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Smigielski, Facklam, Evans win in Grayslake D46

Two new faces will join the Grayslake Elementary District 46 board.

Five candidates were vying for three, 4-year seats. With all 28 precincts counted, unofficial results show political newcomer Shannon Smigielski led with 1,437 votes, followed by incumbent Susan Facklam’s 1,330 votes and newcomer Kip Evans’ 1,205 tallies.

Out of the running were incumbent Mary Garcia at 1,177 votes and newcomer Marchell Norris with 1,059.

After keeping tabs on the election results at a downtown Grayslake eatery, Smigielski said her desire to bring honesty, ethics and financial transparency to the board resonated with voters.

“I have conducted myself respectfully as well, understanding we’ll have to work together,” she said.

Facklam and Garcia touted their achievements on the school board, such as helping to create a positive working environment for employees and maintaining quality education in difficult economic times.

Garcia, first elected in 2007, said she and Facklam hit the pavement at Grayslake’s Metra stations and elsewhere to get their message to potential voters. It wasn’t enough to sway voters to Garcia’s side.

“It’s just fine,” she said after early voting ballots pushed Evans ahead of her into third place. “I did my four years of stewardship and I feel great about what we accomplished.”

Charges and countercharges involving some of the candidates became part of the campaign.

Garcia is a teacher and union local president at Northbrook/Glenview Elementary District 30. She was criticized about her union ties and whether it affects her school board work.

Garcia raised concerns about Norris, Smigielski and Evans being aligned with the Lake County tea party and seeking to bring partisan politics to the board.

  Grayslake District 46 school board candidate Marchell Norris, left, talks with Avon Township Trustee Chris Ditton Tuesday night at Last Chance Saloon in Grayslake. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
  Grayslake District 46 school board incumbents Mary Garcia, left, and Susan Facklam look over election results with 8-year-old Mitchell Garcia at FacklamÂ’s Grayslake home Tuesday. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
  Shannon Smigielski, left, celebrates with her daughter, Morgan, 10, middle, and friend, Kelly Yoder, 10, after winning a seat on the Grayslake District 46 school board. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
  Newly elected Grayslake District 46 school board member Kip Evans, left, talks with Avon Township Highway Commissioner Tom Brust Tuesday night at Last Chance Saloon in Grayslake. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com