Endorsements: DeLaRosa, Kenwood, Lee and Wilharm for Dist. 87 school board
This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
Two candidates seek one Glenbard High School Dist. 87 unexpired 2-year term board seat. Incumbent and board President Margaret DeLaRosa faces Jennifer Jendras on April 4.
DeLaRosa wants to continue making progress on behalf of students, staff and communities. Jendras has past board experience and wants parents to feel their voices are heard. Both would serve well, but DeLaRosa's deeper experience makes her a natural choice. She is endorsed.
Nine candidates seek one of three open 4-year seats. Incumbents John Kenwood, Martha Mueller and James Shannon face newcomers Jessica Breede, Muhammad Islam Choudhary, Keyanna Kincade, Hetal Lee, Monika Moro and John Wilharm.
Kenwood offers financial expertise and wants students' COVID-related issues addressed. Mueller says safeguarding the students is key, and Shannon sees the district progressing in areas of equity and inclusion. Breede would like more hands-on learning through career internships and College of DuPage partnerships. Choudhary is running to enusre physical and mental safety of the children. Kincade says serving is investing in the student's future. Lee brings business experience and envisions STEM programs for female students. Moro says her education, communication skills and open-mindedness can bring results. Wilharm would like to see resources used for student academic/emotional issues related to COVID. He offers his collaboration and negotiation skills.
Despite being incumbents, Mueller and Shannon provide little depth in their reflections on issues facing the district and offered minimal participation in our endorsement process, making it hard for voters or us to get a sense of their candidacies or commitment. In contrast, newcomers Lee and Wilharm impressed us with sincere interest in serving and detailed ideas about the issues. We endorse John Kenwood, Hetal Lee and John Wilharm for the three, 4-year seats.