Endorsements: Bard, Tran, Patil and Cleek for District 73 Board

Hawthorn Elementary District 73 has a big year ahead. The district is moving forward with new boundaries, a revamped strategic plan and full-day kindergarten. With such a big agenda, steady leadership and all the characteristics the word entails will be especially important. Fortunately, voters have excellent options in the April 7 election.

The district has four spots to be filled. Candidates for the 4-year terms are incumbents Jeffrey Bard and Jason Tran and newcomers Robin Cleek, Jamie DiCarlo, and Sonali Patil.

As current board members, Bard and Tran deserve credit for the current good health of the district and their direct experience with the issues facing the board will be particularly valuable.

Newcomers Cleek, DiCarlo and Patil all have children in the district and are eager to serve the community. Patil is a member of the strategic planning committee and Cleek served on the district's reorganization committee in 2014.

DiCarol is the director of student services in Libertyville District 70.

It's a strong field, but we believe the best mix of experience, leadership and familiarity with the issues facing District 73 is found in Bard, Tran, Cleek and Patil. They are endorsed.