning. children’s education journey As a board member, I will before they launch careers or continue to support these inigo on to higher education. tiatives and look forward to evaluating our progress along I have served on the LTHS the way.

District 204 board for the last four years, helped navigate The District 204 Board of through a pandemic and hired Education is planning to sell a new superintendent. I know SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE 70 acres of land it owns in it takes patience, dedication ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE Willow Springs, possibly beand collaboration to work with fore the next school board is a team of seven. Together, we seated. What is your view on effectively implemented a 1:1 laptop dis- whether or not the land should be sold? tribution program; developed the first dis- If you support the sale, what do you betrict equity statement; established the Di- lieve is the best use of proceeds? rector of Student Services and Director of It is the school board’s fiduciary responsiEquity & Belonging roles; enabled the first bility to the taxpayers to make decisions on live-streamed board meetings, upgraded behalf of the district that will benefit all stu64 classrooms with air conditioning and dents at the least expense to all taxpayers. recently completed a community-engaged The proceeds from a potential sale could facilities study to identify future projects/ dramatically improve the infrastructure of needs to improve our aging campuses. our campuses and would contribute to fulfilling strategic Goal 5.

For the 2021-2022 school year, LTHS hired a director of equity and belonging and launched initiatives to address The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: equity. What, in your view, is the value rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide of pursuing these initiatives? Has LTHS

For the 2021-2022 school Like students across Illinois, year, LTHS hired a director LTHS students are still recovof equity and belonging and ering from the devastating launched initiatives to adimpact of the pandemic. But dress equity. What, in your we continue to make progress view, is the value of pursuing in key areas. We are working these initiatives? Has LTHS hard to close the achievement/ started to achieve equitable opportunity gap, in part by imoutcomes for students and proving LTHS’s EL program. Adhow can it do better? ditionally, a co-taught model JILL BEDA Dr. Rowe, in her position, has been implemented which DANIELS pushes us forward to bring prois amazing for so many stufessional learning for the staff dents. We are justifiably proud and oversees LTHS’s student and equity of LTHS’s ability to provide so many different committee and helps guide the administra- opportunities through its many clubs and tion and board in moving forward. This po- athletic programs. While we are happy that sition allows us to stay current with things so many of our students progress to college we should do to include all. It brings an to further their education, we recognize innovative approach to creating a school that this is not the best path for everyone. where all students belong.

We are equally proud of our ability to preLTHS’s diversity, equity and inclusion pare students for vocational training. There initiatives are important because the data are so many opportunities for all students. shows that marginalized students are significantly behind. This is the The District 204 Board of reason why LTHS lags behind Education is planning to sell its peer districts, like Hinsdale 70 acres of land it owns in Central. We can close that gap Willow Springs, possibly beby giving those students the refore the next school board sources they need to thrive. is seated. What is your view on whether or not the land During the past year or so, should be sold? If you supthere has been much discusport the sale, what do you sion about modifications to SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE believe is the best use of LTHS’ grading system. What ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE proceeds? are your views on the change/ A potential sale can bring tweaks? Do you believe that valuable resources to our disthere is anything else that needs to be trict and community. As a board, we are done and, if so, what? driven by our strategic plan which was imThere has been a robust dialog on this plemented with the vision of all stakeholdtopic among the Board, Administration and ers (community, teachers, students and adLT community. As a result, LT has listened ministration). A sale for this property would and adapted its policies. This topic requires allow LTHS to make key investments in our continuous evaluation and a spirit of flex- facilities, which is part of Goal Five of our ibility as we evaluate what’s working and Strategic Plan. Such improvements will benefit students in many significant ways, givwhat isn’t with input from all stakeholders. ing them opportunities and resources which There has been some question about our current facilities do not offer -- the range whether or not LTHS is maintaining of possibilities is exciting for all. Using our high academic standards and prepar- current resources to achieve this without a ing students adequately for college and referendum is impactful for all in our district. careers. Can you provide examples in which the school may be lacking or in The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. which it excels in delivering a high-qual- The full unedited responses can be found online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide ity education?

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LYONS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL D204 (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) During the past year or so, was looking for the most value, there has been much discusknowing the village will ultision about modifications to mately need to accept the proLTHS’ grading system. What posal. This is an outsider’s point you are your views on these of view. With any major decichanges/tweaks? Do you besion, thousands of smaller decilieve anything else needs to sions must be made. I cannot be done? begin to know all the questions I was very pleased that the that were asked, what variables changes that were made. While were considered, and the results TIM ALBORES of the thousands of smaller decithis philosophy of “not yet,” meaning we don’t move on sions that were made to come to the next lesson until everyone under- to the point they are now. However, I do stands the material, is good in philosophy, question how much transparency and comit did not work. Homework has value. It is munication there was with the community. through the required practice that learn- I do appreciate the communication that was ing occurs. Once value was placed back on shared on January 26, however, the commuhomework, I’ve seen firsthand how learn- nity made it clear that they were not aware ing became stronger. The newest debate is of the direction the district was heading. on retaking assessments. While I do think Whether the district felt it was open in their students should have an opportunity to communication or not, it doesn’t matter if retake an exam, there must be the community feels disenfranrequirements put in place to chised. Currently, I am not a fan take them. You must have skin of selling this property to indusin the game. This means before try, however taking a definitive you are allowed to retake an side without knowing all the assessment, all of your homeinformation, I believe, is reckless work must be turned in and and irresponsible. you should either complete another study guide so teachers What do you believe are know you are prepared or meet SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE the biggest challenges facing with your teacher to ensure you ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE District 204 and how should are vested in the process. While the school board address some may say there aren’t rethem? dos in life, we have all been given second Academic Rigor–We need to motivate chances when we make mistakes. But we kids to come to school and attend class need to earn them. Failing and moving on on time. As students get older at LTHS, we isn’t helping our test scores, or, most impor- see higher chronic truancy rates. Students tantly, our students. who feel safe, welcome, and wanted in any environment do better. This is no different The District 204 Board of Education is than us as adults. If we work in a supportive planning to sell 70 acres of land it owns environment, we perform better. I believe in Willow Springs, possibly before the this is already occurring at LTHS, however, it next school board is seated. What is your must always remain a focus for our school. view on whether or not the land should Similarly, we must continue to maintain the be sold? If you support the sale, what do academic rigor of our students to ensure you believe is the best use of proceeds? they are prepared for high-stakes tests. This I understand that the board is looking to requires scheduled curriculum reviews and generate much-needed revenue to sup- revisions to ensure our curriculum aligns port infrastructure for our school without with these assessments. having to try to pass a referendum. However, ultimately, it is up to the Village of WilThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: low Springs to change the zoning to allow rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide the purchase. I believe the current board

