2012 D86 Grad: Support 'Building on Excellence' Slate

As a 2012 graduate of District 86, and current college student who remains positively impacted by my education in the district, I am voicing my strong support for candidates Dennis Brennan, DeeDee Gorgol, Kay Gallo and Roseanne Rosenthal. 

These candidates have a record that speaks for itself. During their combined time served on the board, District 86 has had seven balanced budgets, maintained a triple-A credit rating, continually increased ACT scores, continued cost containment measures, and built new science labs at both schools in the district. They continue to look ahead at promising and viable ways to keep District 86 a leader in education.

Last fall I was highly disturbed by an initiative suggesting the school board should control curriculum. If you are not familiar with what I am referring to, check the archives of past school board meetings and see for yourself.  Should this type of initiative pass, it would take away our teachers’ ability to teach based on their expertise, and parents’ self-determination over what their students are exposed to in the classroom. The fact that three of the other four candidates are running on a platform that encourages censorship disturbs and worries me. By electing that mindset into office, we risk a setting a precedent that would likely override the decisions of our teachers, parents, students and community.

District 86 is a desired and sought after school district for good reason. We have great administrators, teachers, and staff that are dedicated to excellence in education for the students of the district. The majority of the CURRENT school board members have that dedication as well. Brennan, Gorgol, Gallo and Rosenthal all recognize that we don’t need the school board to impose their beliefs on District 86; we need trust in our teachers and community to collaborate and work on substantive matters, ensuring District 86 remains the exemplary school district it has been for decades. I feel assured that with these candidates elected, District 86 will continue on the path of excellence in education for students in our district for many years to come.

I strongly urge you to vote 3-4-5-6 for Brennan, Gorgol, Gallo and Rosenthal on April 9. By doing so, you will ensure responsible, motivated, competent, and dedicated individuals with the best interest of District 86 in mind are elected to the school board and District 86 will continue on the path of excellence in education.

Molly Hogan, Burr Ridge