Fiscal responsibility is key in Oak Grove District 68

Four newcomers will be seated on the Oak Grove Elementary District 68, so it's fortunate all the candidates are up to speed on the issues and ready to start work.

We endorse Gordon D. Boulger, Judy Egan, Paula Franzen Sterner and Jennifer Manski. All stress fiscal responsibility and priority setting. The district has cash reserves to fall back on, but still must be careful about spending to get the greatest educational benefits for the buck.

Boulger, a former executive turned at-home dad, served two years as president of the Oak Grove School Education Foundation. We like the innovative thinking behind his Web site that looks at best practices in school districts throughout the suburbs.

Sterner was an elementary teacher, has a Ph.D. in education and worked for IBM training teachers in how to use technology. Egan is on the district's curriculum mapping committee and before moving here, monitored services and capital improvements for the St. Louis public schools. Manski is an IT director for a pharmaceutical company with some good ideas for improving communication.

Lane Hasler, an attorney specializing in restructuring of troubled companies as well as an active classroom volunteer, also brings much to the table in this strong field.