During the past year or so, owns in Willow Springs, posthere has been much discussibly before the next school sion about modifications to board is seated. What is your LTHS’ grading system. What view on whether or not the you are your views on these land should be sold? If you changes/tweaks? Do you besupport the sale, what do lieve anything else needs to you believe is the best use of be done? proceeds?

While I have been going If I was a sitting board memdoor-to-door in every one of ber right now, I would vote JUSTIN CLARK no to the selling of the land. I our communities, this issue has come up the most—eswould immediately work with pecially regarding the homework. What school officials and other board members for sure needs to be done is an evaluation to create a process to gather stakeholdof the grading policy through the lens of ers together from all of our communidifferent data points, including but not ties to discuss the sale, understand their limited to standardized test data post the concerns, work towards a resolution, and policy change, homework completion move to sell the land based on the outdata post the policy change, and stake- come of the conversations. Once the sale holder qualitative data post the change of the land is finalized, continue updates (MOSTLY graduated students and how it and meetings on how the sale of the land has affected them post high school). If all is contributing to the needed upgrades to of these suggest that the policy change LTHS. was detrimental to LTHS students’ academic achieveWhat do you believe are the ment, it should be changed, biggest challenges facing Disimmediately. trict 204 and how should the school board address them?

■ Grading Policy–especially There has been some regarding homework: Comquestion about whether munity members believe or not LTHS is maintaining that LTHS is lowering the bar high academic standards and preparing students SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE for both academic rigor and adequately for college and ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE teaching students how to hold themselves accountable. As a careers. Can you provide school board member, I would examples in which the school may be lacking or in which it ex- ask to see data (both quantitative and cels in delivering a high-quality educa- qualitative) on its effectiveness and move forward on making changes based on the tion?

The school is lacking in providing data examination of the data.

■ LTHS Facilities: Needing an upgrade that shows if students are growing over their four years as a student at LTHS and of facilities–specifically air conditioning prepared to thrive post-high school. in the north campus and upgrades to There are “traditional” ways to examine classrooms. As a board member, I would student growth (e.g. growth through the ask for a group of school stakeholders to SAT Suite of Assessments) and novel ways prioritize facility upgrades and then look (student preparedness based on first-year, for both short term and long-term budpost-high school surveys/focus groups). geting sources—which can include the LTHS offers a wide range of AP (Advanced funds raised by the selling of the Willow Placement) and Dual Credit courses, Springs land. which is very beneficial for our students.

The District 204 Board of Education is planning to sell 70 acres of land it

The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at:

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LYONS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL D204 (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) Why are you running for the that every student has a safe board of Lyons Township High learning environment that is School? How would your exintimidation free. The adminperience and perspectives be istration needs to ensure that valuable as an elected official? policies are in place and enforce My desire to give back is part policies that help deliver a safe, of my DNA. I believe the LTHS discrimination free and bullying Strategic Plan is sound and free equitable environment for thought my previous school every student and staff memboard experience might be a ber.

DAVID HERNDON good fit for me to lend a hand.

The true motivator came What do you think are the about during college visits with my young- biggest challenges facing District 204 est daughter in 2021. One admissions coun- and how should the school board adselor said to us, “it’s statistically impossible dress them? for that many Lyons Township High School Earning the trust of the community back. students to have a 4.0 or above GPA. We From Covid back to school missteps, violaknow about the school’s retake policies on tions of the open meetings act, attempts to tests and homework not counting, its hurt- silence constituents and, lastly, the many ing kids coming from that school.” failures and tone-deaf responses to the This was totally a different take on LTHS Willow Springs community has made this than what I had heard during college vis- difficult to repair. The board needs to imits in 2017 with my eldest daughter. When prove their lines of communication with touring colleges that year, whenever we the community. If elected, I will ask for and brought up LTHS, admissions counselors publish my LTHS email address so the comsaid she would be well prepared and that munity can reach out to a board member. I “Lyons Township High School was the will encourage other board members to do equivalent of a college prep the same. I will ask the board to school.” go on listening tours and town Continued lack of communihalls in our feeder communication with their constituents ties to help improve commuover the years, lately with the nication. Finally, I will ask the Willow Springs property issues, administration to foster and has shown what can happen improve relationships with vilwith an inexperienced board lage leadership from the muand superintendent. nicipalities that feed into LTHS. Watching these things, I knew I believe the board needs SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE I wanted and could do some- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE three new members to help thing to help. foster in an improved environment of trust. I believe my For the 2021-22 school year, LTHS hired 12 years of experience as a board member a director of equity and belonging and would go a long way to helping repair the launched initiatives to address equity. trust barrier that currently exists. Even if What, in your view, is the value of pursu- you are doing everything right, if the coming diversity, equity and inclusion initia- munity does not trust you, it is very difficult tives? to govern. If we can rebuild the trust in the I believe that all children and staff have community, providing the tools to improve the right to be treated equally with respect, student performance should also be easier dignity, and kindness. As a Board member, to achieve.

