Incumbents look to keep seats in Dist. 155

Despite a strong showing from the sole challenger, four incumbents won re-election Tuesday in Crystal Lake High School District 155, according to unofficial vote totals.

In a close race, Gary Oberg, Dave Secrest, Ann Somers and Ted Wagner beat Cary consultant Paul Roth.

Somers led the field with 5,474 votes, Secrest garnered 5,202 votes, Wagner got 4,955 votes, Oberg recorded 4,803 votes and Roth came in with 4,466, according to unofficial results.

The four incumbents focused on their experience during the campaign, and voters appeared to endorse their leadership on Tuesday.

Roth, who finished about 300 votes behind Oberg, said the district should improve curriculum alignment with feeder schools, promote equitable offerings across high schools and become more energy efficient.

Oberg said his top priorities would be keeping a balanced budget, incorporating new technology into the district's curriculum and helping low-achieving students to meet state standards.

Secrest said his experience on the board showed his ability to manage the district's money and boost student achievement.

Somers, likewise, pointed to rising test scores and graduation rates as vindication of the current board's approach. Wagner said the district needs to focus on financial stability.