Endorsements: Kerr, Thommes, Khan and Schwartz for Elgin Area School District U-46 board

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

The choice of who will lead the Elgin Area School District U-46 board the next four years is a tough one, with six candidates, each having much to offer, running for four open seats.

Incumbents Sue Kerr and Kate Thommes and challengers Samreen Khan, Heather LH Manzella, Maureen Morris and Chanda Schwartz bring a wealth of experience to the table.

Kerr, 66, of Bartlett, has served two terms on the school board since 2015 and led the panel as president for the last four. Her institutional knowledge is valuable to maintain continuity of policy work already in play. She would like an opportunity to see through to the finish many initiatives started during her tenure, including the transition to a grade 6-8 middle school model, expansion of the preschool program and U-46 rising, an initiative bringing rigor, collaboration and critical thinking into the classroom, plus multiple building projects if a tax hike referendum passes.

Thommes, 48, of Elgin, has served one term on the board. She also is a former U-46 educator and district parent, giving her a multifaceted perspective on issues. She particularly has been vocal about special education and dual language needs and would like to see through Unite U-46 and diversity and inclusion efforts, among other initiatives.

Khan, 44, of Bartlett, is a government consultant for the state of Illinois and has experience collaborating with a variety of stakeholders including federal, state and local elected officials, community leaders and constituents. Having navigated U-46 policies and programs such as early intervention for her child, Khan seeks to advocate for students to ensure they graduate with skills needed to be successful and that teachers and staff are supported.

Schwartz, 46, of Bartlett, is an admissions officer for Northwestern University and chair of the U-46 Community Advisory Council, community co-chair of Unite U-46 and an operating board member of the Alignment Collaborative for Education. As a district parent, she has advocated for a child with special needs and worked alongside parents, community members and district employees to support the needs of all students.

Morris, of Streamwood, has been a paraprofessional in special education classrooms and a special-education teacher. She now serves as a direct support professional at a group home for adults with disabilities. She seeks to help improve declining proficiency levels in English language arts and mathematics.

Manzella, 52, of Elgin, a substitute teacher for Schaumburg Elementary District 54, brings classroom experience and a drive to improve student performance in English, math and science.

We believe Kerr and Thommes have strong institutional knowledge and experience to build on, while Khan and Schwartz would bring a rich diversity of perspective and fresh ideas to the board.

Kerr, Thommes, Khan and Schwartz are endorsed.