I would not tolerate any behavior that led to any discrimination, bullying or any other inappropriate behavior directed at anyone The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. due to their race, sex or sexual orientation The full unedited responses can be found online at: and insist that the administration ensure rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide

Why are you running for the shocked at the amount of homeboard of Lyons Township High work, the penalties they faced School? How would your exfor non-attendance, and that perience and perspectives be test taking had a major impact valuable as an elected official? on their grades. The ownership I am running for the Board is on the students at the college because I am concerned about level – they are not prepared for the dip in academic proficiency this. I have also talked to stuand believe there is need for dents who never did/had homeimprovement on providing safe work, attended class less than environments for all students. TIMOTHY VLCEK 50% of the time and still graduMentoring for the school’s Inated. How can this be? cubator program has given me a hands-on opportunity to observe students in their The District 204 Board of Education is environment. I believe this experience, planning to sell 70 acres of land it owns in combined with my background in business Willow Springs, possibly before the next ownership and executive management, pro- school board is seated. What is your view vides me with the skillset needed to solve on whether or not the land should be problems and help create solutions to our sold? If you support the sale, what do you current challenges. believe is the best use of proceeds?

There’s been zero transparency on the sale For the 2021-22 school year, LTHS hired of property until last November – a total disa director of equity and belonging and regard for the residents of Willow Springs. launched initiatives to address equity. The property is already zoned residential, What, in your view, is the value of pursu- light retail and senior living, but the only ing diversity, equity and inclusion initia- bids received were for industrial developtives? ment--this I oppose. I feel the land should be Every student should receive sold maintaining the integrity an equitable education. People of the community; especially with special academic and with a grade school located so learning needs should have the close to it. I would support sellresources they need to succeed. ing to developers who would not have a negative effect on There has been some queshomeowners and/or quality of tion about whether or not life. This timeline has made peoLTHS is maintaining high acaple question trust for the board. demic standards and preparClosed door meetings promote ing students adequately for SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE the lack of transparency. college and careers. Can you ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE What do you think are the provide examples in which biggest challenges facing Disthe school may be lacking trict 204 and how should the or in which it excels in delivering a high- school board address them? quality education?

I believe academics and safety are the I do believe there is a drop in performance biggest challenges. Kids need to feel safe levels and we are missing the mark in post- at school, safe from cyber bullying, social graduate preparedness. We have a reported pressure and physical threats. They need to 95% graduation rate and a 28% chronic be able to feel they can speak and act freely absenteeism rating – how can that be? It is without retribution from other students and also reported that 20% of students who go staff, and they need to be held accountable to community college have to take remedial for academics and attendance. courses.

I have personally spoken to students The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. that graduated last year and they said they The full unedited responses can be found online at: weren’t prepared for college; they were rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide

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LT HIGH SCHOOL D204 (7 CANDIDATES FOR 3 OPEN SEATS) Why are you running for the and, if so, what? board of Lyons Township High LTHS needs to tighten the reSchool? How would your expequirement for homework, testing rience and perspectives be valuand attendance. Multiple test reable as an elected official? takes, late homework acceptance I am running because I feel and lax attendance requirements that the school has strayed from are unacceptable. So, yes- it needs its fundamental responsibility of to change. Back to basics. providing a safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment The District 204 Board of FRANK EVANS Education is planning to sell 70 for students- and that I can help guide the school back to those acres of land it owns in Willow basic principles.

Springs, possibly before the next school I have been self-employed my entire adult board is seated. What is your view on life. First as a floor trader at the Chicago Mer- whether or not the land should be sold? If cantile Exchange, then as a financial advi- you support the sale, what do you believe sor since 2002. I understand budgeting and is the best use of proceeds? finance along with the responsibilities of a LTHS owns the land, and it is their right to business owner--such as meeting payroll and sell. However, I DO NOT support the sale of the operating expenses. A businessowner’s per- land to an industrial developer. The land is not spective would help the Board become better zoned for commercial property, it would decistewards of taxpayer funds. mate the property values of the surrounding community and negatively affect the health of For the 2021-2022 school year, LTHS students at Pleasantdale Elementary. Furtherhired a director of equity and belonging more, the lack of transparency by the board and launched initiatives to address equity. in the decision to sell is alarming. Such an imWhat, in your view, is the value of pursu- pactful decision should have had significant ing these initiatives? Has LTHS started to involvement of the residents and surrounding achieve equitable outcomes for students communities. I feel strongly that a decision and how can it do better? should WAIT until after the new I feel that every student regardboard is seated and community less of race or socio-economic engaged properly. status should have support and I support the sale only under access to every resource available my previously stated conditions. to help them learn and succeed.

If those conditions are met, only Has this not always been the case then will a discussion of which inat LTHS? frastructure or investment needs I don’t know if LTHS has to support LTHS is appropriate. achieved “equitable” outcomes. SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE What I do know, though, is that ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE What do you think are the there have been several high-probiggest challenges facing Disfile incidents/fights at LTHS- retrict 204 and how should the ported in the media- that have resulted in sig- school board address them? nificant monetary payouts to those affected.

