District 128 School Board Race: James Connell Profile

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — There are 10 candidates running for four open seats this spring on the Community High School District 128 school board.

Patch.com requested information from all candidates through a survey. Here are the responses submitted by District 128 school board candidates James Connell:

Age: 54

School district: D128

Family: My wife Laure, three daughters.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for: No

Education: BA from DePaul University

Occupation: Business Owner

Campaign website: jimconnellford128.org

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Libertyville (not elected)

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Creating a pathway back to in-person school. Hopefully, the issue of a return to school will be resolved by the time a new board is seated. However, if not, I would advocate for continuing to develop a safe pathway back to in person school.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I am very involved in the community and the school presently. I have served on ParentCATS organization and have been hands on in terms of working with the school.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?: Our district and board have faced a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. They have served us well under extraordinarily tough circumstances.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I believe communication as a district could be improved upon and I believe we need to continue to be fiscally responsible.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I volunteer extensively throughout the community and work with students from all walks of life. I also teach one class at College of Lake County and understand the perspective of teachers.

Why should voters trust you?: My work in the community speaks for itself. I have helped raise money, produce events, work with the school and students, and have volunteered extensively at my church.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?: Building upon the excellent tradition of D128, and being a catalyst for improvement.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?: I take a conservative approach to all things financial, especially when it comes to taxpayer dollars.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?: I grew up in Zion, IL and do a lot of volunteering with at-risk youth throughout Lake County. My focus is standing with the marginalized and building meaningful friendships. This is a very important aspect of my life. Peaceful demonstrations are a cornerstone of America and I fully support all peaceful protests. This is a sensitive topic with many nuances, and something that is better left for in person discussion as opposed to short snippets of writing. Something I strive for in life, is 'show, don't tell'. In other words, watch what I do and where I spend my time. If anyone has questions about this topic, I would encourage them to reach out to me, as this topic is very important to me and to our communities.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?: This is something I need to learn more about in terms of our district.

What are your thoughts on the district’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Are you in favor of remote learning, in-person learning or a hybrid of the two? Do you support a mask mandate for students and school staff, or mandatory coronavirus testing for both students and staff?: Our district did a good job, under very tough and extraordinary circumstances. I prefer in-person, but also understand the reality some families may face in terms of high risk issues. As a public school, offering choice because of this is important and necessary. Masks are important. Testing is critical to creating and maintaining a safe pathway back to full time in person school, but I believe the board is unable to make it mandatory. With the vaccine rollout my hope is this need becomes moot.

When the vaccine is available to them, do you support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff?: I need to learn more about this topic.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?: No.

The best advice ever shared with me was ____________: Take your faith seriously, and keep your sense of humor.