Yvonne Mayer Endorses Levinthal, Walker and Pinnow for D86 BOE

Twenty years ago, I moved to Burr Ridge, along with my husband and four young children. We bought our home with the “long game” in mind, settling on District 86 because it was a lighthouse district, known for its excellent educational programs for all students. We watched our children thrive while receiving an amazing and rigorous education in D86 that exceeded our expectations in preparing them to succeed in college and graduate school. As they got older, I proudly became a community activist to ensure that excellence in educational opportunities would continue for all future students. I served on the District 181 Board and became a vocal advocate in both D86 and D181. I was not always in the “majority” on issues, but my voice, and those of my fellow community members, were never stifled at the board table or at either Board of Education’s public comment podiums. That all changed in December 2019 and throughout 2020, as the D86 BOE, under the last two presidents’ leadership, violated first amendment rights and actively stripped community members of meaningful opportunities to engage and speak publicly about curriculum concerns.

This election will allow the community to take back the power to be heard and respected by the D86 BOE. In deciding who to vote for in the D86 election, I looked to see who had spoken up in the past. I carefully reviewed the candidates’ past involvement in advocating on curriculum issues and volunteering to serve on D86 committees. I also watched all the available public forums at which the 10 candidates were invited to address district issues. Finally, I spent hours personally speaking with six of the seven non-incumbent candidates to learn about their platforms. Of critical importance to me was determining which candidates will refuse to be silenced at the board table if he/she happen to be in the minority on an issue, and who will respectfully insist that their position be heard and discussed with their fellow board members before any votes are cast. Just as important, I evaluated each candidate to determine which ones will welcome all community input and perspectives on issues that will impact students, and will not become bullies, as some of the current board members have.

I am proud to speak today about three candidates who I believe are best prepared to serve on the D86 BOE: Debbie Levinthal, Terri Walker and Mark Pinnow. Just like you and I, all three moved to D86 because of its schools — both Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South — and their expectations were that the District’s excellence would not be threatened by the actions and agendas of future administrators, or board members. All three have actually, regularly attended and/or spoken at board meetings (pre-Covid and during Covid), served on one or more D86 committees, and/or met or communicated in writing with D86 administrators (pre-Covid and during Covid) to address their concerns regarding curriculum and student issues.

When I first met Debbie (1 1/2 years ago), Terri (one year ago) and Mark (six months ago), what impressed me the most was that they each had a deep understanding of the key issues the district has and will face: curriculum alignment, equity between the schools and for our diverse student population, open governance and transparency, facilities, and finance. Over the years, community members who know how involved I have been have asked me to explain and educate them on district issues. What was most refreshing about Debbie, Terri and Mark was that I did not have to explain anything to them. Before deciding to run for the school board, they had spent years truly following the issues, and not assuming if they lived in D86, everything must be running smoothly. They individually decided to run for the school board, not just because of issues created by Covid-19, but because of the issues that preceded the pandemic. They had already taken the time to learn about and analyze these issues on their own. As a result, they come ready to discuss and debate ALL D86 issues and will bring knowledge and insight to the discussion. They recognize how important this will be if they are fortunate enough to be elected to serve our communities.

Debbie, Mark, and Terri are the “real deal.” They are sincere, genuine people, who tell it like they see it, and do it in a most respectful way. They will bring calm, levelheaded temperament to the boardroom, and will not be bullied into silence by their fellow board members. During the candidate forums, they have proven themselves to be knowledgeable candidates who listen to the questions and answer with thoughtful and original responses, not just well rehearsed answers, or typical campaign rhetoric. All the non-incumbent candidates have promised open governance, community engagement, and have pledged to push for a re-evaluation of the science and math curriculum changes by demanding data driven decisions going forward. I believe, however, that Debbie, Mark, and Terri have the deepest understanding of past and current curriculum issues and if elected, will be best suited to hit the ground running and keep their campaign pledges.

Please join me in voting for Debbie Levinthal, Terri Walker and Mark Pinnow. Whichever way you plan to vote – by mail in ballot, early in person voting, or at the polls on Election Day – be sure to vote.

Yvonne Mayer