Guiding the school back to pre-pandemic I would advocate for an analysis of what has levels of excellence, allowing transparency changed in the culture of LTHS to allow such and developing community engagement. incidents to become commonplace, and find We need to restore our school rating to a 10, a solution to stop this unacceptable behavior. provide a safe learning environment for all students and become accountable for all social, During the past year or so, there has been fiscal and educational directives. much discussion about modifications to LTHS’ grading system. What are your views The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: on the change/tweaks? Do you believe that rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide there is anything else that needs to be done

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LAGRANGE-BROOKFIELD D102 (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) In recent years, District 102 has begun its focus on achievhas made equity initiatives an ing equitable outcomes for important part of its strategic students. I further believe that plan. What, in your view, is we, the board, should continthe value of these initiatives? ue to inquire of the district’s Has the district started to superintendent and district achieve equitable outcomes and building administrators: for students and how can it What are our students learndo better? ing? How do we know that When I think about the value have learned?, and What are BESSIE BOYD of pursuing diversity, equity we doing when they are not and inclusion initiatives, I think getting it? of my beginnings with the Committee Following is an Equity Policy Goal - Stufor Equity and Minority Achievement dent Development Goal: We commit to (CEMA) in 2016. I felt then and continue closing existing achievement gaps by deto feel now, “schools should ensure that veloping instructional models based on all students have equitable opportunities student interests and needs. In order to to learn.” The following statement comes achieve this goal, we commit to maintainfrom the district’s Equity Policy: ing high expectations for student achieve“The District strives to ensure all stu- ment and quality instruction that are dents, regardless of racial identity or skin clearly conveyed to students and families color, receive a diverse, relevant, rigorous and are free of discrimination. Click for disand integrated curriculum based on rec- trict’s equity policy: https://www.dist102. ognized standards that provide the skills k12.il.us/page/equity necessary to thrive in elementary school, It is my belief that as the district continsecondary school, and beyond.” ues this focus, it will become better. https://www.dist102.k12.il.us/page/equity In recent years, District 102 impleAs the district continues to strive toward mented a standard-based grading sysimproving outcomes, we should also cel- tem. What you are your views of the change? ebrate what has been accomThe goal for making this plished. The district: ■ is actively working to shift in the district was to help diversify the administration, students, parents and staff teaching and support staff as know what the learning outidentified in the CEMA. comes are for each course or grade level in order for the Dis■ seeks to become more trict to become better aligned efficient and effective when with instructional practices monitoring how decisions imand expectations across grade pact groups of students, based SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE on data results.

ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE levels. Using teacher developed common assessments ■ has developed a Student and prioritizing what learning Climate survey that provides is essential for students, teachers gain a more explicit student voice.

■ has created intentional structure to deeper understand of where students are in their learning. Following is an article infuse diversity across grades. based on a teacher’s experience in switch■ has used grant funds to provide explicit ing to SBG https://www.weareteachers. outside tutoring resources.

As District 102 reports improvements com/standards-based-grading/ for many students, we are not alone in continuing to show marginal to no growth The candidate’s responses have been edited for for the following groups: Individual Eduprint. The full unedited responses can be found cation Plan (IEP), Low-Income, Black, Hisonline at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide panic and English Learners. The district

of their school experience. The In recent years, District efforts put forth towards DEI 102 has made equity initiaare continuous. tives an important part of its strategic plan. What, in In recent years, District your view, is the value of 102 implemented a stanthese initiatives? Has the dards-based grading system. district started to achieve What are your views of the equitable outcomes for change? Is there anything students and how can it do else that needs to be done, better?

District 102 is a leading TIZIANA LAMBERT and if so, what?

The switch to standardsschool regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, and I’m extremely based grading has allowed for a more taiproud of the work all District 102 stake- lored instructional approach that enables holders have put forth to ensure all stu- teachers and students to understand spedents feel a sense of belonging in our cific areas of mastery and areas of deficit. school district. From 2019-2021, I had As a parent and educator, I believe that the pleasure of being part of District standards-based grading is an effective 102’s Committee of Equity and Minority method to demonstrate student growth Achievement (CEMA) as a parent. Dur- and mastery of skills. The change from ing my time on the committee, I par- traditional grading to standards-based ticipated in a subgroup that focused on grading has resulted in more consistent the underrepresentation of students and objective ways to measure student of color in accelerated classes and the progress and to ensure that all students overrepresentation of students of color are held to a high standard. Moving in the multi-tiered system of support. away from a point-based system has enThrough this subcommittee, the need couraged students to focus on learning and not just gaining points. for change was determined, The ability to make mistakes and initiatives were created to address underrepresented without risks and continue to students. The CEMA commitpractice these skills till mastee also created the current tery creates perseverance and equity policy that ensures promotes a growth mindset. the district follows a set of Standards-based grading also guidelines. In addition to supports the multi-tiered sysCEMA, the district is committem of support framework. ted to creating a culture that SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE The process of targeting spefocuses on equity by provid- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE cific skills guides teachers to ing staff with quality proidentify struggling students fessional development and and address their learning equity-centered practices that align with deficits immediately. As a parent, I’ve the Social Justice Standards for Teaching experienced the benefits of this process Tolerance. first-hand and attribute my children’s Additionally, the district’s efforts to growth to this process. Since this grading promote inclusivity have resulted in system depends largely on rubrics and more students with disabilities being other scoring guides, I believe specific, included in the general education class- targeted feedback that clearly communiroom. With every successful organiza- cates where students are at and what they tion, there is always room for growth, need to do to reach their full potential is and DEI should always be a priority. The essential. district is challenged to continue to ensure that all students are meeting or exThe candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found ceeding expectations and continue to online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide feel a sense of belonging in every aspect

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LAGRANGE-BROOKFIELD D102 (6 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) In recent years, District helpful standards-based grad102 has made equity initiaing is. Many LTHS feeder schools tives an important part of its utilize standards-based grading, strategic plan. What, in your and LTHS has recently shifted to view, is the value of these more of a standards-based gradinitiatives? Has the district ing system. Our District 102 stustarted to achieve equitable dents and families are prepared outcomes for students and for the high school system. how can it do better?

