Endorsements: Kazmier, Ficke-Bradford, Farley and Geier for Dist. 220 school board

Vying for four seats in the April 9 election for Barrington Unit District 220 are incumbents Penny Kazmier and Sandra Ficke-Bradford, as well as challengers Sophia Chen-de Vries, Wendy Farley, Christopher Geier and Jerry Keaton. All tout backgrounds and a breadth of experience that make choosing among them difficult. That said, the district will continue to face budgetary issues that would be best addressed by the right combination of commitment to educational excellence and the ability to make tough choices. Kazmier and Ficke-Bradford have served the district well, and we’d like to see them continue on the board. Farley, an attorney, brings an impressive resume that includes experience in government affairs, something that could prove to be an asset in advocating with the state over teachers’ pensions and other state-aid issues. Likewise, Geier’s business background, coupled with a past in law enforcement, could give the board new perspective as it takes on hard issues regarding finances and school safety. We endorse Kazmier, Ficke-Bradford, Farley and Geier.