D47 hopefuls satisfied for the most part

When it comes to preparing students in Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 for high school, candidates in the upcoming school board election say the district is doing a competent job.

But the four hopefuls, who are vying for three 4-year terms, have differing ideas on how the district could improve.

Incumbent Nancy Gonsiorek, who was elected to the board in 2007, said in a candidate questionnaire that the district should offer students more classes in the fine arts and humanities to ensure a well-rounded education.

“We are doing very well in the math and science curricular areas, but I would like to acknowledge that there are many careers outside of math and science,” Gonsiorek said. “I would like to do more research in this area, but I worry that we shortchange the educational experience by limiting exposure to career opportunities in the arts and the trades.”

However, incumbent Robert Fetzner and newcomer Carlo Agnello said the district needs to focus on preparing students in the areas of math, science and English.

“The students need to be as prepared as possible,” Fetzner said. “They would benefit from adding more programs, but we need to focus on the core subjects.”

Agnello said those areas are essential for success in a postsecondary education.

“The main goal of District 47 should be to prepare students for high school and eventually college,” Agnello said. “The district should help students develop core learning skills and insure that those necessary skills continue in the lifelong learning process.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Farrell said more communication between District 47 and Crystal Lake High School District 155 would lead to greater success in a secondary education setting.

“I believe that improved communication between teachers and administrators in Districts 47 and 155 could only help reduce inefficiencies in curriculum upon making that transition (from middle to high school),” Farrell said.

Incumbent Dave Hubbard is not running for re-election.