How District 128 Candidates Differ On COVID-19 Policies

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Suburban school districts across the Chicago area faced many tough decisions in the last year, and plenty of criticism, regarding their handling of schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And as we head into Election Day on Tuesday, several school board races are packed with newcomers hoping to get their school district back on track. They year also brought strong divisions between those pushing for in-person learning during a year when students learned mostly via Zoom and others that wanted to keep their kids at home.

• Hundreds Rally To Reopen D128 Schools

Township High School District 128, which includes Vernon Hills and Libertyville high schools, is among the school districts where voters will see a long list of candidates to choose from when they head to the polls on April 6. There are ten candidates — two incumbents and eight newcomers — vying for four open seats on the school board.

While some believe strongly that in-person learning came way too late in the game for District 128, most candidates agree that the new school board will have plenty of work and decisions to be made regarding how to get students back on track.

This will come at a time when District 128 will be bringing on a new superintendent. Denise Hermann, a former associate superintendent for St. Charles Community Unit School Distirct 303, has been selected to replace long-time Superintendent Prentiss Lea, who is retiring. School board president Pat Groody and school board secretary Karin Lundstedt are not running for re-election.

• D128 Gets New Superintendent

Incumbents Don Carmichael, is an incumbent and retired high school science teacher, and Kevin Huber, a retired executive director of the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund, are looking to be re-elected. Also running are Cara Benjamin, James Connell, Kara Drumke, Chris Coughlin, Sonal Kulkarni, Dale Sherman, Sean Gay and Katy Talerico.

Kulkarni, Benjamin, Carmichael and Drumke are endorsing each other.

Patch.com reached out to all ten candidates in recent weeks to get their thoughts on the most pressing issues the school district faces moving forward and how they think the school district handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a look at those responses:

Katy Talerico

Talerico is a newcomer and pediatrician. Here is what she had to say about the most important issues she believes D128 will need to face moving forward, her thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

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

Returning our schools to a better state of "normal" during and in the wake of the COVID pandemic. Work at District 128 to meet this goal has been going on for months, but more needs to be done. My plans include carefully looking to well-researched data and scientific and medical experts as to how best to do this, while closely working with school staff, teachers, and administrators to see what's working well so far and what isn't. Also, continuing to survey students and parents to get the same feedback from them is essential. I think a strong focus on mental health and looking for ways to make up for academic losses will be necessary for our district to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

One, I am a physician, so I have seen first hand the struggles children and families are enduring because of the pandemic. Working through the pandemic with many COVID positive patients, also gives me an important perspective to share regarding safety precautions that are effective.

I also have access to, and have thoroughly researched, many articles from reputable scientific journals (the Journal of the American Medical Association, Pediatrics, the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, etc), so can speak with truth on behalf of the data. I also have colleagues who do similarly, so can (and do) talk with them often about issues that arise regarding school reopening and COVID.

Two, because I am a pediatrician, I can say unlike no other, that I have children's best interests at heart. I have devoted my career to them, and have no conflicts of interest for why I should run for a seat on the school board (ie: I have no ties to any special interest groups). My intentions for running for the school board are altruistic: to help do what's best for our schools, because that will directly benefit children; and doing what will directly benefit children (as they are the future of our society), will benefit all.

Three, through the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, I have advocacy experience. This past summer, I worked alongside other physicians at the state level regarding school reopening issues. Through them, I gained experience working with IDPH and the Illinois Education Association, which is the largest teacher's union in the state. Since school board members work closely with local chapters of teacher's unions, this experience will help me tremendously as a school board member.

Four, also starting this past summer, I began working with the District 70 (Libertyville elementary and middle schools) school reopening committee. Alongside school administrators, teachers, and other parents, we met often (and still do) to work to open district schools safely. Again, working currently with school district personnel and other parents, has given me invaluable experience.

Finally, having a current junior in high school at District 128, I have experienced first hand what the district has done well, and what they could perhaps do better. Having an 8th grader and 3rd grader, I am personally invested in our district for many years to come.

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?

I spoke about the district's handling of the coronavirus pandemic previously: I wish the district offered opportunities for in-person learning sooner than they were able to. They developed a hybrid plan that went into effect Jan. 19, 2021. The plan they developed was a good one, but, I wish it had been implemented sooner.