Like all systems within a Equity is a huge priority of school, questions should continMOLLY KNOTT uously be asked. It is the role of mine. When I was teaching in the district, I was proud to be the board to work to make sure an early adopter of the equity work and vi- our systems, grading and otherwise, are sion of District 102. My journey to under- most effective for our students, families, standing the inequities in our education and educators. system has been long and I understand how important it is to provide an equitable What do you believe are the biggest education for our students. There are many challenges facing the district and how components to a student’s identity and it is should the school board address them? the role of school to embrace and support Retention of the highly qualified and those identities so all students feel safe at passionate staff is a challenge. According school. Only when students feel safe can in to the state report card, 26.7% of staff left depth learning occur.

District 102 last year, more than twice the The initiatives in place now are a start, state average. Asking for exit interviews but we must continue to do the work. Con- would be a way to understand why so tinuing to pursue diversity, equity, and in- many staff members are leaving. After unclusion initiatives is mandatory for all our derstanding the causes, we can conduct a students to be successful. We root-cause analysis to come up must understand that all of with solutions to retain staff. I want District 102 to be a place our students are not starting from the same place. Diversity, where staff members feel cared equity, and inclusion training for, supported, fulfilled, and exfor staff members should be cited about their work. When that happens, everyone wins. further implemented. Hiring highly qualified staff members The social and emotional who reflect the student popuneeds of students have shifted lation should be a priority. throughout the past three years.

SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE As a board member, I would In recent years, District ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE strongly support research102 implemented a stanbased programs that meet the dard-based grading system. emotional needs of students.

What you are your views of the change? I would support staff training that helps What more needs to be done? them to reach the students in this ever In 2019, I was part of the first team in shifting world. The students of District 102 District 102 to implement standards-based need to feel empowered with knowledge, grading. Standards-based grading pro- critical thinking, love, and compassion. Our vides the students, families, and educators teachers and staff can do that if we emwith specific knowledge of which skills power them with strong support. have been mastered and which are still in progress. This data is imperative to best guide students through their learning.

The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

Although the mindset shift was challengThe full unedited responses can be found online at: ing years ago, I believe the students, famirblandmark.com/2023-election-guide lies, and educators now understand how

Why are you running to themselves, their families, be on the school board of and their culture representDistrict 102? How would ed in books and curriculum your experience and perat all D102 schools. I believe spectives be valuable as in providing the students of an elected official?

D102 with a full and robust I am running for the education which can someDistrict 102 school board times mean challenging disbecause I am passionate cussions on difficult topics. about public education. I KATHRYN am a working mom with a In recent years, DisCQUISTON M three-year-old son who will trict 102 implemented a eventually attend District standard-based grading 102 schools, so it is also very personal to system. What you are your views of me. I enjoy being a part of the decision- the change? What more needs to be making process and want to have a seat done? at the table and serve as a voice for all I support the change to the standardparents and advocate for the students. based grading system. I believe this I believe education is a public good grading system offers a more accurate and all children should have access to assessment of the student’s progress high-quality education. I am motivated and achievement. With any new system by the desire to make a difference and or policy, it is worthwhile to evaluate serve my community. how it is working for all stakeholders, For the past 15+ years, I have worked including students, teachers and in various sectors, including higher parents. education, non-profit associations, and business. I have experience working What do you believe are the bigwith a variety of stakeholders. I have a gest challenges facing the district and how should the school keen ability to listen and board address them? have also been described The current board has as someone who has a ‘bias done a great job over the for action.’ past several years. They I have attended the mafaced unprecedented chaljority of the board meetlenges during the panings for the 2022-23 school demic and they successfully year. This has helped me brought the students and understand the role of the board, the issues they face SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE teachers back to the classand the questions they ask ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE room.

One challenge facing of the administration.

District 102 is revising and In recent years, District 102 has strengthening the academic programs made equity initiatives an impor- to ensure they meet the needs of all tant part of its strategic plan. What, students. I think the way to address this in your view, is the value of these ini- is to fully review the curriculum and entiatives? Has the district started to sure that it is peer-reviewed and based achieve equitable outcomes for stu- in science. This is no small task, but I think it is important that we hold high dents and how can it do better?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion initia- curriculum standards. tives are important because it improves student learning and outcomes. I support these initiatives and if elected, will The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found continue to advocate for them in D102. online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide All students should be able to see

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distribution of interest and do not allow interest to rate compound. through Edward Jones areofissued bydecrease. banks and thrifts CDs the investor can lose principal value. FDIC risk suchCDs that offered when interest rates rise, the prices CDs can If CDs arenationwide. sold prior to All maturity, sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp.

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CDs RESERVED. offered Edward Jones bank-issued FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal FDI-1867L-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P.sold ALLbyRIGHTS AECSPAD Edward Jones arebyregistered with theare Depository Trustand Corp.

