Richard Menninga, 2021 candidate for Northwest Community High School District 214 school board

Eight candidates for four seats

Bio

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 52

Occupation: IT sales

Civic involvement: Minimal until this role

Q&A

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: I am a newcomer and I am running to bring transparency to the position and to ensure that parents can decide to send their kids to school. Let parents decide

Q: How would you grade the current school board on its response to the pandemic? Why?

A: Poor - they had an excellent reopen plan in August of 2020 - their reason for the change was vague. Their explanation was not communicated well.

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: My role is an advocate for parents and students. The board needs to listen to the community and all medical experts not just the IDPH and CDC and make tough decisions even if unpopular

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: No - school caters more to the virtual kids rather than the kids in class.

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: Masks for all, institute a three-foot social distancing policy, lets kids eat lunch together and interact. They are doing it on the weekends anyway.

Q: What is your position on allowing high school sports to continue during the pandemic? Be specific.

A: Sports should be allowed, masks optional.