Central Unit School District 301

It has been a tough time for Central Unit School District 301. Superintendent Esther Mongan and the school board agreed to terms of a separation agreement on Feb. 3; school board President Eric Nolan resigned from the board on Feb. 11; and parents have long been frustrated with what they see as a lack of communication and transparency from administrators. Looking to move forward in a more positive direction, 10 candidates are running for school board in the April 1 Consolidated Election, three of them incumbents.

Junaid "J" Afeef, 55, of Elgin/Plato Twp., an incumbent, is up for a two-year term facing Andrew Dogan, 49, of Elgin/Elgin Twp.

Eight others are running for a 4-year term, with three seats available: new board president and incumbent Dornetria Hemphill, 44, of Elgin/Elgin Twp.; incumbent Marc Falk, 57, of Elgin/Plato Twp.; Micheline Welch, 51, of Elgin/Plato Twp.; Grace Martinez, 37, of Elgin,/Plato Twp.; PK Parekh, 49, of Elgin/Plato Twp.; Roumiana McMahon, Plato Twp.

Scott Mrkvicka, Elgin Twp., and Ryan Wasson, Burlington Twp., did not participate in interviews with our Editorial Board.

Central cannot have more than three school board members from one township serve.

All of the candidates agree there needs to be more communication with teachers and parents, and that the next superintendent needs to collaborate. While everyone wants the district to improve, Micheline Welch, Grace Martinez, PK Parekh and Andrew Dogan have especially good ideas for how to move the district forward.

Martinez, an ELL teacher in U-46, aims to advocate for policies that support student achievement, teacher development and equitable access to resources.

Welch has researched district issues and analyzed data over the last 18 months, sharing information via social media and community presentations. She wants to take community feedback and turn it into action items.

Parekh has been a vocal community member about the direction of the district, with concerns about mobile units at the elementary school level; low reading and math proficiency; shortages in special education resources; and low teacher retention.

Dogan says he is running to advocate for the students. He wants to improve teacher retention; improve CTE, accelerated, and fine arts offerings; and stop unnecessary spending.

All of the candidates agree that District 301 could be one of the top districts in Kane County, but damage has been done with a lack of communication and the administration freezing parents and teachers out. The incumbents have sincere interest in the students and recognize the need for new directions. Although they can’t necessarily be blamed for the turbulence the district has faced, it also must be noted that the issues emerged and continued through their watch. It is time for a change, with new voices and ideas, to help move District 301 forward.

Our endorsements go to Micheline Welch, PK Parekh and Grace Martinez and Andrew Dogan.