Consensus Candidates Announce Campaign Kick-Off for District 15 Board of Education

Pictured left to right: Frank Annerino, Anthony Wang, Mike Smolka, Barb Kain and Lisa Szczupaj.

Five consensus candidates are running as a team for five open seats on the Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education, in the April 4, 2017 Consolidated Election.

These candidates are a part of the group, Members for a Responsible and Accountable D15, and identify with the name, Engage D15. They include Frank Annerino, Mike Smolka, Anthony Wang, Lisa Szczupaj and Barb Kain.

Each of the candidates come from unique backgrounds and live in different neighborhoods throughout the school district. As individuals, each brings their own unique skill-set, educational and professional backgrounds, and varying perspectives which will provide solid representation for all D15 residents.

Two highly controversial issues, both of which occurred in 2016 under the current school board leadership, include the unprecedented 10-year teacher contact, and the failed $130 million building bond referendum.

Both issues caused outrage and concern from D15 stakeholders due to a complete lack of community engagement in both instances, which have since spurred questions about how and if the best interests of the community at-large are being represented by both the school board and administration. These legitimate concerns are part of the inspiration behind why these five candidates chose to run together, with common goals for serious improvements in leadership at the heart of their collective campaign.

“The residents of District 15 deserve school board leadership that, without fail, represents their best interests,” said Szczupaj. “Our team of five is intent on ensuring the community is included and respected as stakeholders whose thoughts and feedback are valued.”

The team’s common objectives are to Engage with D15 by 1) using tax dollars effectively to provide the highest quality education for all children, 2) collaborating with the community on decisions that affect children, families and taxpayers, and 3) dedicating themselves to restoring the public’s trust in the school district through transparency and accountability.

The team’s first kick-off event will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Smith Street Station, 180 N. Smith Street in downtown Palatine (next to Durty Nellie’s) from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.EngageD15.com or click here to register for the event through Eventbrite.

About the Candidates:

The controversies surrounding District 15 relating to the failed $130 million referendum, unprecedented 10-year teacher contract and late start / early release debate have inspired and motivated Frank Annerino, Mike Smolka, Anthony Wang, Lisa Szczupaj and Barb Kain to come together to run for our D15 School Board.

These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds with a range of experiences, bringing their unique skill-sets and perspectives to form a consensus team to represent our diverse community. Together, they will chart a new course for our school district.

They believe it is imperative to restore the public’s trust in D15 through transparency and accountability. Together, they will engage and collaborate with the community on important decisions that affect our children, families and taxpayers. And they will ensure our tax dollars are being used as effectively as possible, to provide the highest quality education for our children and for the betterment of our community.

To learn more about the individual candidates and more detailed goals for District 15’s future, please visit www.EngageD15.com.