What may be the most hotly contested elementary school board race in recent memory drew more than 300 people to a candidates forum in the Oster-Oakview School gym Monday.
Eleven candidates, including two five-candidate slates are vying for five seats on the New Lenox Elementary District 122 Board race. On Nov. 4 voters will be asked to choose candidates to fill four four-year terms and one two-year term.
School Board Members Jeanne Kragie, Chris Bulmann and Joe Ballerini, are all seeking re-election for four-year terms on the same slate, which does not have a name. They pointed to the school district’s high academic performance record.
New Lenox students post above average scores on standardized tests and the district boasts national “Blue Ribbon School” awards even with per-pupil spending $2,000 below the state average, Kragie said.
The school district’s financial problems stem from two causes, explosive growth and a tax cap,Ballerini said.
Also on the incumbents’ slate are newcomers Keith Tague, who is seeking a four-year term, and Thomas Greskowiak, who is seeking a two-year term said they support the school district’s record of academic performance and financial restraint.
Cass Wennlund, a local attorney and running on his own, said he wants to maintain the school district’s “tradition of excellence.”
The incumbents’ record is under attack by the Better Education/Limits on Taxation slate, consisting of Karl Maurer, Jeri Johnston, Ray Webster and Jerry Kuna running for four-year terms and Barb Kneynsberg running for a two-year term.
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