(DTC). and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit © information.

2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RESERVED. www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor FDI-1867L-A for additional Subject to availability andRIGHTS price change.

CDAECSPAD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 03/10/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal

and interest accrued butD.not yet paid) depositor, insuredAECSPAD depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit FDI-1867L-A © 2022 EDWARD JONES & CO.,per L.P. ALL RIGHTS per RESERVED.

www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

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Why are you running to be believe that this transition on the school board of District represents an opportunity 102? How would your experito seek new policy initiatives ence and perspectives be valuand, if so, what would you able as an elected official? support pursuing? What poI’m running to help improve lices do you think should be the quality of education in the retained? community and help make a This is a very exciting time for positive impact for all students. our schools, with the transition Serving on the school board of a new superintendent startCATHERINE would allow me the chance to ing this year. I think while Kyle’s MURPHY help shape the educational landdedication has been admirable scape of children in our commuand his efforts appreciated, it’s nity to best prepare them for a successful important to view this as an opportunity educational future. to have a new viewpoint, different set of In addition to my passion for fostering skills, and background to our community. the education system for all children, I also I think the biggest focus should be on imwant to help children who have challenges proving communication within our schools or need extra support. I want to help them and families, including collaborating with have a voice in our community and receive the community. I think it’s also important equal opportunities by helping schools to help foster a caring and inclusive school meet the needs of all students. environment in which the needs of every I believe my diverse experience and back- child matter and are met. Lastly, I think the ground can be valuable as a school board primary focus should always be ensuring member. My leadership and management student achievement. experience taught me the importance of Beyond these efforts, I would welcome collaborating with others and overseeing the opportunity to learn more about the suprojects, including timelines perintendent’s opinions about and budgets. In addition, my our policies, and what they feel experience in community orshould be the top priorities for ganizations demonstrated my the schools in our community commitment to projects and a and develop a system in which cause and illustrated my ability we could all collaboratively deto understand and prioritize the termine what policies are most/ needs of others. least effective.

I’ve also had years of experience in advocacy through my SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE What do you believe are the involvement with Lurie Chil- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE biggest challenges facing the dren’s Hospital of Chicago and district and how should the Texas Children’s Hospital of Ausschool board address them? tin, demonstrating a commitment to public The need to ensure that all students reservice, utilizing my time and experiences ceive the highest-quality education posto help others. sible, so they have the opportunity to sucMost importantly, my experience being a ceed and reach their full potential. Some mom of two kids, one who’s had severe spe- of these challenges can include meeting cial needs, has taught me patience and the diverse students’ needs, recruiting and reskills needed to effectively advocate for their tention of quality educators, and providing needs. I also have a unique background of a safe and healthy learning environment. experience with both the public and private school system in our community.

The newly elected school board members will start their terms as Kyle Schumacher exits as superintendent. Do you

The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at:

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BROOKFIELD LIBRARY BOARD (5 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) The Brookfield library staff and schooling, but also in building capacpatrons have now settled into a new ity for all the people in the community, building. What do you believe the so Carnegie endowed libraries nationlibrary board must do in the coming wide. At the time, that capacity buildfour years to maximize the instituing meant books, but it also meant tion’s potential? public lectures and discussion groups.

To engage with the premise of that The library, as a public institution, question, I don’t know if you can say we both then and now, is not just about are completely settled. The board and books – it never was. The library is staff worked hard to ensure success of about access and dissemination of inJOHN EDGAR the project. I feel we have a fine showformation. However, information is not MIHELIC piece building that gives the Village of just sitting there. The information is Brookfield something to brag about, not of use without trained professionbut we are still learning about the facilals to guide you to what you want and ity both in terms of the structure and campus, and maybe to something that you need but you did in how the public engages with it. Additionally, on not even know. More than books, it is the service top of that, we are still dealing with the low unem- of connecting people with information and each ployment environment which has created hiring other. It is an incredibly important institution in challenges for all organizations in the past year. that it is neutral ground for gathering throughout Currently, the board is in the middle of the strate- the community for all ages. Having a place like the gic planning process so we can assess how well we library can hopefully build bridges so that we can are meeting the community’s needs and what we all be part of a community, as important a conneccan do to make sure that we build on our strengths tion in the first century as in the 21st century. and limit whatever perceived weaknesses we might I am incredibly proud of the staff and leadership have. The goal is to serve the community and to be as they navigated two huge changes in the last few a good neighbor in our immediate surroundings. years. Transitioning to a new building would be exI think it is important to remember that the li- citing yet stressful at any time, but doing so while brary is not just the one building on trying to balance the needs of the Park, Lincoln, and Grand. I live on the community with the need to be safe southeast side of the village, and one in the uncertainty of the pandemic thing that you notice is that aside from made it even more difficult. To do both having the best park, the south side while maintaining and expanding feels underserved by village services. programming like the maker space is The north side of Brookfield is the censomething that I, as a board member, ter of gravity for village services, and am dazzled by. It makes me think of one thing I want to move towards is the quote about how Ginger Rodgers directly serving the residents south of SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE did everything Fred Astaire did – but Ogden. This service can be as simple ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE backwards and in high heels. as a book bike to a potential satellite That said, there are almost twenty branch, but we have to balance all thousand people in Brookfield, and these needs within the constraints of the library’s each person has a different vision of what the budget.

