Facklam ousted in Grayslake Elementary District 46 race

Grayslake Elementary District 46 will have a new look.

With 29 of 29 precincts counted in Tuesday's election, newcomers David Northern, Tom Meskel and Kathleen Parkinson captured the three available seats. Veteran incumbent Susan Facklam wasn't re-elected.

Parkinson led the pack with 30 percent of votes reported in unofficial results, followed by Meskel with 28 percent and Northern with 24 percent. Facklam received 18 percent of votes.

"I'm very delighted that so many people received my message," Parkinson said. "I'm very happy for the other candidates who won. We all bring a different set of skills to the current board."

Facklam could not be reached for comment.

One of the issues in the race is whether air conditioning should be installed at Meadowview and Woodview elementary schools in Grayslake, a project that could cost up to $1.6 million.

The schools serve students in kindergarten through fourth grade. District 46's five other buildings have air conditioning.

Northern, who heads the Lake County Housing Authority, said he's in favor of providing the central air at the schools, in part, because some employees and students may have allergies or breathing concerns.

Parkinson, an educator and researcher, also said she supports the plan.

Meskel, a retired teacher, said the central air proposal should be pursued only when the district has enough money.