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Endorsement in Elk Grove Township District 59: Lang, Reid, Somogyi

Controversy over the implementation of a new curriculum in Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59 has prompted a lively campaign for three seats on the school board in the April 2 election.

In all, seven candidates are running, with two incumbents - Timothy Burns and Sunil Bhave - choosing not to seek re-election.

We think the best choices are attorney Courtney Lang of Arlington Heights, senior analyst Randall Reid of Elk Grove Village and longtime incumbent Barbara Somogyi of Elk Grove Village.

They recognize the challenges with the curriculum but also understand that added training and better interaction with the staff can address some of the issues.

We endorse them.

Lang has children in the school system and has been active in the community. Supporting teachers and strengthening the curriculum and communication are her top priorities.

Reid displays good judgment and temperament, He was an original member of the district's successful Dual Language Committee and was active in PTO while his children attended District 59.

Somogyi, whose service on the school board dates back to 1975, has given most of her adult life to District 59 and understands the balance in her role between meeting student needs and representing taxpayer interests.

Two candidates - Lisa Griffin of Arlington Heights and Patricia "Patti" Petrielli of Elk Grove Village - have worked as substitute teachers in District 59 and say they would continue doing so if elected. Let us be clear: That overt conflict is disqualifying. We're particularly disappointed by that in the case of Griffin, whose candidacy and insights are otherwise impressive.

Also running are sales manager James Goranson and senior technical engineer Daniel Naumowicz, both of Elk Grove Village. Their concern about the schools is genuine, but Lang, Reid and Somogyi make stronger cases for election.

Randall Reid
Courtney Lang
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