2 newcomers join 2 incumbents on Dist. 70 board

Voters in Libertyville District 70 agreed Tuesday that experience was worth keeping, but also added two newcomers to the board.

Laura Beltchenko, the longest serving member at 20 years, won another term, as did fellow incumbent Joy Schwerman, who was the top vote-getter.

In their first run for public office, challengers Anne Brandt and Tom Vickers emerged from a crowded field to become new voices on a board in which four seats were up for contest.

Inna Kerrigan, the incumbent president who was first elected in 1997, finished eighth out of 11 candidates. Incumbent Kim Zizic did not seek re-election.

With all 20 precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Schwerman with 1,525 votes, followed by Brandt with 1,328, Vickers with 1,253 and Beltchenko with 1,244.

"We've got lots of things to get after. We've got a huge role with the new superintendent," Schwerman said.

She and Beltchenko shared a ride home Tuesday night from a national school board conference in California.

"Longevity makes a big difference in the stability of student learning," and long-term achievement, Beltchenko said.

Vickers, an attorney, has four children in District 70 schools. He said he thought he was well acquainted with district processes until he ran for the board.

"I was stunned how hard it was for me to find out information of what the board has done," he said. "One thing I think can be done a lot better is proactively communicating what the board is doing."

Brandt, president of the Butterfield Family Association, said she was honored and humbled by the vote of confidence.

"I'm just going to be present out there, be visible in the schools," she said. One goal was to make technology easier for teachers to use, she said.

The totals capped an unusual election in District 70 as would-be replacements came out in force to challenge incumbents for the first time in several years.

The campaign lacked burning issues. A replacement already has been named for outgoing Superintendent Mark Friedman; teachers have a new long-term contract; student performance is among the highest in the state; and, district finances are strong.

Beltchenko and Schwerman said Kerrigan will be missed.

"We will continue on with her vision of education children not just for today but tomorrow's world," Beltchenko said.