New blood needed on District 15 board

Since before my son began attending elementary school in District 15, I knew I didn't like what was going on. Then a team of candidates began discussing the real problems with our school board, and it came to me, there is no collaboration.

This ugly truth showed its face with the recent referendum. This very important decision, that both parents and taxpayers should have been informed about months or years in advance, was an unwelcome surprise. The first time we heard about it was the meeting they voted to put it on the ballot. After that, meetings were held, to tell us why we should vote blindly and hand them a $130 million blank check. Our opinion on this proposal was never sought.

The decisions made by school board members are of the utmost importance. These decisions affect our children's futures, our families, and all of our residents who join us in paying taxes. These are not decisions to be made lightly or without community input.

The hubris of this board apparently has no bounds. Time after time, we have seen a cavalier, and a "we know better than you" attitude. Even when the 10-year teacher contract was passed, the public and media were refused access to see what was voted on until many weeks later.

Our education system is at its best when teachers are empowered to do their best work and parents are engaged in their children's education. That second half of the equation is immensely important, yet we and all taxpayers are being kept from being involved in decisions made by our own school board.

This must stop now. I am proudly supporting the Engage D15 candidates: Barb Kain, Frank Annerino, Mike Smolka, Anthony Wang and Lisa Szczupaj.

Shawn Jackson

Palatine