District 128 School Board Race: Chris Coughlin

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — There are 10 candidates running for four open seats this spring on the Community High School District 128 school board.

Patch.com requested information from all candidates through a survey. Here are the responses submitted by District 128 school board candidate Chris Coughlin:

Age (as of election day)

53

Town/city of residence

Libertyville

School district

D128

Family - Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.

I won't give you names but I have a daughter at LHS and twins that will be there next year.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Education

BA in Journalism from the University of Kansas

Occupation - Please include years of experience.

Senior Mobility Architect at CDW covering K-12 and HiED. 5.5 years at CDW, 20 years in mobility and 32 years in sales.

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/cough...

Previous or current elected or appointed office

Currently on the D70 (K-8) board as the board secretary in Libertyville. Completing my fourth year.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The choice of in-person or remote learning. Currently we are only have hybrid and remote learning options, which is not enough. We have the science, mitigation procedures, and the ability to offer the in-person option full time. Why not? My intention is to be an advocate for this while continuing to monitor and study what is being done in neighboring districts and nationally.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? *

Board experience during Covid and dedicated time devoted to studying and monitoring what other districts and the CDC are doing. I've spent over 150 hours meeting and talking to people locally and around the country about options, ideas, and ways to bring kids back in-person.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?

Has the current board failed? No. They have done a good job and I only wish there would have been more openness on the board to try hybrid last fall, because its been working.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Equity and equality for students, teachers and staff. Also, giving the constituents a voice on the board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Most importantly is current board experience. Secondly, community involvement through volunteering and leading various programs around Libertyville.

Why should voters trust you?

I took a stand back in July as one of two board members in D70 to push for choices like in-person learning and I continue to stand for that. All our D128 residents deserve to have a choice of how their education is delivered.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

Reopening fully and successfully before the end of the school year and in the fall to kick of the 2021-2022 school year. Secondly, smart and effective finance management coupled with the best programs and opportunities for students.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Simply put we need to be smart and conservative in our financial decisions with the opportunity to look at long term needs and goals.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I don't think this is a relevant question for a board election. I do support equality and equity as I stated above.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I think they are on the right track but keep in mind what a board's job is.

What are your thoughts on the district’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Are you in favor of remote learning, in-person learning or a hybrid of the two? Do you support a mask mandate for students and school staff, or mandatory coronavirus testing for both students and staff?

If I had to give the district a grade it would be a "B." There is a lot we know now that we didn't last school year or last summer. I feel like every district, based on the science and mitigation factors in place, has been to cautious in the way they have approached in-person learning. Look at the science. Masks: Yes, this is a requirement. Testing: Yes, if you want to go to school this is just like the masks, it needs to be done.

When the vaccine is available to them, do you support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff?

This is a tricky question on multiple levels. I think it needs to be looked at but the board and the district do not have the right to dictate mandatory vaccinations.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

Not that I know of.

The best advice ever shared with me was ____________

You may not realize it yet but you have been given a lot of opportunities in life and that means that you have to give back and make a difference for others. Be a man for others and you will lead a rich and rewarding life.