New St. Charles school board seated

The new leadership of the St. Charles Unit District 303 School Board will be identical to its pre-election composition. The board elected officers among themselves this week, welcomed a familiar face and gave thanks to its lone departing member.

Lori Linkimer won a third stint on the school board after a lengthy break. She took the oath of office Monday to replace Judith McConnell, who lost a re-election bid. Linkimer and returning board members Kathy Hewell and Nick Manheim all raised their right hands and swore to "respect taxpayer interest by serving as faithful protector of the school district's assets." They also pledged to encourage free expression while respecting the privacy of students and staff. They agreed to "abide by majority decisions of the board while retaining the right to seek changes to such decisions through practical and constructive channels."

The new board then voted to retain Steven Spurling as board president, Hewell as vice president and Manheim as board secretary.

Superintendent Don Schlomann thanked both McConnell and Linkimer for their willingness to serve on the board. McConnell did not attend her final meeting.

"Thanks to Mrs. McConnell for what she's represented to this community and this district," Schlomann said. "It's not often that people are willing to step forward and do this job that you do. It's not easy."

McConnell trumpeted her rejection of any teacher union endorsement or campaign funding throughout her re-election bid. All three of the successful candidates received endorsements from the district's teachers union.

The new board will be tasked with finding a new superintendent, navigating the new demands of Common Core standards and setting budgets at a time when residents are increasingly hostile about any tax increases.