Endorsements: Brown, Maloney, McConnell, Warren in Lake Zurich Dist. 95

Voters in Lake Zurich Unit District 95 are fortunate to have six qualified candidates running for four 4-year seats on the school board.

The incumbents - Kathy Brown, Eileen Maloney, Scott McConnell and Lisa Warren - in recent months have dealt the fallout from hazing among high school football players.

Community members have criticized the district for not releasing details about the case, as challengers Andrea Trudeau and Vasili Russis point out. The incumbents, however, say they must balance disclosure with privacy and litigation issues. The four board members say they are satisfied with the response of administrators and are pleased the district is implementing a number of recommendations from independent counsel on how to prevent future hazing incidents.

All of the candidates rightly desire that schools be a safe space for students.

Student space - in the form of facilities - is another major issue for the school board.

Aging buildings and related maintenance are a concern, as is the inequity in amenities in various parts of the district.

A library specialist in Deerfield District 109, Trudeau understands the need for flexible, innovative learning spaces and technology in classrooms.

Russis, a lawyer and a certified public accountant, can offer expertise on the financial side of building projects.

How to pay for construction is a decision best left to the public, the incumbents agree. They and Trudeau favor issuing new bonds as old debt expires to provide the necessary funds without raising the tax rate, a measure that would require voter approval.

Russis views a referendum as last resort, after all financing options have been vetted.

The incumbents have demonstrated good financial stewardship and community engagement. Each deserves another term on the board., but we also encourage Trudeau and Russis to stay involved and offer their expertise to help move District 95 forward.