Endorsement: Gould, Harrison, McAtee, Pritzker for Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 board

Four incumbents and one newcomer are vying for four seats on the Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 board.

Arlen Gould, Bill Harrison, Debra McAtee and Phil Pritzker are returning to run for their board seats, and they are challenged by Carrie Devitt.

The incumbents are passionate about serving another four years. They have a combined 105 years serving on this school board, with Pritzker having the longest tenure at 36 years.

All four are in agreement regarding plans for an early childhood center and how it will benefit the district and community. They recognize that math and English programs haven’t yet recovered since the pandemic and a new math curriculum is under review. Gould, Harrison, McAtee and Pritzker are passionate about District 21, and it’s clear they want to continue to serve for the betterment of the students and community. They deserve four more years to do that.

Devitt also brings a lot of passion to the table. Although she hasn’t held public office, she is a parent in the district, serving as PTO president. She is also a fifth-grade teacher in Deerfield District 109.

She is knowledgeable on curriculum, involved in the district and open to fostering communication. Devitt offers a fresh, thoughtful and leveled voice that could benefit District 21.

But the experience and expertise Gould, Harrison, McAtee and Pritzker bring to the board is undeniable. All four are endorsed.