Endorsements: Alford Hinde, Heim, Jendras, Weinstock for Glenbard Township High School District 87.

Glenbard Township High School District 87 is a strong, large, fiscally sound school district on the northern end of DuPage County with four excellent high schools. Seven people who have shown a strong interest and involvement in the school district are running for four open seats, and with such qualified candidates, it's difficult to narrow them down to just four choices.

Yet, among all their platforms, a couple of issues arise. In addition to the expected concerns about continuing to foster students' excellent achievement - even if not everyone is crazy about mandated testing and Common Core standards - and maintaining the district's strong finances, many of the candidates are concerned about preparing the students who don't lean toward a full four years of college. And at least a couple of candidates concentrate the concern around the district's tax burden on residents.

At his website, Paul Chirchirillo lists "fiscal responsibility" first among objectives of his platform. He suggests the district's per-pupil spending is too high, and touts having no connection to the district other than being a taxpayer in it. Because he has no children in the district, he is not beholden to any special interests, he says.

Robert Friend, a retired mechanic, is a board incumbent who touts the connections he has made with the community and even lawmakers as he works on issues affecting the district, though he proposes few ideas or goals.

Timothy Goodcase, a systems analyst who identifies himself as a fiscal conservative, says he's opposed to Common Core standards for a variety of reasons, believes the school board should play a big role in setting curriculum, advocates for a renewed focus on civics classes and supports vouchers to give parents the ability to choose any school for their children.

Richard Heim is a hospital president who has been the school board president for six years. He touts his work with the district on enhancing the strategic plan to implement a goal-based measurement of the district's performance, and he demonstrates even on his Facebook page regular participation in school activities.

Bonniejean Alford Hinde is a new challenger who has developed a thorough, well thought-out platform. Her top issue is adequately preparing the high school students for college and careers, as she is a college instructor who says she sees too many students not ready for the rigor of higher education or vocational careers. She supports the board playing a strong role in setting curriculum in part by getting the community's input on it.

Jennifer Jendras is an occupational safety and health manager and board incumbent who touts being the only candidate with a child in the school district. She lists as her top goal in a new term "helping kids develop a greater picture of future career options."

Judith Weinstock, a retired longtime teacher in the school district, is running for her second term. She says "teachers, not the Board of Education, should be the drivers in setting and creating curriculum for students," as they have the most familiarity with students' needs. She also cites making sure the district addresses students who do not see college as the way to their career paths.

Heim thoroughly knows District 87 and has been a good steward of it, and Jendras and Weinstock will continue to bring good perspectives to leadership of the district. Friend appears to have made good connections, but we are persuaded by the promise of Alford Hinde's well-thought-out proposals. Alford Hinde, Heim, Jendras, and Weinstock are endorsed as the best combination of experience and new ideas for High School District 87.