Letter To The Editor: Will District 15 Election Bring Opportunities or Consequences?

The following Patch Letter to the Editor was submitted by Palatine resident Deana Dziadosz:

Observing the D15 BoE race has been an exhausting experience. Questions have been asked of all candidates, but not always answered by all. Some facts presented clearly and openly, while others have been carefully uncovered over time. Accusations have been hurled and mud has been slung. Some candidates have been true to their campaign promises of approaching this election cycle with transparency and engagement, while others seemed to stay shrouded … a means of self-preservation.

I am ready for this race to end. But, while I'm looking forward to April 4th — I worry about it, too. If the wrong candidates are voted (back) in, what will that mean for D15?

During their tenure, the incumbents have continuously disregarded the input of D15 stakeholders when making critical decisions — like approving that teacher's contract before releasing it to the public or media. Or approving the placement of $130M referendum on last November's ballot. Or approving early start Wednesdays without consulting parents first. The list goes on … 10 years back, at least.

More District 15 School Board Election Coverage on Patch:

• D15 School Board Candidate Frank Annerino Talks About Respecting All D15 Taxpayers
  
• Vote for Babcock, Chapman & Ekeberg!
  
• Leaders for District 15
  
• D15 School Board Candidate Mike Smolka Talks School Boundary Challenges, Solutions
  
• Letter To The Editor: New School At Osage Park No Solution For District 15
  
• Experience Matters in District 15
• D15 School Board Race: Candidate Barb Kain Explores Opportunities to Close Achievement Gaps
• Letter To The Editor: New Perspectives Needed on District 15 School Board
• Letter To The Editor: 'We Need New Blood And Fresh Perspectives On This Board'
• DIRTY One Word to Describe School District 15 Race
• Letter To The Editor: 5 Consensus Candidates 'Truly Represent The District 15 Community'
• Letter To The Editor: Say 'No' To 'Rubber Stamping' District 15 School Board Members
• Engage D15 Endorses itself for School Board
• D15 School Board Candidate Anthony Wang Discusses How Your Taxes Need to be Protected
• 4RD15Kids Endorses Engage D15 Candidates for District 15 School Board
• District 15: A 10-Year Timeline of Decisions, Continuing Controversies

During this campaign, the incumbents have relied greatly on the support (financial and otherwise) of special interest groups, while spreading false assumptions about the political affiliations of others. They've chosen inflammatory language to market themselves, rather than speaking to their achievements during their time on the board … perhaps because their track records don't make for good marketing? They've used the word "slate" with contempt when referring to others, only to have their three names collectively appear on every flier and sign distributed on their behalves. They've shied away from social platforms that would essentially put them in a position to have to actually "talk" with those they are seeking to serve … again. Are they worried about the questions they might be asked? Afraid of the answers they might be forced to give?

Come April 5th, the stakeholders of D15 can look forward to great opportunities for our district. But only if new representation, which stands for the best interests of all in our district, is put into place. This is the only way to avoid the past from repeating itself. The fallout of that would be riddled with consequences that we just can no longer afford. Let’s clear the fog and allow the light of a newer, brighter tomorrow into D15.

Vote for opportunity. Vote Annerino, Wang, Smolka, Szczupaj and Kain to bring about the change that we so desperately need.

Deana Dziadosz

Palatine

Patch Letters to the Editor can be sent to Palatine Patch editor Joe Vince at joe.vince@patch.com. Write "Letter to the Editor" in the subject line of the message. Include your full name, address and a phone number you can be reached at (your contact information will not be published). Also indicate if you want the the letter to be posted on the site. Letters may be edited.

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