D-158 hopefuls discuss platforms
By AMBER KROSEL - akrosel@nwherald.com
HUNTLEY – Five of six candidates for the next District 158 school board shared their views on issues affecting the district Wednesday night.
During a Meet the Candidates forum hosted by both the teachers and support staff unions, those running for two- and four-year seats greeted the public before the April 7 election.
Larry Snow, who faces Mike Skala for the sole two-year seat, did not attend the forum, citing a disagreement with the moderators’ ground rules that did not allow debate between candidates.
About 40 community members attended the forum at Conley Elementary School, clapping during various points of the candidates’ presentations. Topics included the possible expansion of Huntley High School, as well as each person’s future board contributions.
Skala, 37, said he brought balanced decisions that represented the best interest of students, taxpayers, and staff. He first was elected to the school board in 1997.
While he doesn’t agree with building a new or expanded high school building before reaching capacity, Skala said the school board would need to continue evaluating growth during the next several years.
“I’m not in favor of building if something isn’t needed to be built,” he added.
After postponing the completion of a high school capacity survey this spring, the district might be back on board with the process in September after receiving high preliminary kindergarten registration numbers for next year.
The uncontested candidates for four four-year seats – Shawn Green, Paul Troy, Don Drzal and Kim Skaja – also weighed in on the options.
Thirty-five-year-old Green supports building a freshman academy after reaching capacity.
“We need to continue to plan ahead, build up our financial reserves, and prepare because this is an eventuality, whether it’s five years down the road or 10 years,” said Green, who is seeking a second term on the board.
Troy, 40, said he would like to see additional community focus groups on the issue.
Another of Troy’s concerns is successfully negotiating a long-term teachers contract in 2011.
Drzal, who will be one of two new faces on the board along with Troy, shares that stance. The 44-year-old added that proper financing and budgeting in general are “first and foremost on everybody’s mind” given the tough economy.
Meanwhile, longtime school board member Kim Skaja said she hoped for increased communication, an end to board infighting and more feedback from residents. Skaja, 52, has served as a board member for 14 years.
According to a candidate questionnaire submitted to the Northwest Herald, 58-year-old Snow supports independent board member oversight and “saying ‘no’ to unrealistic teachers union demands.”
Snow was elected to the school board in 2005.
