D300 incumbents seek continuity; challengers want fresh start

The two challengers in the race for Community Unit District 300 say fresh ideas are needed to get the district through troubling times.

But incumbents argue consistency in leadership is paramount to maneuvering through a budget deficit at the same time that the district transitions to a new superintendent. There are six candidates for four, 4-year seats.

The two challengers, Steve Fiorentino and Susie Kopacz, both cited passion for public service as a catalyst for their nominations.

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve the families of District 300,” Fiorentino said. “I am a proven leader in both business and volunteer setting ... Those close to me suggest I have exceptional listening skills, which is imperative to representing and advocating for families within D300.”

Meanwhile, Kopacz, who served on the board from 2003 to 2007, said she would bring experience from both sides of the board table. Her first term included helping the district erase more than $20 million in debt.

“I am passionate about education having been a teacher myself,” Kopacz said. “My experience as a teacher gives me valuable insight to the needs of students and teachers alike.”

But incumbents say now is not the time to bring new members to the table.

“I wasn’t going to run again but I think we need to keep the continuity going,” said Chris Stanton, who is seeking a second term on the board. “An issue I would like to see through is the budget; cutting and trimming the budget ... The job has gotten tough, so I decided to rerun.”

Meanwhile, Karen Plaza said she is just getting comfortable in her role having been appointed to the seat in June. Plaza, the finance director at Crystal Lake Elementary District 47, said the board could utilize her financial background.

“Working in the business office I see all facets of the school district’s finances and operations,” Plaza said. “I believe my experiences provide a perspective that is beneficial to the board.”

Others, including current board President Joe Stevens and incumbent Monica Clark, both said they would like the opportunity to work with incoming Superintendent Michael Bregy. Clark and Stevens were part of the school board that elected Bregy to the position last summer.

“He is prepared to review and revamp our district from top to bottom, and to make it not only more efficient, but to improve the quality of the education delivered,” Stevens said in a candidate questionnaire for the Daily Herald. “I am very proud to have played a part in his decision.”

Clark, who was first elected in 2007, said Bregy “has a clear perspective (of) what the future of the district will look like.”

“He recognizes this district has many talented people and he wants to use those talents to benefit students in the district,” Clark said in her candidate questionnaire. “I am looking forward to working with Mr. Bregy and his progressive ideas and leadership style.”