Endorsements: Dremel, Lowe and Solfa for the Batavia District 101 school board

Board President Cathy Dremel says the Batavia Public School District 101 board of education is a solid group, but the board will have a new look on April 2.

Incumbents Dremel and Chris Lowe are facing challengers Scott Naylor, Erin Meitzier, Christopher John Solfa and David Niekamp for three seats. Board member John Dryden is not running for re-election.

Dremel and Lowe are part of a board that has managed expenses and kept the budget in check. The group in recent years has focused on more responsible spending.

Keeping expenses on budget is difficult when revenues are dependent on an ever-changing state budget. The district has been managing through the shifts in school funding, along with other external issues, such as pension costs. The board will also be responsible for a new teachers' contract later this year.

Dremel, seeking a third term, says the board can't be comfortable in a stable financial environment. Trustees must take the responsibility of overseeing expenses while staying focused on providing students the best opportunities.

Lowe, seeking a second term, was instrumental in a deal that added artificial turf to the football field at Batavia High School. To make the turf affordable for the district, a deal was struck with the school's booster club to fund half the cost.

Fiscal responsibility and an eye on alternative spending options are necessary for the district. Dremel and Lowe should remain a part of it.

With budget and contract issues on the horizon, Batavia resident and attorney Solfa appears to be best equipped among the newcomers to handle them. He says it is important to get a competitive teachers' contract in place. It must be sustainable to ensure a safe environment for the students. Solfa would make an effective complement to the other members of the board.

We endorse Dremel, Lowe and Solfa for the District 101 school board.