D122 Election: Starklauf, Rush, O'Connor, Haring Projected To Win

NEW LENOX, IL — Three incumbents and one newcomer candidate are the projected winners of New Lenox District 122 Board of Education election. Incumbents Rhonda Starklauf, David Rush and Albert Haring are projected to retain their seats, and newcomer Kris O'Connor is also a projected winner.

Five candidates ran for four open positions on the board.

You can find the vote totals below:

Tuesday's election results are unofficial until certified by the county on April 27. Provisional Ballots cast on Election Day and all late Vote By Mail Ballots postmarked by Election Day will be counted at Provisional Count on April 20, according to the county clerk's office.

21 out of 21 precincts reporting:

• Aaron Raatjes - 1,995
• Rhonda Starklauf - 2,431
• David Rush - 2,235
• Kris O'Connor - 2,651
• Albert Haring - 2,507
  

Raatjes, Starklauf, Rush and Haring are all incumbents, while O'Connor is a newcomer candidate.

Rush is the current secretary of the board.

Raatjes is also a current board member, and works as a teacher at Lincoln-Way District 210. In his Patch questionnaire, he wrote that the most pressing issue facing the board is maintaining instruction for remote and in-person learners.

"I believe a school district needs dedicated board members who are interested in advocating for our students by ensuring that all aspects of the district are managed properly and effectively with a sincere dedication to transparency," he wrote.

Starklauf is the current board president and also works as a teacher at Lincoln-Way D210. In her questionnaire, she wrote that funding is the most pressing issue facing the board.

"I try to be consistent and fair when making decisions, and my number one goal is to always put students first," she wrote.

O'Connor works as a vice president of a nonprofit, and also serves as commissioner for the Village's Police commission.

In his Patch questionnaire, O'Connor wrote that dealing with "new state-mandated policies and the burden on taxpayers" is the most pressing issue facing the board.

"As a small business owner and as a vice president of an organization that provides programs for youth, I have a fiscally responsible mindset that cares about providing the best opportunities for students," he wrote.

Haring, another current board member, is retired. In his candidate questionnaire, he wrote that the most pressing issue facing the board is the pandemic. Another priority of his campaign platform is increasing transparency.

"I think voters should trust me because I believe I have been an honest person. I believe I have spoken truthfully about what I stand for and would advocate for," he wrote.

New Lenox Location Elections

Other local elections in New Lenox are:

• Lincoln-Way D210 Board of Education
• New Lenox Township
• New Lenox Park District Board

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