Endorsements: Daniels, Larson, Welk in Round Lake Area Unit District 116

In recent years, Round Lake Area Unit District 116 has made headway in climbing out of a very deep hole. The school district’s near financial collapse led to a state takeover in 2002 that ended in 2010. Board members have worked hard since then to stay on the straight and narrow financially and that will remain a tough challenge. Meanwhile, the board is turning to other significant issues — academic performance, with all of District 116’s schools in state academic warning status, 2014 teacher contract negotiations and crowded schools. Three incumbents, Kevin Daniels, Margaret Larson and Ann Welk, have worked hard to educate themselves on best practices for school boards and position themselves for the work ahead. Daniels, who works in marketing and product management, was appointed to the board in June 2011. Larson, a school social worker in Lake Villa, was appointed in April 2012, and Welk, a production planner, has been on the board since 2001. They receive our endorsement for the April 9 election. Two challengers, Gema Mariscal and Kevin Devera, did not complete the Daily Herald’s candidate questionnaires or participate in the endorsement process.