Incumbents, two newcomers take District 128 seats

The three incumbents running for re-election to the Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board have retained their seats, while newcomer Kevin Huber has won the fourth 4-year term, according to unofficial election results from Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff.

According to results, which don't yet include early voting, vote-by-mail and provisional ballots, incumbent Ellen Mauer received the most votes with more than 3,300, after ballots from all 41 precincts were counted. Huber and incumbent Karin Lundstedt both had more than 3,150 votes and the final incumbent Patrick Groody received 2,861 votes. Newcomer Jeffery Harte tallied 2,290 votes to come in fifth.

In the board's other race for an unexpired 2-year term, Mackenzie Thurman defeated fellow newcomer Kris Hoult 2,237 to 1,758.

The district's finances were a primary focus of attention during the campaign. Last July, officials said the district's $81 million in reserves could be gone in six or seven years if financial habits didn't change.

Several of the candidates said they would look for ways to reduce expenses if elected. Retirement perks in various district contracts also put a spotlight on the board in the run-up to the election.

Huber targeted the salary and benefits given to the district's administrators, while Groody suggested the district could save money by teaming with other government agencies on purchases.

Thurman said officials should work with staff and students to reduce operating costs and boost efficiency. But he opposed cutting any funds for educational programs.

But at least one big project is on the horizon: the construction of a new pool at Libertyville High.

Most of the candidates supported the estimated $21.5 million project. Thurman and Harte didn't.