Endorsements: Hansen, Kuzmanovich, Schell for Lake Villa Dist. 41 board

The three candidates elected to the Lake Villa District 41 board have a tough road ahead. Lack of state funds and declining student enrollment are two reasons. Closing an elementary building, changing to grade-level centers, a possible referendum and reducing student programs and activities are on the table. Incumbents Kurt Hansen, Peggy Kuzmanovich and Nancy Schell are committed board members. Hansen’s strengths are finances, and he challenges the board to be forward-thinking. Kuzmanovich makes herself available and would like to see full-day kindergarten. Schell is a team player, does not jump to hasty decisions and is passionate about serving students. Because the incumbents vow to successfully see the district through the current financial storm, they are all endorsed. Challengers Michele Hawksworth and Jolene Lee are committed to quality education. Hawksworth is a regular at board meetings, is a former Dist. 41 teacher and is ready to ask tough questions. Lee is budget-minded, would push for administrative cuts and freezes, and wants the district to provide well-rounded education by not cutting programs. She has good ideas for alternative revenue options. Jan Hope and James Creighton Mitchell Jr. are write-in candidates.