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Preserve school board's independence

As a resident of District 94, I have been doing research on the candidates that are running for the board in the April 6 election. I've become deeply concerned about some of my findings. The three non-incumbent candidates, Penny Munoz, Douglas Orlyk, and Jovany Zuniga are all employees of West Chicago Elementary District 33, and all members of the same union that represents employees of District 94. This presents questions of independence and conflict of interests.

District 33 and District 94 enter into intergovernmental agreements. Whose interests would they be representing? Would these board members recuse themselves from collective bargaining negotiations and approval? Does the community want members of the Illinois Education Association on both sides of the bargaining table?

From time to time, difficult discussions between districts are required. Would these members be able to have those tough discussions without being concerned how their employer might view those positions?

If you look deeper, the same individuals circulated petitions for all three challengers. It does make one wonder about their independence and agenda should they be elected.

District 94 had been well served by the incumbents who are running for re-election. Kathe Doremus, Rich Nagel, Gary Saake and Dean Klap­atch. They have served with distinction and have earned reelection on April 6.

Clifford A. Brown

West Chicago

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