District 87 no place for partisan politics

Recently, I received at my Glen Ellyn home, a campaign flyer issued by Mr. Paul Chirchirillo, candidate for Glenbard High School District 87 School Board.

I was most disappointed to find that the flyer was nearly entirely political ("the conservative choice ... Republican Committeman, Miltown Township … endorsed by DuPage Young Republicans") without any significant reference to personal/professional competencies, experiences, or qualifications that would explain the value Mr. Chirchirillo's would bring to the board.

I have served as a D87 board appointed community representative for the past several years. During this time I have seen no evidence of political or partisan intrusions into the decision making and administrative processes at the district by board members or staff. This is how it should be. Local governing entities, school boards in particular, serve citizens best when decisions are made in the best interest of district stakeholders without regard to party politics or single issue partisanship.

D87 leadership and administration recently received a solid financial rating from Moody's Investor Service, regularly receives the highest financial rating from the Illinois State Board of Education and has guided district processes with a minimum of political rancor or political partisanship during my tenure as a community representative.

I would encourage all candidates to avoid bringing their political preferences and political affiliations into their campaign rhetoric. Candidates should focus instead on how their personal and professional competencies and experiences will advance the district's mission.

John Snyder

Glen Ellyn