Dato, McHugh, Weber, Midkiff for Wauconda Dist. 118 schools

It is easy to see why so many people want to sit on the Wauconda Unit District 118 school board. The district is financially strong, posts high test scores and has a graduation rate of almost 98 percent. Board members are credited for a superb relationship with administrators and each other, and, perhaps most importantly, the community.

We endorse incumbents Deby Dato, Carey McHugh and Thomas Weber, and newcomer Gary Midkiff.

Dato and Weber each have more than a decade of board experience, and they have a lot to show for their tenure. The graduation rate has risen by 8 percent. Test scores are up, dropout rates are down. New technology has been implemented and the curriculum has been studied and updated as needed. A much-needed auditorium has been built.

McHugh also can take credit for this work as she spent countless hours as a volunteer dating back long before she held a seat on the board. Because she spends so much time in the schools she brings a different and important perspective to the board.

Midkiff is a college professor with a wealth of leadership experience. He promises to consider everyone's viewpoint, and he has solid ideas for finding new revenue sources. We think he would take a logical and analytical approach to board business, and his master's in finance certainly cannot hurt in this economy.

The fifth candidate, Jonathan Feryance, would have made a fine board member. We admire his passion for the district and hope he finds other ways to stay involved.

We are unable to endorse incumbent Nicholas Batson, who pleaded guilty last fall to misdemeanor domestic battery. He originally was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse against a 14-year-old relative. This behavior is clearly inappropriate for anyone, much less a school board member.

Luckily, there are excellent candidates to replace him.