Letter: Outside donors hurt local elections

Why be concerned about the cost to run for a nonpartisan, locally elected position whose role is governance for every child in the public school district? Why have elected school board positions become a "donor's choice" by some who don't even live in the school district, other than a family member?

In 2007, I ran for my first of three terms as a board of education member. In each of these elections, I focused on meeting with parents, community members, teachers, and staff. My media outreach consisted of 200 signs scattered across front yards, printed info. sheet and a Wix.com website.

I earned a person's vote when I demonstrated my understanding that a board of education member strives to learn about and advocates for all children and their unique needs and talents.

Recognize that board members separate themselves from what "I" want, to educate themselves about the complex needs and opportunities for the students attending the public schools in the district.

I attended public open houses, knocked doors, answered questionnaires, and participated in candidate forums. My "cost" was my time. A nonpartisan elected position should not solicit donations of $250, $1000 or $5,000 from donors who may, and especially, do not live in the district.

In DuPage County communities, across Illinois, and the country, a board of education election is now treated as a political position. It is not a political position. Board of Education members do not serve a constituency like a city council.

The role is defined: "As the corporate entity charged by law with governing a school district, each school board sits in trust for its entire community." (IASB)

Keep the focus on providing high quality education and opportunities for all children in our school districts and not on elevating a single issue or well-funded individual.

Erica Nelson

Wheaton