Endorsements: Schulz, Anderson, Martinez, Thomas for Dist. 121 school board
Five candidates are vying for four 4-year seats on the Warren Township High School District 121 School Board.
Incumbents Paul Schulz, John R. Anderson and Katherine Blair along with Natalia Alvarez Martinez and Blake Thomas will appear on the April 6 Lake County ballot.
Board President Schulz is completing his first term. He said his children did well while attending District 121 schools and he wants to make sure the district stays strong. His background is in business and he works as chief financial officer for an organization. He would like to see schools open full time when it is safe for students and teachers.
Anderson, serving as vice president, said the school board is a hardworking group that came together to deal with the pandemic. He is a retired salesman whose children went through the district. Looking forward, Anderson is concerned with the district's budget and compensating teachers and staff.
Blair was appointed to the school board in November as the district was dealing with the pandemic. She is a science teacher and her children attended District 121 schools. She is concerned with getting students and teachers safely returned to full-time learning and recovering the time lost when buildings were closed.
Martinez, running for the first time, has a child in the district. She said her job in a school district business office gives her an understanding of finances and money matters that apply to districts. She said the school board needs to be in touch with the students and would like to see more student input during board meetings.
Thomas is also on the ballot for the first time. He works in an industry that provides technology for schools and his job involves input from students, teachers and administrators. He said he is concerned with the district's finances and would work to keep curriculum updated while focusing on inclusion and prioritizing the voice of students.
Schulz and Anderson have guided the district through tough times and Martinez and Thomas can offer insight that would improve communications between the district and families while keeping an eye on finances.
We endorse Schulz, Anderson, Martinez and Thomas.