Consider all issues when electing school leaders

I am writing to express my support for incumbents Bob Bruno and Jason Loebach and new candidates Chris Martelli and Tayyaba Syed for Glen Ellyn's District 41 school board.

The 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 school years have brought extraordinary challenges that no one could have foreseen. As current board members, Bob and Jason have made tough decisions that balanced the myriad needs and priorities of our community. There is no decision or policy that would satisfy every stakeholder in the district, but Bob, Jason and the rest of the board managed to prioritize learning as well as health and safety in D41.

Tayyaba and Chris have already demonstrated a willingness to listen and learn, while bringing to light -- and illustrating the value of--their own unique experiences and resulting perspectives that are much needed on our school board.

We are in a climate where one's stance on larger political issues reveals attitudes that directly impact matters before a school board. As such, I would suggest the following questions be addressed by each candidate:

Do you support science?

Do you support fact over opinion?

Do you support diversity, equity and inclusion?

I fear that too many folks are supporting candidates based on a single issue: returning to school. That issue is not solely in the hands of the school board AND it's not something that should be decided based on personal opinion or interest.

As our community considers who to support in this election, please remember that when the pandemic is over and a new normal is reached, this board will still contend with all the extraordinary and typical tasks of a school board. As a parent, taxpayer and educator of 23 years, I trust Bob Bruno, Jason Loebach, Tayyaba Syed and Chris Martelli to do that vital work.

Ben Lafontaine

Glen Ellyn