Six seeking spots on District 200 board
The emergence of five newcomers ensures there will be a contested race this spring to fill three seats on the Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board.
Three-term incumbent Rosemary Swanson of Wheaton joined the five hopefuls in submitting nominating petitions Monday, beginning the weeklong filing period for candidates.
Swanson said she's seeking re-election for the same basic reason she ran for school board 12 years ago.
“I love the communities that make up our district and believe there is no higher contribution than to ensure our children are well prepared for their future,” the 58-year-old said, adding that her experience “will allow me to provide a steady hand to keep us moving forward as we navigate through challenging times.”
The newcomers who filed paperwork at the district's headquarters are Harold Lonks of Winfield, Charlie Pfeister of Warrenville and Wheaton residents Ali Alisha, James Vroman and Jim Gambaiani.
Vroman said he was thinking about running for school board for a while.
“I have four kids who went through the district from kindergarten through high school and have gotten a wonderful education,” said Vroman, 62. “I want to do something that will help sustain that for kids in the future.”
If elected, Vroman said he would promote increased transparency and communication between the board and members of the public.
The top three vote-getters in April will serve 4-year terms on the District 200 board.
Two incumbents, John Bomher and Marie Slater, haven't yet filed the paperwork needed to seek re-election. The deadline for submitting nominating petitions is Dec. 20.
Meanwhile, Swanson said she's not surprised by the number of people who have filed so far.
“Our elections here in District 200 have always been competitive,” Swanson said. “People are always interested in the education of our kids. So it's not surprising to me that people would be interested in seeking this position. It's a great, fulfilling position.”
Because Lonks, Pfeister, Swanson and Vroman all showed up at 8 a.m. Monday to file their paperwork, a lottery is scheduled Thursday to decide ballot placement. The lottery winner among the four will get the first ballot position.