Incumbents back in Crystal Lake 47

Incumbents in Crystal Lake High School District 47 are set to return to the school board.

Robert Fetzner and Nancy Gonsiorek had 1,987 and 1,959 votes, respectively, with 56 of 56 precincts reporting Tuesday.

Not far behind for the third seat, newcomer Ryan Farrell had 1,862 votes. Challenger Carlo Agnello had 850 votes.

Vote totals are unofficial.

Gonsiorek, who has served as board vice president for two years, was first elected to the school board in 2007; Fetzner was appointed to fill a vacant position in 2007.

“I am looking forward to working with the district in the next four years,” Fetzner said. “I am young and energetic, and I think people can see that I have fun doing this job.”

While the district has remained fiscally sound, Fetzner said the state’s financial situation could affect the district.

“The state’s financial issues, declining enrollment and all of the issues that flow off those things will be challenging,” Fetzner said. “We need to find a way to maintain programs with all of the cuts from the state.”

Current board President Dave Hubbard did not seek re-election to the board.

While all four candidates said during the campaign they were satisfied for the most part with the education the district provided its students, Gonsiorek said greater opportunities in noncore courses are essential to students’ success at the high school level.

In addition, candidates said although the district has remained fiscally strong as neighboring districts struggle to balance their budgets, certain cuts would alleviate any future problems.

Those could include reviewing the curriculum as well as cuts in wage and benefit concessions from employees, candidates said.