School closures have been devastating to the health and well-being of our children. The benefits of in-person versus remote learning are vast. Since researching the data from spring 2020 school reopenings in Europe and other countries, I have since June 2020, in agreement with the American Academy of Pediatrics, advocated for a safe return to in-person learning, following AAP guidelines for such. Since then, even more data has surfaced revealing that schools can reopen safely, with certain mitigations in place. While even with mitigations, no one can guarantee that the spread of COVID won't occur, the chances of that happening are so slim, that the risks of it are greatly outweighed by the benefits in-person learning provides.

However, to comply with AAP and other recommendations, it would've been very difficult to open schools fully without some sort of a hybrid plan in place. Hence, I understood and supported the implementation of hybrid plans, rather than full reopening. So then of course remote learning becomes a necessity as a way to reach those who aren't in the building. Starting April 5, District 128 is planning to offer four full days per week of in-person learning to those who would like it. I am very excited to hear this. However, my hope is to get back to five days/week of in-person learning very soon.

At this point in the pandemic, I do think masks should be mandated for both students and staff. There's quite a bit I could say about testing. To keep it simple, while testing shouldn't be mandatory in order to attend school, and there is plenty of data stating testing of asymptomatic individuals isn't warranted to prevent the spread of COVID in schools, I certainly understand, at a District like 128 who has vast financial resources, why it is being offered.

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

While the COVID vaccine is helping our society greatly in returning to a more "normal" state, and I'm happy to say I am helping in that endeavor, as I work at a clinic that is distributing it, I would not mandate it. I would hope all students and staff would make their own educated decisions, and look to their health care providers if needed, to reach their own conclusions regarding whether to get them. I believe that with this approach, the majority of people will CHOOSE to be vaccinated, resulting in substantial percentages of protection--certainly substantial enough, to get back to a more "normal" way of living for all.

More via Katy Talerico's Patch.com profile

Kevin Huber

Huber is an incumbent and retired executive director of the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund. Here is what he had to say about the most important issues he believes D128 will need to face moving forward, his thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

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

The number one issue facing D128 will be the challenge of replacing a long serving superintendent and Board President. These positions were instrumental to D128s success and both gentlemen have served the district well for over a decade. Board governance, teacher contract negotiations, financial accountability and educational and mission driven outcomes all fall under these leadership positions. First and foremost, I intend to work with the new superintendent to help her become acclimated to our district and provide whatever is necessary for her to be successful early in her tenure. My governmental, board, and financial experience should assist in her transition as well as the change over of potentially three new Board members, including a new Board president. As a current Board member, I have first hand experience of dealing with Covid and its impacts on D128; this historical, practical experience will also be helpful in future decision-making.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?:
I have done the job of a D128 Board member successfully for 4 years which included leading teacher contract negotiations and serving as the chairman of the finance and facilities committee. My D128 experience will help provide stability and leadership while we replace two board members with a combine 26+ years of experience and a long serving superintendent.

I know the role of a Board and how to work collaboratively to maximize outcomes. I have served as the Board Chairman of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) since 2017, served as a member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and have served as a member of other community Boards. I am also the retired CEO of the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund. I reported to a 12 member Board for over a decade so I understand the management/Board dynamic. Knowing a Board's role and responsibilities is crucial to successful governance.

I am able to work with those of different political ideologies. I was appointed to ISAC by Governor Quinn, made chairman by Governor Rauner and reaffirmed Chair by Governor Pritzker. Why is this important to the D128 voter? You need to be able to understand and work with and respect all different opinions and groups for the benefit of the kids and community.

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?

D128 has consistently been recognized as one of the top districts during my term and I believe we did an excellent job serving students and balancing needs during the pandemic. There is no absolute in the decisions we made – but we worked to makes sure that our students and parents had options, and our teachers were protected. We provided the teachers with two weeks of professional development to learn a new educational delivery model to start the year (remote) and provided another week when the decision was made to pivot to hybrid in January. Few other districts were this generous with providing teachers this time. We also completely redid the daily schedules as remote and hybrid teaching is better performed in a block format. Finally, it was clear that we needed to implement school-wide Covid testing of staff and students in order to migrate toward a return to full in person education. The District had no issues with incurring this expense to make the teachers, community and students feel safe.

