What's important in Wauconda District 118? Candidates weigh in
The four candidates running for three seats on the Wauconda Unit District 118 school board offer a mix of experience and youth.
The field on the April 2 ballot includes incumbents Kathy Bianco, a legal writer/analyst, and Jonathan Feryance, a project manager. Also on the ballot are newcomers Robert Collins, principal of Hawthorn Middle School North in Vernon Hills, and Vincent Torossy, a conference event specialist who unsuccessfully ran for a seat in 2017.
Candidates in interviews and Daily Herald questionnaires discussed issues facing the district and why they are running.
Collins said he is the only candidate from Volo, a village which does not have a resident representing it on local school or library boards, or the Lake County Board.
"I'm an educator and (want) to support our learning community and do what's best for students," he said of his reasons for running.
Torossy, who attended District 118, said he believes he's the candidate best suited to help the next generation of students succeed.
"I would like them to be civically engaged with their community and be proud of where they came from as I am," Torossy said.
Feryance, the current school board president, has served on the board since 2010. He was appointed twice and later elected to 2- and 4-year terms.
He said he enjoys guiding the school district and answering resident questions.
"I just love the community," Feryance said. "We're limited in our resources, yet we've got kids going to all sorts of colleges."
Bianco was appointed and then elected in 2015, and now is seeking a second term. She has lived in Wauconda 25 years and served as PTO president at Wauconda Middle School.
"For me, serving on the school board is all about the kids, making sure that all of our students from kindergarten through senior year of high school have the tools and resources to really perform at their highest level," she said.
Potential changes in state funding are a concern, but cuts, if needed, should not affect student programs, she added. Student safety and well-being is another issue, Bianco said.
"Students need to know they're safe when they come to school and know that what they say to teachers or administrators will be taken seriously," she said. "We need to make sure our teachers and administrators have the tools, that they have the skills, that they have the training to be able to recognize when there are warning signs that could potentially lead to some of these really tragic situations that happen."
Illinois' financial outlook also concerns Feryance, although District 118 has benefitted from the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act, he noted.
Saying students have more stressors in their lives than ever, Feryance believes the district should continue pursuing programs to improve their health and well-being.
Torossy said students need a curriculum and activities to be prepared for the next step after high school.
"We need to evaluate what AP (advanced placement) courses we have, what technical programs we're offering, and making sure we're doing everything we can within our operating means to help our students succeed at that next level," he said.
Collins said solutions to crowding in some school buildings and pending teacher and support staff contracts are the most important issues facing the district.
It's difficult to retain qualified educators at the high school level, he added, because they are compensated at much higher levels in high school-only districts.
"I don't believe in mediocre teachers teaching children. There's a place for them but not in the classroom," he said. "Our district needs to strive to retain the highest quality, highly qualified educator possible."