Library is and can be. Our job as democratically elected board members is to listen to those viewWhat do you believe is the role of a library in points and create a communal vision as we play our the 21st century? What kind of programming role in guiding the Library into the future. We will and services should a library offer; and what continue to offer as much to the community within should it not offer? Is the Brookfield library the various constraints of budget, space, staff time, meeting its mission now? and staff expertise that we can so that we meet the The history of the library in Brookfield starts with needs and desires of the community while recogthe philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie at the turn of nizing that we cannot be everything for everyone. the last century. One of the things that Carnegie, as well as other thinkers at the time, knew was that The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: an educated populace is a social good. This meant rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide that there was investment not just in more public

The Brookfield liing to meet that end. The brary staff and patrons needs of the community have now settled into a will change with time. The new building. What do building was designed you believe the library with flexibility in mind for board must do in the future needs. coming four years to I believe there are ways maximize the instituwe can expand and enrich tion’s potential? community awareness The board is currently of the diversity amid and LINDA undergoing a process to around us without alienKAMPSCHROEDER formulate our long-range ating our patrons and plan. There was a survey community members. sent out and listening sessions held as a start to this process.

In the past few years, throughMaking the transition to the new li- out the nation and even locally, brary was a tremendous undertaking. there have been attempts to cenBoth the staff and the public still need sor library materials. As a library time to acclimate to the new space trustee, how would you suggest and “grow into it.” staff approach requests to remove What do you believe is the role of a materials? Do you believe the lilibrary in the 21st century? What kind brary’s collection serves and reof programming and services should flects Brookfield? a library offer; and what should it not Staff members must adhere to the offer? Is the Brookfield lipolicy set forth by the brary meeting its mission board of trustees regardnow? ing censorship and the The library is the culremoval of materials. It tural, educational, and is not an individual decisocial hub of the comsion. The board supports munity. The library is conthe First Amendment. tinuously striving to meet Even with the new that end. The needs of the building, space is limited. community will change SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE The inter-library loan syswith time. The building ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE tem is invaluable in prowas designed with flexviding materials for our ibility in mind for future patrons while keeping needs. costs within budget. The library also I believe there are ways we can ex- has an impressive online database. pand and enrich community awareness of the diversity amid and around What other issues are important us without alienating our patrons and to you as library board candidate? community members.

How would you advocate for them as a board member?

What do you believe is the role of I see a great opportunity for the lia library in the 21st century? What brary to remain vibrant and grow in kind of programming and services its role as a hub in the community. I should a library offer; and what would love to continue being a part should it not offer? Is the Brook- of that process. field library meeting its mission now?

The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can The library is the cultural, educabe found online at: rblandmark.com/2023tional, and social hub of the commuelection-guide nity. The library is continuously striv-

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BROOKFIELD LIBRARY BOARD (5 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) What do you believe is the lived up to their mission to “create role of a library in the 21st cena cultural, educational, and infortury? What kind of programmational center for the community ming and services should a by providing readily accessible and library offer; and what should organized materials, programs, it not offer? Is the Brookfield and services that enrich the lives of library meeting its mission residents of all ages.” I am a library now? patron and have experienced, firstThe library of the 21st century hand, the welcoming environment is a combined physical environof our library, and the enrichment MITZI NORTON it offers is priceless. There is no betment and a digital environment that is centered around the ter example of the library living out needs of the people, providing access to its mission than The Mobile Museum of Toltools and resources at no cost, enriching lives erance Civil Rights Exhibit in June 2022. This and strengthening communities. The role of exhibit was a moving cultural immersion that the library is to provide a welcoming space – prompted important discussions on hate in all physical and online – that supports, teaches, its forms, nonviolent protest, and an excellent and inspires. educational tool on human rights. Thanks to The library should continue to offer an ar- our library, Brookfield was very fortunate to ray of programming for every age, from in- have this experience. fants to seniors. As Brookfield grows more diWhile we’d all like to see the library continue verse, the library should offer more programs to expand and grow, discontinuing programs in Spanish and other foreign languages, as that are not well-attended and/or do not fit needed. The community would the needs of the community, also benefit from more technolmakes good sense to me. ogy classes, especially those that help learners understand the ins What other issues are imporand outs of working in the Cloud tant to you as library board and how to make best use of candidate? How would you their mobile devices. advocate for them as a board With the dramatic rise in hymember? brid and remote work since the The Linda Sokol Francis Brookstart of the pandemic, the library field Library is operated by a of the 21st century should be SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE dedicated, future-focused, talprepared for an increase in re- ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE ented, diverse team of librarmote workers looking to spend ians and staff. As a library board their workday there. There will candidate, I want them to know be a continued need for quiet space, as well that I support and appreciate them. It is imas collaboration space. The library will always portant to me that we maintain an excellent need well-functioning Wi-Fi and plenty of mo- library staff, as they are the face of the library bile hot spot devices available for checkout. and carry out the daily tasks and responsibilThe pandemic also brought about a shift ities that make the library a vital community in the workforce and people looking for jobs. resource. To that end, I would advocate for Assistance with job searches, resume writing, development opportunities for the staff to filing for unemployment, and trade school learn and grow, and bring those key learnapplications will continue to be needed. The ings back to our library for consideration. I library should remain a resource for social spent most of my career in higher educaservices for the homeless, the disadvantaged tion and understand that lifelong learning elderly, and children. If it were financially fea- benefits not only the individual, but also the sible, having a social worker on staff at the institution they serve. library would be a tremendous asset, too.

Across the past few years, our library has The candidate’s responses have been edited for print.

