New Lenox SD 122 candidates face off in forum
The school district’s property tax levy, budget and infighting among school board members were the key issues addressed at a recent candidates forum in New Lenox School District 122 that was hosted by the teachers union.
Each candidate gave an initial statement regarding whether they would support a higher levy, which is the amount of revenue the district intends to raise via the property tax. School districts are heavily dependent on the property tax because the state is among the worst in the nation in the share of its revenue provided to public schools.
The six challengers, all of whom are New Lenox residents, each said they favored a higher levy. Incumbent Maureen Broderick previously voted against a levy increase, and incumbent Nick Di Sandro, who did not attend the forum, had supported an increase.
“To vote against the tax levy is not to vote against raising taxes,” said challenger Bill Pender, who previously served on the school board for a year. “I voted for the tax levy, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. You will never hurt taxpayers by putting kids first.”
The format had the candidates answering questions that were drawn randomly, many touching on how they would work with other board members, the administration and staff.
The board has come under criticism for its divisiveness in recent years — including a federal lawsuit filed by an outgoing member against Broderick regarding a dispute over the board election two years ago and a suit by Broderick last fall over the board refusing to pay her legal bill stemming from the election dispute and the suit against her.
Challenger Michelle Rosenfeld, an attorney, said she would conduct herself in a professional manner as a board member and work to ensure that members treat each other with respect and do not get personal in their disagreements.
“The school board should emulate what it expects kids to learn,” she said.
Broderick said each member is only one of seven and has to respect the majority decision even if it goes against their position. She said the board is going to be divided on some issues but should strive after a decision is made to remain unified.
Challenger Al Haring, who is the math department chairman at Lincoln-Way Central High School, said he’s running for a board seat because he was disappointed in the past board’s behavior.
“My goals, should I be elected, are to help in bringing a proper decorum and order back to the board,” he said.
Several of the questions to the candidates concerned the budget and keeping teacher pay competitive. Challenger Jennifer Babington, who has worked with nonprofit organizations, said the board should “look outside” for more funding, such as to the state.
Challenger Nicole Swallow, who holds a master’s degree in accounting, said budgeting is what she does for a living and she could help the board make sure that district funds are directed to where they can most benefit students, which would include teacher salaries.
“You can’t trip over the dollar bills to pick up the dimes,” Swallow said.
When asked about the importance of art and music in the curriculum, challenger Jonathan “J.P.” Cohen, a chiropractor, said those subjects are important and should not be sacrificed in budget cuts.
“I think it’s a necessity,” Cohen said. “The more type of stimulation you give to the child, the more children are going to learn.”
Pender agreed, saying said fine arts education leads to student success.
Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter.
