Meet New Lenox D122 Board Of Ed Candidate: Albert Haring

NEW LENOX, IL — Albert Haring is one of five candidates running for four open positions on the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education. Haring is retired, and is a current District 122 Board member.

Haring recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be found below:

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

Name: Albert H. Haring

Age (as of Election Day): 63

Town/city of residence: New Lenox

School district: NLSD 122

Family: I am married to Linda. We have three children: Katharine, James, and Julie. The children are all adults.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education: An Associate's degree from Highland Community College. A Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University. A Master's degree from Governors State University.

Occupation: Retired.

Campaign website: None.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

NLSD 122 Board Member

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

Currently, the most pressing issue facing our district is the pandemic. I have and will continue to educate myself about the issues involved with how schools can provide as safe an environment as possible for the students, staff, and community. To this end, I would work with other board members and the school’s administration to facilitate the best path forward.

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

Other than age, I am not aware of other critical differences. We may not always agree, but in general, I think we all want what is “best for students and the district.” The differences sometimes occur when we disagree on what “best” is.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am interested in increasing transparency as much as is legally possible and through policy. I would like to see our district “raise the bar” academically by increasing its academic intensity and integrity. Along with that, I would like to see the district increase ways in which to support academic achievement. I also want to advocate for and support the current plan the district has in place to keep the amount the taxpayer pays towards retiring bond debt as low and as consistent as possible while only adding a few years to the length of the debt. The district’s capital improvements plan is another thing which I am supportive of that addresses the maintenance and upkeep of the district’s facilities.

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

Any accomplishments that I can think of are all related to being part of a group that produced the accomplishments. I have been on various committees by way of schools, church, and community. What they have provided for me is an avenue in which to work effectively as part of a group that works toward a common goal for the common good.

Why should voters trust you?

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. Having said this, I would say “trust, but verify” what I have said and what I have done. Ask people who have worked with me or know me as a person.

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

Just like there are many things that go into making a successful school district, there would be many accomplishments which would be needed to make my term in office a success. I would see our district’s academic achievement increase, the capital improvements program would continue, the impact of the bond debt would be minimized and stabilized for the taxpayer, and the board would find ways in which to increase transparency for the community.

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

I think our district has been efficient, effective, and responsible in the handling of its finances. The district has lived within its means while providing a quality education for its students. Until the pandemic came, the district always had a balanced budget and usually ended with a surplus. Despite the pandemic, this still may hold true for the current budget. Some of the surplus funds were retained as reserves to meet state and local guidelines, and some of the funds have been used to fund capital improvement projects which maintain our district facilities.

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 believe in freedom of speech and the right to assemble peacefully.

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 this board has. I also think the current and next board will be seeking out and doing more in this area.

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?

Given the situation and all of the variables that needed to be considered, I think the district has done a good job of following national, state, and local guidelines and protocols associated with the pandemic. While obviously not the best, I do approve of remote learning when needed. I prefer in-person learning when it is safe and possible to do. I have and still do support a mask mandate for all individuals involved in the education process. I do not support mandatory coronavirus testing other than how it is addressed in the guidelines and protocols.

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

I do not support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. I would hope that everyone sees the benefits of getting one as long as it is reasonably safe to do so.

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

There isn’t any that I can think of.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do the best job that you can.