Voters will have only one choice to make in the April 6 Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 Board election.
An unexpired two-year term is the only contested race in the election, after the DuPage County Officers’ Electoral Board in January upheld objections against two of the candidates who submitted petitions to be on the ballot for four-year terms. The removal from the ballot of Jason Bier and Virginia Malinas leaves William J. “Bill” Cotter, Michael R. Martin and Grace Shin unopposed for three open four-year terms.
Incumbent Margaret Kleber, currently the board president, is being challenged for the two-year term by Christine Dannhausen-Brun.
“I am running for another two-year term because my prior board experience and my institutional knowledge will provide board stability and continuity during one of the most difficult periods in District 181’s history,” Kleber said.
Both Kleber and Dannhausen-Brun said dealing with challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic are a top priority.
“No one knows precisely what the next six to 12 months will bring in this pandemic, so we must make plans that address all scenarios, while maximizing the academic and social and emotional needs of all children,” Dannhausen-Brun said. “The district must be more transparent in its decisions and plans around reopening and bridging gaps.”
Kleber said ensuring the safe return to full-time, in-school learning in a manner that protects the health and welfare of our students, teachers, and administrators is of utmost importance.
She also said the board needs to constantly question whether proposed expenditures are need based or want based.
“There is constant pressure to fund ‘wants vs. needs’ or ‘nice to have vs. must haves,’ Kleber said.
Another board priority for Dannhausen-Brun is ensuring that District 181 makes the most fiscally and academically responsible decisions, regarding maintaining and expanding curriculum around kindergarten and world languages and regarding any proposed administrative center changes.
She said she has considered running for the board for many years as a way to give back to the community.
“I am passionate about seeing children succeed and giving them the best opportunities to reach their maximum potential,” she said. “I believe that every child develops in their own time. As a parent of current D181 students as well as older students who are navigating high school, college and work in these unique times, I will bring a unique perspective to the D181 board as I understand how the work of D181 fits into a child’s future goals.”
Kleber, who had four children go through District 181 schools, said that as a parent, taxpayer and an active community member for the past 30 years, she understands the key elements that are necessary to achieve excellence in District 181.
“I have served on, or worked closely with, many boards over the course of my professional career, which has instilled a knowledge of how to work collaboratively and respectfully while formulating sound group decisions,” she said.
Christine Dannhausen-Brun
Age: 52
Town of residence/how long lived there: Hinsdale/ 20 years
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Family: married for 25 years with 6 children, ages 10, 12, 17, 20, 22 and 22
Profession: former health care researches, currently consultant, homemaker, volunteer and community advocate
Education: bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago, Master of Public Health from University of Illinois at Chicago
Previous elected offices held: none
Local volunteer work: Currently a member of the Ad Hoc Health Advisory Committee for District 181, Illinois Medical Professionals Action Collaborative Team and Girl Scout leader. Among previous volunteer work was Boy Scouts of America, District 181 Social and Emotional Learning Committee, Yearbook Committee, numerous school PTO fundraising committees, room parent
Margaret Kleber
Age: 59
Town of Residence/how long: Hinsdale / 30 years
Family: Married since 1985, four children, ages 31, 28, 25, 24
Profession: Project manager, health care industry
Education: bachelor’s degree, Loyola University, Chicago
Previous Elected Offices: member, District 181 Board, 2017-present, including president, 2020-21; Facilities Committee, 2017-2021, including roles as president, vice president and secretary
Local Volunteer Work: The Lane School PTO; District 181 referendum committees, 1996 — 2000; Hinsdale Central track & field parent group; Union Church of Hinsdale, Early Childhood Education Program, held several leadership roles over the course of eight years