Endorsements: Beck, Koka, Miller, Nemcek for River Trails Dist. 26 schools

River Trails Elementary District 26 is not alone in facing the challenges of the new Common Core curriculum and standards, teacher contract talks and pension reform. Fortunately, the newcomers vying for four spots on the board of education are well qualified to immediately contribute. Kathleen Beck might as well be an incumbent: She served as administrative assistant to the superintendent and secretary to the board of education for several years. Her institutional memory and experience would be invaluable. Julia Nemcek’s experience as Euclid School’s PTC president and her master’s degree in education would also be a good fit for the board. Of the remaining candidates, Dan Miller brings experience as a CFO in the private sector as well as an interesting focus on hard data regarding academic outcomes that we hope he pursues. Rathna Koka shares Miller’s focus on data and has good volunteer experience. She also brings credentials as a scientist and an interest in expanding opportunities for science learning. Scott Breiler, the remaining candidate, is to be commended for his desire to work on the board. But Beck, Nemcek, Miller and Koka offer the best combination of experience, background and fresh ideas.