Backs challengers for Dist. 57 board

We are writing to express our support for Sann Knipple, Karen Nejdl, Martin Malone and Mike Berry in the upcoming race for District 57's Board of Education.

We are especially impressed with Sann Knipple, an energetic, enthusiastic, engineer-by-training, mother of two who will bring a fresh, cooperative perspective to the school board. Sann's professional background as a consensus-builder for a large international company will enable her to work cooperatively and in partnership with other board members to resolve the district's many difficult issues.

In particular, we have been impressed with Sann's diligence, energy and conscientiousness. Since declaring her candidacy, Sann has attended many PTA meetings, researched board meeting minutes of the last year, taken tours of the schools, and attended meetings on special needs' issues. Sann has also outreached prolifically to the community, talking to dozens of parents and community members and soliciting input about issues of importance to them - not just to her. In addition, she has set up her own Web site and scheduled listening sessions in the community.

Finally, Sann has been a leader in other areas of her life - she recently set up a Natural Lawn Care workshop for community members and church environmental clubs to learn how to make lawns green without pesticide use. The response to this workshop was overwhelmingly positive. Sann Knipple would be a terrific member of the School Board, and a wonderful advocate for our children.

Liz LaPlante and Joe Hanafee

Mount Prospect