Endorsements: Gaffney, McNally, Kristofer, Morris for St. Charles Unit District 303 school board

Voters in St. Charles Unit District 303 will choose four school board members in April. Incumbents James Gaffney and Edward McNally are being challenged by a strong field featuring Heidi Fairgrieve, Lara Kristofer, Eric Missil, Denton Morris and Carolyn Waibel.

Gaffney, a retired electrician, has been on the board since 2003. He has the most experience and works well with other board members. "I believe the board along with the staff is a team, and I will continue to support this concept," says Gaffney, who wants to maintain a balance between the cost of quality education and the cost to the taxpayer. Gaffney is endorsed.

McNally, seeking his second term, is experienced in business and education. He is a full-time high school science teacher, and his children attend district schools. He is an advocate for transparency and not afraid to speak his mind. He leans toward fiscal prudence and wants a smooth transition with new board members and a new superintendent. McNally is endorsed.

Morris, a Lincoln School parent, is an engineering physicist from Fermilab. He regularly attends school board meetings and says he wants to bring enhanced communication to the board. He seems to be a candidate who will work to reach decisions with the board that the community will embrace and will lead to a more stable learning environment. Morris is endorsed.

Kristofer, also a Lincoln School parent, regularly participates in board meetings and is well-informed regarding district issues. She wants parents to be more involved. "I made a proactive decision to participate in this process because I care about our children." Kristofer is endorsed.

Waibel, Fairgrieve and Missil, who particularly seems to have good fiscal focus, are well-intentioned, but we find that Gaffney, McNally, Kristofer and Morris offer the best combination of experience and direct familiarity with the issues facing the district.