Endorsements: Pearson. Scheck, Stibal, Vishanoff for West Chicago Dist. 33 schools

Like many elementary school districts, West Chicago District 33 continues to face financial hardships imposed by the state’s budget crunch, forcing officials to make some difficult cuts and decisions. But they made them, and thanks to major concessions from teachers and school officials, the district’s recent teacher strike was resolved after three days. Now the healing from the difficult negotiations is under way, and the district is once again moving forward and looking to build upon its reputation as a leader in Illinois for its Dual Language program and WeGo Together for Kids initiatives, among others. We like the teamwork exhibited by the four incumbents seeking office, which is why we endorse Christine Scheck, Brenda Vishanoff, Juliann Pearson and Susan Stibal for re-election. We also are impressed by Karina Villa, a challenger for one of the four 4-year seats. Villa, a former social worker in District 33, represents an important demographic for district voters seeking more diversity, and she shares many of the same qualities as the experienced incumbents. But experience is important now, and the incumbents are taking a positive approach that should be continued.