Election 2011: Ignacio "Nacho" Cervantes

Editor's note: All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions, but were asked to abide by a 75-word guideline. The answers have been presented here unabridged.

• Position sought: District 131 School Board Member
• E-mail address: vote4nacho@gmail.com
• Phone: 630-806-0112

• Age: 19
• Family: No info provided.
• Education: Aurora University, majoring in Criminal Justice
• Occupation: Sodexo Grill man at Waubonsee Community College
• Political party affiliation, If any: Non-partisian
• Previous elected offices: None
• Related experience: Just graduated from the district in 2010,have an insight on what is happening.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I am running to have more parent involvement in our school and be a voice for the students of District 131. Also I want to focus on the security and safety of the children.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My single most important priority would be getting parent involvement in the district. If we get parent involvement our district can flourish to be one of top the districts in the state of Illinois.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

The thing that sets me apart from other candidates is that I recently graduated from District 131 in 2010. I know the problems that are happening there and being a former student board member it gives me more knowledge of what is happening.

How long have you lived in the school district?

I have lived in District 131 since I was born. I have gone through District 131 since elementary school. I have attended Oak Park Elementary, Hermes Elementary, Simmons Middle School, and East Aurora High School.

What's your favorite thing about the school district?

My favorite thing about the district is the atmosphere; in any school I go to people treat you with respect, from the custodians all the way to the principal.

What is the biggest problem in the school district?

The biggest problem in the district is our lack in parent involvement. Parents go to their kids’ events but not to the school board meetings. I hear a lot of parents criticizing the district, when they should take the initiative and go to the school board to talk about the problems.