Endorsements: Davalos, Mellon, Ouimet, Vogt in District 120

Five candidates are running for four seats on the Mundelein High School District 120 board.

Three are incumbents, but challenger Laura Vogt can hardly be considered a newcomer. She's the current vice president of the Diamond Lake school board and is forgoing a re-election bid in District 76 in order to run in District 120, as all three of her children will be attending Mundelein High School in the fall. She can offer eight years of experience from a district with an admirable financial record.

Incumbent Laura Mellon is seeking a second term on the District 120 board. A mother of two children who attended Mundelein High School, she has an economics background and advocates for suburban students and districts through her involvement in the ED-RED organization.

Incumbent Sara Davalos was appointed to the board in November to fill a vacancy and is seeking her first full term. A coach, a volunteer and a mother of two, Davalos provides an important voice and perspective from the Latino community in a district that's more than 40 percent Hispanic.

Challenger Thomas Ouimet, a father of five, was active in the public discussion on whether to adopt a traditional bell schedule, a move he says he ultimately supported. A member of Mundelein's economic development commission, he says schools are the economic engine for the village.

Incumbent Tami Forman, who is seeking a second term, is a thoughtful and knowledgeable board member. However, she's also seeking a second term as a Fremont Township trustee, and the Daily Herald does not endorse candidates who serve in more than one elected position.

We recommend Davalos, Mellon, Ouimet and Vogt.