I was on record in July and remain on record today that people should be given a choice and schools should be opened for in person learning safely. This was based upon the overwhelming survey results from students, staff and parents combine with scientific data derived from other countries school openings. Current data has continued, in my opinion, to validate opening schools safely. For the majority that wanted a return of in person learning, I was their advocate. For those who preferred remote, I worked extremely hard to ensure that D128 had the classroom resources and agreements in place with teachers to ensure those learning remotely were not at a disadvantage.

I do support the mitigations currently implemented by D128 which includes masks, distance to the extent possible, hand washing, and frequent Covid testing and contact tracing of those who are in the building or representing D128 outside the building. The hope and goal is to lessen the mitigations by next fall with the intent of a more normal return.

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

This is a decision that is personal to each of our families and staff. While I would highly encourage all to receive the vaccine so a return to normal can proceed, each person has to make their own decision for themselves and their family.

More via Kevin Huber's Patch.com candidate profile.

Don Charmichael

Charmichael is an incumbent and retired high school science teacher. Here is what he had to say about the most important issues he believes D128 will need to face moving forward, his thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The most pressing issue is the onboarding of our new superintendent, Dr. Denise Hermann. With the retirement of Superintendent Dr. Lea, board president Pat Groody, and board secretary Karin Lundstedt, there will be a great loss of experience and historical knowledge. Dr. Hermann comes with a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education, but of course has no experience in D128. It will be up to our excellent administration and the stability of the board to help her to lead the district post pandemic. The community needs to heal after bitterly divided debate regarding the re-opening of schools and Dr. Hermann will have the responsibility to see us through.

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

I am an incumbent. Experience matters. It takes time to become accustomed to the process of governance. Too many fail to understand the role of a board member and run because they want to change things or they are unhappy with some program or procedure. I am running because I recognize our district is doing great things and I want to see that continue.
Some of my fellow candidates joined this race because they are dissatisfied with the board's response to COVID, a point I disagree with and by autumn will likely be moot. Many had pressed the board to re-open the schools to in-person instruction as early as last fall. I voted along with the majority of the board to begin the school in remote instruction. I stand by that vote. The board considered moving to hybrid in October. I voted against opening the schools at that time. As the metrics deteriorated, the board voted unanimously to postpone opening the buildings until after the winter break. I fully supported reopening in January and support the continued move toward full day instruction on April 5th. Some candidates are now calling for a full return this spring, which, at this time, is not in the students' best interest. It is clear that the majority of our families do not want to return to full-day instruction (only 44% of LHS and 29% at VHHS). Further, teachers have rewritten their lesson plans to accommodate the block schedule. As a former teacher, I know I would have my plans set through the end of the school year, and changing back to an 8-period day at this point would be disruptive, logistically difficult, and contrary to our mission of providing the best education possible.

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?

I think our district responded appropriately. I will admit that it might have been better to open the schools to hybrid instruction in August and then roll back to remote as the metrics worsened during the height of the outbreak locally. If I had known then what I know now I would have supported it, however, at the time there was much we did not know and testing and contract tracing were terrible. I am in favor of in person learning when it is safe and responsible and move toward hybrid and remote as the metrics demand. I support all of the current guidelines required by the state. Students and staff must wear a mask in the building and during activities until the state relaxes the guideline. I personally support mandatory testing, but recognize why our district has chosen to make it optional for in-person students while maintaining the requirement for testing for athletes and club attendees. When we polled the community asking if they would support getting tested 80% said yes. In reality that number is more like 60%, which threatens the effectiveness of the program. If all in-person students would get tested regularly it would help to keep all of the school’s programs open and help the community at large to control the spread.

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

I do not support mandatory vaccines. I think everyone who is physical or medically capable should get a vaccine. As a biologist, I will attest that vaccines work and that the best way to get back to normal is to have everyone that can get vaccinated do so as soon as possible. I recognize that there are people who for medical reasons should not get the vaccine, which is why it is so important for
everyone else to get one. I implore every eligible person to get one as soon as it is available to you. I want our kids back in normal school.

More via Carmichael's Patch.com candidate profile.

