Antioch-Lake Villa District 117 candidates set goals

The six candidates seeking four open seats on the Antioch-Lake Villa Area High School District 117 each have goals and hopes for the success of the district. We asked them to briefly outline their ideas in advance of the April 7 election.

Currently a teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School in Antioch, Sherri Skoog says the district needs to figure out how to maintain excellence even though money is tight.

"The priority of the district should be considering how to continue delivering a superior education to its students with a reduced budget," she said. "We need to look at research to determine the best method. The district should be preparing our youth for the future in this global economy."

Longtime and current board member Joyce Heneberry summed up her goal in one word.

"Achievement," she said. "This is the most important goal the board should tackle. We have an opportunity that cannot be missed. The district has addressed many issues in the last decade that were sometimes distracting us from the most important thing. Achievement."

A veteran high schoolteacher, Dan Mikal doesn't have one major goal but only positive things to say about the board.

"Finances are certainly an issue, more so now. But I have nothing but compliments for the current administrators and board members," he said. "The people who serve on the board have done an excellent job."

Randy Mathias has served 12 years on the Grass Lake District 36 board. He said the district has to anticipate growing enrollment even now.

"I think it will be very important for District 117 to be prepared for the time when the economy takes off and Antioch, Lake Villa and Lindenhurst start to grow again," he said. "We must be ready for that growth."

Ron Vickers is currently president of the Lake Villa District 41 school board. He feels the board should be focusing on spending and transparency.

"School funding will continue to be an issue, fiscal restraint will be a key issue to the board," he said. "I'll also will work with the board and administration to continue efforts toward governing the district in as open and transparent system possible. Accountability at the board level in this area is critical."

Wayne Sobczak has served 16 years on the District 117 board and is currently the vice president. He says student achievement and smart budgeting are top priorities.

"We need to be raising the bar on teaching skills, thus challenging the talents of our students, resulting higher test scores and higher academic excellence," he said. "Keeping the budget well tuned and retuned during the budget year, when necessary, so we can assure the district remains in the black."

Community High School District 117 includes Antioch and Lakes High Schools and serves Antioch, Lake Villa, and portions of Lindenhurst and Grass Lake.