6 seek spots on District 117 board

Six candidates are seeking four open seats on the board of Antioch High School District 117.

Each believes they have the qualifications and deserve to be elected on April 7.

We asked them to briefly summarize their strengths.

Incumbent Wayne Sobczak is the current vice president of the District 117 board. He said he's played a role in moving the district from financial weakness to strength over the years. He said his understanding of school finance is one of his best attributes.

"In the 16 years I've been on the board, we've moved from red to black," he said. "We have state-of-the-art facilities now. We have even purchased property for a future high school."

Incumbent District 117 board member Joyce Heneberry points to her long history serving schools as one of her strong points.

"I have served on boards for over 21 years including seven years in District 117," she said. "I am a taxpayer and community advocate of responsible spending. I'm also the parent of four children who went through this district."

Randy Mathias, who's two children attend Antioch Community High School, said his experience on the Grass Lake District 36 board will serve him well if elected.

"I spent 12 years on the Grass Lake board. We had many financial ups and downs in those years," he said. "But we were able to take the district from worst to the best. I understand school finances."

Candidate Dan Mikal said his years of experience as a high schoolteacher qualify him to serve on the board.

"I have 32 years of classroom experience," he said. "I know the system from the inside. I understand most of the problems students, teachers and administrators face as they try to fulfill their responsibilities."

Ron Vickers is currently president of the Lake Villa District 41 school board and has been on the board for the past six years. He said the district is in better shape than when he started, a fact he says qualifies him for the job.

"I am leaving the district in good hands and good condition," Vickers said. "After a major restructuring we implemented a few years ago, the district is financially stable and has a balanced budget."

Sherri Skoog said her understanding of school finance and love of teaching make her an ideal candidate. She taught in Grayslake District 46 and is currently a teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School in Antioch.

"Not only do I have years of experience as a teacher, I have a special interest in how schools are funded," Skoog said. "I'm well versed in educational law and earned a master's degree in Educational Administration. I've made efforts to change the inequity of state funding for schools."

Community High School District 117 includes Antioch and Lakes High Schools and serves Antioch, Lake Villa, and portions of Lindenhurst and Grass Lake.