Conflict of Interest for District 58 School Board Candidate?

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Susan Helsdon aims to land a seat on the Downers Grove District 58 School Board, but she faces criticism over her time as president of the teachers’ union. Helsdon is the second candidate in the April 4 election who has ties to the teachers’ union, reports DuPage Policy Journal. Greg Harris also served as union president.

Current union officials and some Downers Grove residents think that Harris’ and Helsdon’s experience as teachers and union officials could pose a serious conflict of interest if they are elected to serve on the school board. Helsdon told DuPage Policy Journal she hopes to ease the minds of concerned taxpayers and adds that she would dedicate her time to “working for every stakeholder” in the village.

Helsdon and Harris would indeed have their work cut out for them if elected. Over the past 20 years, District 58 has struggled with rising costs, declining enrollment and struggling test scores. With this in mind, Downers Grove residents in this district face an important decision on the April 4 ballot.

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