Cara Benjamin

Benjamin, a newcomer, is an English teacher and the only Vernon Hills resident running for a seat on the D128 school board. Here is what she had to say about the most important issues she believes D128 will need to face moving forward, her thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

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

The most pressing issue facing our district is navigating a post-Covid return to school. I intend to support mitigations and policies that allow us to do this with the utmost safety and equity.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?:
The critical difference is that I am the only candidate of the ten who resides in Vernon Hills, a village that contributes a large number of the students to District 128. I am the only one who can authentically represent the needs and concerns of the families whose children live in Vernon Hills and outlying areas and attend VHHS. Additionally, due to the age of my children, I do not have a closely personal short-term agenda and will be focused on the overall student population. My children are very young - one in elementary school and the other still in preschool. My service on the board would not be short sighted nor self-serving in a way that relates directly back to my children's immediate educational experiences. Rather, my purpose would be to ensure longer term successes for the district that serve all district stakeholders both present and future.

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?

The response to the Pandemic by the school board has been excellent, considering these unprecedented circumstances. The school board cooperatively partnered with educators, administrators, teachers, and families to deliver robust remote instruction. And now, with proper testing and mitigation efforts available, plus our faculty being able to receive vaccines, we are able to provide a hybrid model that allows families the option to be fully remote or partially in person.

And now, with positivity rates being relatively low, we are moving successfully in the direction of the schools being open full-time, while still providing the option for remote instruction. Our Board has worked tirelessly to safely navigate Covid and has kept the students' and faculty's health and safety their priorities. I am very proud of our district response. I absolutely support a mask mandate for students and teachers as long as epidemiological experts feel it is warranted.

This is a simple thing we can all do to limit spread. I do support mandatory testing, excluding the testing of students and faculty who have recently recovered from Covid (I believe the guidance is a 90 day refrain from testing). Mandatory testing allows for safer buildings with less asymptomatic spread possibility, as well as more effective contact tracing and related quarantining. If schools are the essential services they are purported to be by many, the burden of keeping them safe should partly fall on the school community. Testing and masking allows for a shared responsibility in achieving the goal of safety.

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

I do support the mandatory vaccination of students and staff who do not otherwise deal with health complications that might prevent them from being safely vaccinated. We require certain vaccinations for students at other points during their education. In the same way that mandatory Meningitis vaccines are typically not controversial for students entering American colleges and universities, Covid vaccines, as a measure to prevent massive outbreaks, should not be considered controversial. In lieu of vaccination for all teachers and eventually students (when it is feasible and safe to have students vaccinated), mandatory Covid testing should be required until the threat of localized outbreaks has subsided. Our district, along with many in the area and around the country have developed effective methods to teach students remotely. This capability could be continued in the future to provide high quality education to those families that chose not be vaccinated.

More via Cara Benjamin's candidate profile

Kara Drumke

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?

I believe the current Board, like most school boards in the state, made the best decisions with the information they had at the time. The pandemic is not something we were prepared for. D128 had to pivot and reimagine delivery of rigorous curriculum in real time. I believe the current Board's decisions on remote and hybrid learning took into consideration both safety of students, staff and the community balanced with academic needs. I would characterize the district's actions towards the pandemic as "responsive". Seeking out feedback from parents, students, teachers and in some cases the community at large, and shifting when necessary. I believe the board is working towards the same goal, the full opening of the schools in the safest way possible, and I support that whole-heartedly. I support the continued use of mitigation strategies that are recommended by CDC, IDPH and LCHD.

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

As a teacher, I was fortunate enough to be included in the first phases of vaccination, as did most of my colleagues. Requiring mandatory vaccination is a high threshold to meet. I don't think we have enough information on the vaccines to make it a requirement. That is not to say it isn't safe, but at this point without the full FDA approval and studies showing long term effects I don't think a school district can force vaccination for either teachers or students at this time.

More via Drumke's candidate profile

Chris Coughlin

Coughlin is a newcomer and senior mobility architect at CDW. Here is what he had to say about the most important issues he believes D128 will need to face moving forward, his thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

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.

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.

More via Chris Coughlin's candidate profile

Sonal Kulkarni

Kulkarni, a newcomer, works as an information technology director for a medical device company. Here is what she had to say about the most important issues she believes D128 will need to face moving forward, her thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

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

A divided community, and covid fatigue. The only thing I can about this, is keep an open mind, remind everyone that we all want the same thing, we are in this together and keep an open line of communication.

