District 95 candidates say investment needed in facilities, technology

Candidates running for the Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board say they hope to address the district's aging buildings and improve technology within the schools to better prepare students.

Incumbents Jim Burke, Douglas Goldberg, Tony Pietro and newcomer Chris Wallace, who are running for three, 4-year terms, discussed the facility needs during a candidate forum Thursday at Lake Zurich Middle School North. A second forum is set for 7 p.m. March 22 at Lake Zurich Middle School South.

Goldberg said one of the district's biggest challenges is to address its facilities. He said the last major referendum was passed in 2000 to build Spencer Loomis Elementary School and Lake Zurich Middle School North. Due to construction, the $15 million reserved for other facility repairs was no longer available. Since then, major structural parts of the buildings have been neglected because of budget constraints.

“We've been trying to piece meal and improve the facilities. At some point, in my opinion, we will need to respond with a large infusion of capital to address those facilities needs long-term,” he said.

Burke said the district needs to use the $3 million to $5 million surplus expected this year to invest in facilities.

“I think it is important that we act quickly on that,” he said.

Wallace said $30 million would complete all the capital needs. The board has approved $2.5 million for such improvements, so at that rate it would take roughly 10 years to address current needs, he said. A long-range infrastructure plan will help the process, he added.

As the district addresses short-term and long-term facilities plans, technology must be included, Pietro said.

“The classroom you see today may not be the classroom you see eight years from now,” he said. “We need a long-term plan that involves technology.”

Goldberg, a self-described “technology geek,” said there is a low ratio of students to computers. It is important, he said, to get technology into the classroom and train educators to use it most effectively.

“Most of our kids have better access to technology at home than in the classroom. To me, that is completely unacceptable,” he said.

Burke said the district has made progress financially and academically, but there is much to be done to improve finances and its facilities.

“We want to be financially responsible while we invest in facilities and technology as we move forward,” he said.