Meet District 122 School Board Write-In Candidate Aaron Raatjes

NEW LENOX, IL — The upcoming election is less than three weeks away, and early voting has already started. In New Lenox, one of the contested local races is the race for the unexpired 2-year term on the District 122 Board of Education. Aaron Raatjes is one of two write-in candidates running for the position.

Raatjes and his wife, Krista, live in New Lenox. He has a Doctorate in Education from Loyola University. Raatjes is currently a teacher at Lincoln-Way Central High School and Dean of Students and was recently named a finalist for the Golden Apple award.

"I was recently named a finalist for the Golden Apple Award for demonstrated excellence in teaching and can identify with the challenges classroom teachers face, because I share them," he said. "I know what it means to engage and challenge all students from ELL to special needs and accelerated learners, all while diligently observing IEP and 504 plans."

Raatjes said he believes the most pressing issue facing the District 122 board is finanical stability.

"This is the challenge of most Boards of Education throughout Illinois. Staying on top of the budget in the midst of funding changes from the state is an ongoing issue that requires diligence and focused attention," he said. "This task necessitates open communication with the public and transparency as the district reacts to changes in revenues and costs while prioritizing students. The district has an obligation to stay on top of capital improvements, maintain up-to-date technology, and employ excellent teachers. This obligation must be met within a budget that maintains a healthy funding balance."

Raatjes believes his background as an educator will "lend an informed perspected to the board."

"Because education is my career, I am up to date on new trends and best practices for improving schools," he said. "I understand how the various pieces of a school district work in conjunction with one another and will bring this knowledge and insight to the Board of Education."

There is one other write-in candidate, Larry Gilman, for the unexpired two-year term for the District 122 Board of Education in the April 2 election.

If you are a candidate in the upcoming April 2 election, you can email andrea.earnest@patch.com for a candidate questionnaire.