Out with the old in District 15
As we approach the April 7 school board election one concern continues to rise above all others. There appears to be the need for a greater balance of our school neighborhoods on the Board of Education.
Our schools have different needs. Some of our schools are challenged with issues of class size, behavior and the distribution of assets and materials while others may have different needs such as more enrichment and special programs. Of course, parents can elect to place their children in elite private schools as Board Members Rowden and Millar have done, but that is not always an option which other families have.
A school board which conducts itself like the "Saturday Night Live" show and focuses on low priority issues like changing bus schedules which didn't need to be changed or how many new buses to purchase cannot grasp higher priority issues. The argument for greater representation on the school board by residents of all of our school neighborhoods seems only reasonable and would provide a balance of interests and priorities which might even translate into greater cooperation and professionalism among the members.
On April 7 we have the opportunity to elect four new members of the Board of Education: Peggy Babcock, Mark Bloom, Rich Bokor and Matt Taylor. These are good people who will place the needs of all of our schools and our children above personal or political interests. They represent a much broader number of school neighborhoods than are currently represented on the Board.
No one can predict the future. However, we are reasonably sure that these people will bring improvement to the Board of Education. In fairness, let us give these school neighborhoods and these candidates your thoughtful consideration. If we don't, then nothing will change.
F.K. Dempsey, Jr.
Palatine