Endorsements: Lerch, Nunez, Sridhar, Neurauter for Dist. 89 board

Six candidates are running for four school board seats in Glen Ellyn District 89.

Three incumbents are seeking reelection. They are James Lerch, Haydee Nunez, and Lavanya Sridhar. The newcomers are Katie Benning, Donna Kemp and Steven Neurauter.

District 89 has done a good job with handling the pandemic, engaging the community and listening to parents regarding their children's education. All three incumbents agreed that while they may disagree, they respect each other's opinions and always come together to make a decision to benefit the district.

Because of their cooperation throughout the pandemic and the work they've done, we endorse Lerch, Nunez and Sridhar. We believe they deserve the opportunity to finish their work this school year and help the district transition next fall.

Neurauter is also endorsed. While he would be new to the board, he is not new to the district. He's been involved in the district's finance committee, engagement committee and referendum committee in 2018. Current board members praised him on his efforts to pass the referendum, and he is focused on keeping the district's financial health front and center. Neurauter would also work well with the incumbents.

Both Benning and Kemp bring voices of unity to a school district and community they see as divided. Benning's desire to focus on the plan for next fall is admirable and beneficial to the community overall. She supports listening groups created by the administration so parents are heard and teachers are supported. Benning's leadership experience with essential workers would also be beneficial.

Kemp has plenty of solid ideas and goals for the district, with a focus on mental health awareness and learning equity. She'd pose good questions for the administration to consider as the district moves toward school resuming in the fall.

But for direct experience with issues in District 89 at a time when experience is especially valuable, the best combination is Lerch, Nunez and Sridhar. They get our endorsement.