Consider candidates' background for school seats

On April 2, our community will choose from eight candidates and elect four new, Elmhurst Community District 205 volunteer school board members. They'll oversee the $168 million referendum, the $115 million operating budget and have a direct impact on 1,160 employees and 8,500 students.

Serving as a board member is the most complex volunteer role in our school community and the learning curve is steep. Voters should strongly consider the knowledge each candidate brings to how our district functions today and his/her prior volunteer experience to ensure our district continues to move forward for the benefit of our children.

I strongly believe three of the newcomers on the ballot stand above the other candidates to take on this complex role. These proven leaders in our school communities will hit the ground running as board of education members.

These parents have rolled up their sleeves and stepped up repeatedly to serve our children and their families. Each one is personally vested as they have children currently enrolled in D205. Each candidate also brings a unique viewpoint to the board from their life experiences.

Elizabeth "Beth" Symber Hosler was PTA President at Edison and Sandburg. She grew up in Elmhurst, attended Churchville and York and knows our community history like no other candidate.

Gordon Snyder served as Emerson PTA Treasurer and is a dedicated youth sports coach and advocate. He will lend his expertise in construction management to the upcoming facility improvements. Courtenae Trautmann was the Lincoln PTA President. She is a retired FBI agent who will bring her expertise in safety and security to the implementation of the referendum security upgrades.

With their proven track records and dedication to a life of volunteer service, I believe these candidates are the best qualified to serve our community over the next critical four-year term.

Hilary Simonds

Elmhurst