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

My professional experience as an engineer and a leader in IT where I run global programs is unique. My personal experience of someone who is a minority, and an immigrant means I perceive things differently. Our district is quite culturally diverse I share my personal experiences with many families in our district.

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?

1) The district has done the best that it could under the circumstances, particularly when the 2 schools in its scope voted diametrically opposite. They are using testing and health metrics to guide decisions.

2) Masks should be mandated by everyone on school premises

3) I am in support of providing families with an equitable choice that best suits their needs

4) If legally supported, testing should be mandated for un-vaccinated individuals because of their potential to be asymptomatic carriers. I get that this may not be legally mandated in a public school scenario.

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

This is not up to the board.

More via Sonal Kulkarni's candidate profile

James Connell

Connell, a newcomer, is a business owner. Here is what he had to say about the most important issues he believes D128 will need to face moving forward, his thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Creating a pathway back to in-person school. Hopefully, the issue of a return to school will be resolved by the time a new board is seated. However, if not, I would advocate for continuing to develop a safe pathway back to in person school.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I am very involved in the community and the school presently. I have served on ParentCATS organization and have been hands on in terms of working with the school.

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?:

Our district did a good job, under very tough and extraordinary circumstances. I prefer in-person, but also understand the reality some families may face in terms of high risk issues. As a public school, offering choice because of this is important and necessary. Masks are important. Testing is critical to creating and maintaining a safe pathway back to full time in person school, but I believe the board is unable to make it mandatory. With the vaccine rollout my hope is this need becomes moot.

When the vaccine is available to them, do you support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff?: I need to learn more about this topic.

More via James Connell's candidate profile

Dale Sherman

Sherman, a newcomer, is a corporate executive and attorney. Here is what he had to say about the most important issues he believes D128 will need to face moving forward, his thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

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

Returning the schools to as close to the pre-Covid normal as possible. I intend to advocate passionately to open the schools safely, completely and immediately. Once we do, there will be a lot of healing to be done, not just between students, parents, teachers, administrators and board members--but the mental health of the students, too. We will have to consult internal and external professionals to find out the depth of the psychological damage to our students and make recovering from that a priority. Many will have to learn how to fully apply themselves as students again. More than a year away from full-time schooling caused far more harm than many will admit. I am optimistic that with the right new members of the Board, we can accomplish a return to normal and start to thrive again as a district.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As much as anyone running, I have my priorities right: the students, all of them, come first. That is the mission of the Board: to promote the best interests of the students. Beyond that, my unique skill set, temperament and experience make me a good choice to serve our students on the Board. I have been a lawyer for 26 years, in and out of the courtroom. I have served on multiple boards, including three years as Secretary of Libertyville Boys Club. I am a very experienced and successful negotiator. I have been a leader in big business for 20 years. I am comfortable working with large budgets and know how to find inefficient spending. I understand markets and believe in top compensation to attract and retain top talent. I also am keenly aware that while successful schools primarily benefits our students, they also help create a floor for local home values. I hope to earn your vote. My name appears last on the ballot section for D128 candidates.

More via Dale Sherman's candidate profile.

Sean Gay

Gay, a newcomer, runs a financial advice practice. Here is what he had to say about the most important issues he believes D128 will need to face moving forward, his thoughts on schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic and what the high school district needs to do moving forward to help students succeed:

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

The single most pressing issue facing our school board is the increased focus on indoctrination and not education. Too many subjects, such as history and literature, present topics that are unrelated to the actual subject matter that should be presented in those classes. The new ISBE Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards do not improve our student's educational experience, nor will it lead to our youth's ability to develop critical thinking skills needed in today's very competitive business environment. Schools should be controlled at the local level with dedicated board members knowing what challenges students and educators face within their community. My plan would be to further evaluate the current curriculum, reintroduce concepts that promote objective academic learning and foster leadership opportunities for the next generation.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?:
The D128 school board should be compromised of leaders that are personally connected to the district with active kids or soon to be active kids at either VHHS or LHS. Successful leadership flourishes when a person is fully and truly invested with the performance and function of our schools.

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

No, my body my choice.

More via Sean Gay's candidate profile