David Franzen: 2021 candidate for Roselle Elementary District 12 board
Five candidates are vying for four, 4-year seats on the Roselle Elementary District 12 school board in the April 6, 2021, election. They are newcomer David Franzen and incumbents Kimberly Duris, Christopher B. Humbert, James J. McGowan and Steven Zurek.
They responded to a Daily Herald questionnaire seeking their thoughts on some of the most pressing issues facing the district.
Below are Franzen's responses.
In-person early voting with paper ballots begins Feb. 25 at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. In-person early voting with touch-screen voting begins March 22 at locations throughout the county. Learn more at www.dupageco.org/earlyvoting/.
No candidate is slated to run for the unexpired 2-year term.
Five candidates for four, 4-year terms
Bio
City: Roselle
Age: 31
Occupation: Program manager at Power Solutions International
Civic involvement: None listed
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?
A: Both my wife and I were raised in Roselle School District 12 and are products of the District 12 educational system. I am running for the board of education to ensure that School District 12 provides the same great educational and social experience to my daughter.
Q: How would you grade the current school board on its response to the pandemic? Why?
A: It would be unfair to grade the board's response to the pandemic, being that we continue to navigate our way through this unprecedented time.
Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?
A: Acting as servant leaders, the board must elicit ideas, promote positive engagement, all while being good stewards of the community.
Q: Did your district continue to adequately serve students during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A: As part of the pandemic response, the district made remote learning available for students whose parents did not feel comfortable sending their children to in-person learning.
Q: Do you have a plan on how to safely and effectively conduct classes in the spring? What have you learned from the fall semester that you would change in the spring?
A: I am not currently on the board of education. My understanding is the district plans to continue offering remote and in-person learning.
Q: What is your position on allowing high school sports to continue during the pandemic? Be specific.
A: Sports, high school or otherwise, should be allowed.