Endorsements: Hewell, McCabe, Seaman, Manheim for St. Charles District 303 school board

With three open four-year seats and only one incumbent running, the St. Charles District 303 board of education will have a new look following the April 2 election.

Incumbent board President Kathleen Hewell is seeking a fifth term, joined by newcomers Jillian Barker, Michael Bryant, Rebecca McCabe and Garrett Seaman.

Hewell has led the board through significant changes at the district. Schools have been consolidated due to declining enrollment. Finances are in good shape and the debt has been kept in check. Hewell has the experience to deal with whatever comes next. She should get a chance to continue. We endorse her for another term.

Barker, Bryant, McCabe and Seaman are all solid candidates.

Barker, an educator with children in district schools, is focused on strategic planning and student achievement.

Bryant, a teacher in Batavia with children in District 303 schools, says he could bring better communication to the board.

McCabe, a retired teacher and principal with grandchildren in district schools, is hoping to get more people in the community involved with the schools. Her extensive time in education gives her a concern for the district's teachers.

Seaman, a former teacher and administrator with a child attending a district school, worked as deputy of schools in Chicago Public Schools. The educational technology entrepreneur has experience working with a number of school districts.

McCabe and Seaman bring the experience and knowledge that will complement the other members on the board. We endorse them for four-year terms on the District 303 board.

In addition, Vice President Nick Manheim is running for a two-year seat against newcomer Poonam Gupta-Krishnan.

Gupta-Krishnan, a former teacher and business owner, is concerned the district isn't meeting students' needs and the board is not engaged with the community.

Manheim has served as a board member for eight years. He has been involved with the renovation and expansion project at Thompson Middle School and is part of discussions about the closing of Haines Middle School. He has the experience to bring guidance to the district's next phase. We endorse Manheim for the two-year term.