Some changes needed in District 41

Glen Ellyn's municipal election will be held on April 2, and I am in particular interested in the District 41 election for the Board of Education. Over the past several years, I have followed the board, attending meetings and observing the conduct, attitudes and behaviors of the board members. What I see is concerning.

One current board member, up for re-election this year, has engaged in conduct toward his fellow board members and tax paying members of the community in a scoffing and sneering manner.

I am also dumbfounded by the refusal of BOE President Stephanie Clark and Kurt Buchholz to attend the PTA Open Forum. Clark, speaking not only on her own behalf but on behalf of Buckholz, ominously characterized the PTA as a political organization that may be supporting other candidates. As a constituent, voter and taxpayer, this is alarming to me for at least two reasons:

1. The PTA is a prime constituency for them: it is the parents and teachers of D41.

2. The PTA is nonpartisan and her assertion otherwise is both false and inappropriate. Certainly some parents support them, some don't. To refuse to attend for such a trivial reason is poor form and does not inspire confidence.

It is time for a seat change on this board. We need a board with members who look out for the children of district 41, who adhere to D41's mission, and who are respectful, collaborative, and OPEN.

Beginning on March 18, Glen Ellyn has a great opportunity to vote in that seat change, to elect candidates who do put children and educators first. As a parent of three D41 students, I encourage you to join me in voting for Jessica Buttimer, Ted Estes and Julie Hill for D41 BOE.

Kate Koppenhoefer

Glen Ellyn