The full unedited responses can be found online at: proven itself to be resilient and future-forblandmark.com/2023-election-guide cused, and adaptable. I believe they have

What do you believe is are described as being “porn.” To the role of a library in the me material where the purpose 21st century? What kind of of the content is explicitly to titprogramming and services illate is “pornography.” Material should a library offer; and whose sexual content is part of what should it not offer? Is the a narrative or educational, is not.

Brookfield library meeting its When asked to remove mamission now? terials, I’d have the librarians Libraries are no longer just remind patrons that there are about providing access to plenty of books in the stacks KARL A. OLSON they don’t agree with thembooks – which we already do remarkably well – but about selves. The purpose of the library providing a community meeting space and is to open lines of discussion, not shield peocommunity programming. As a parent, I ple from content. know the library already provides fantastic On a broader note, I think our collection alprogramming for children particularly in ready serves the community well. I’ve never the early childhood years (whoever thought had trouble getting books I’d like through to add children’s yoga/zumba events is bril- SWAN. While I understand the cost conliant.) I want to see that continue. I think we straints of providing digital material, I think also do an excellent job of serving the needs we’ve done an excellent job at that as well. of our teens and senior citizens. Our library I’d like to see more “recommended” and offers excellent programming as is. My goal curated tables. I walk into bookstores and alon the board is to ensure it stays the course. ways find things to read, because they have Of course, we do need to make sure that our tables and displays showcasing interesting programming doesn’t become stale and books. We have some at the library, but I evolves as needed. think more would be ideal. I also love that the library has branched out beyond books In the past few years, and offers things like STEM mathroughout the nation and terial and board games for check even locally, there have out. been attempts to censor library materials. As a library What other issues are imtrustee, how would you sugportant to you as library board gest staff approach requests candidate? How would you to remove materials? Do advocate for them as a board you believe the library’s colmember? lection serves and reflects SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE We need to make sure that we Brookfield? are careful stewards of the comANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE As a kid, I mined banned munity’s tax dollars. I will always book lists for reading material. promote a balanced budget and If someone thought I shouldn’t read some- an eye towards thrift - so long as we do not thing, I was deeply curious as to why. I’ve sacrifice the quality of programming Brookseen a number of libraries recently appeal to field has come to expect from the library. this sentiment with prominent tables highI’d also like to see closer cooperation with lighting banned books. I like that approach. the town. I recall the parks department hostYou can consider me a firewall against cen- ing a summer kickoff event the same day sorship. that the library was hosting theirs. My kids On a more nuanced angle, the library couldn’t go to both. That speaks to me of doesn’t have an endless budget and can’t a lack of communication that I’d like to see stock every book. It doesn’t stock pornog- bridged. raphy and I don’t think it should. My wife and I spoke about this recently, pondering The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found what defines “pornography” to us. Many of online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide the books that people want to see banned

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BROOKFIELD LIBRARY BOARD (5 CANDIDATES FOR 4 OPEN SEATS) In the past few years, The Brookfield library staff throughout the nation and and patrons have now settled even locally, there have been into a new building. What do attempts to censor library you believe the library board materials. As a library trustee, must do in the coming four how would you suggest staff years to maximize the instituapproach requests to remove tion’s potential? materials? Do you believe the The library board must conlibrary’s collection serves and tinue to respond to the needs reflects Brookfield? of the community. The resident JENNIFER As a library board member, my survey that began the strategic PALIATKA role, in part, is to advocate for the planning process in October library and set policies for the is a great way to get feedback from the community. Continuing to seek in- operation of the library. Currently, there are put from residents in listening sessions and policies in place that the library and board of then building short and long term goals for trustees follow when an item is challenged the library is an excellent way to move for- for removal from the library. The process is ward. Additionally, the library board must fair and gives the resident an opportunity to continue to identify and safeguard revenue express their concerns about an item(s). One streams, including grants and donors, for of the things I love about Brookfield is the dithe library. versity that I see in the village’s residents. We can see ourselves reflected in the schools, What do you believe is the role of a li- the businesses, the residents, and, yes, in brary in the 21st century? What kind of the collection at the library. I have witnessed programming and services should a li- firsthand the library’s willingness to purchase brary offer; and what should it not offer? materials that enrich my life and my daughIs the Brookfield library meeting its mis- ter’s life. sion now?

When I started as an acaWhat other issues are impordemic librarian 22 years ago, tant to you as a library board libraries and their patrons candidate? How would you looked very different from advocate for them as a board the way they do now. We are member? more reliant on the internet, As a trustee, I would like ensure a mobile devices, and e-conhealthy library budget for any plantent. However, not everyone ning or programs that the library can afford all of these technolwould like implement down the ogies or have the knowledge SEE CANDIDATES’ COMPLETE road. I know the library just built to navigate content. Libraries ANSWERS AND BIOS ONLINE a beautiful new facility. But, as our are places where people can diverse populations within the vilhave equal access to these lage shift, so must the library. I am things. In 2023, we are more likely to work interested in serving the Spanish-speaking/ from home, participate in the gig economy, bilingual population in our town. I would like or be online content creators. Libraries can to ensure that the many residents who live in offer spaces, equipment, and programming apartment buildings in town know they have on these newer trends. And yes, in assisting library access and encourage them to use the the public with these things, and provid- resources offered through the library. Finally, ing so much more through programming, I hope to put my many years of experience the library does fulfill its mission to “create as a librarian and a resident of Brookfield toa cultural, educational, and informational gether to serve my hometown. center for the community by providing readily accessible and organized materials, The candidate’s responses have been edited for print. The full unedited responses can be found programs, and services…” online at: rblandmark.com/2023-election-guide

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