Endorsements: Burke, Gerber, Recker, Yung for Dist. 211 school board
There is a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints among the eight candidates seeking one of four available positions on the Palatine-Schaumburg District 211 board. But it's worth noting from the outset that the district is in good shape financially, has done a decent job of negotiating fair contracts that have included concessions from employee groups but not alienated them and oversees schools that routinely rank among the best in the state.
Considering that and the commitment and insight they continue to show, it's clear that re-electing the two incumbents - Mucia Burke, a parent with a long record of service to the schools, and Richard Gerber, a real estate professional who has emerged as a leader on the board - is warranted.
For the remaining seats, the options are varied and appealing, including Pete Dombrowski, a structural engineer who is focused closely but not exclusively on financial issues; Lauanna Recker, a company executive in an executive search firm who also emphasizes her strong background in finance and in motivational training; Roman Golash, a microbiologist who opposes the Common Core curriculum and seeks more assertive local control over schools in curriculum, finance and employee relations; Will Hinshaw, an accountant who praises the stewardship of the district so far but sees opportunities for continued growth; Robert Lithgow, an attorney who seeks to continue the excellence he experienced himself as a student in the District 211 schools; and architect Edward Yung, who served a previous term on the District 211 school board as well as two terms with the District 15 schools. Each challenger has unique personal experience of value to a school board. In particular, Yung and Recker seem to offer a productive blend of thoughtful independence, commitment to schools and collaborative leadership.
We have endorsed Yung in the past, and still find him an outstanding candidate. Recker distinguishes herself as someone who can offer some fresh ideas to a veteran board. We endorse Burke, Gerber, Yung and Recker.