Endorsements: Krinsky, Ofisher, Roberts, Schumacher for Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 board.

In many ways, Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 is the envy of its neighbors. The district has a reserve fund that could cover a full year of expenses. It has managed to renovate all of its school buildings without asking voters to approve a tax hike. It opened a new, $19 million early learning center in 2015 to serve 3- to 5-year-olds, and is expanding efforts to reach children as early as possible so they don't fall behind. And it is making plans to build a $13.5 million administration center that officials expect to serve the district's needs for the next four decades.

But despite its solid standing, District 59, like all suburban districts, faces challenges, from the uncertainty over state funding to a growing population of low-income students. Fortunately for district voters, five strong candidates are eager to take on those challenges as members of the board of education. The group includes four incumbents - Janice Krinsky, Karen Osmanski, Sharon Roberts and Mardell Schumacher. Joining them on the ballot is longtime school official Gary Ofisher.

They are seeking one of four 4-year terms at stake in the April 4 election. All five are qualified to serve. Ofisher is retiring in June after a 44-year career in education - most recently as business manager in Hanover Park-based Keeneyville District 20. Although he has mostly praise for the incumbents he's challenging, he raises fair questions about the cost and necessity of the new administration center, as well as whether the district is stretching itself thin financially with new programs. We like that he promises to "challenge assumptions." Krinsky displays a wealth of knowledge on child development, as well as on the issues facing the district. Roberts, who's seeking her fourth term on the board, likewise has great understanding of the district's challenges, and embraces the idea that student success is more than a test score. Osmanski, a former principal, knows the ins and outs of District 59 well and is undoubtedly passionate about serving its children. Schumacher has shown a willingness to go against the grain in board decision-making and to stand for taxpayers without children in the district. While we might not always agree with her positions, there always is a place for reasonable disagreement and different ideas.

It's a shame all five cannot be elected. Our endorsement goes to Krinsky, Ofisher, Roberts and Schumacher as the best combination of experience, knowledge and independence.