Vote for Babcock, Chapman & Ekeberg!

For 17 years, I have had the honor and pleasure to teach in a district that has continually proven its commitment to putting children first. District 15 ensures that all students, despite disparities in demographics from one side of town to the other, receive a quality education. Not only am I invested in this community as a teacher, but also as a ten-year Palatine resident and now—most importantly—as a parent. Therefore, I am writing this letter to share my firm support of Peggy Babcock, James Ekeberg and Gerald Chapman --candidates for the 2017 District 15 Board of Education.

The recent approval of a 10-year teaching contract has unsettled some residents. Understandably, the contract does break with tradition. However, it will most certainly save the community money in the long-run. By approving this contract, the Board of Education ensured long-term stability, while promoting fiscal responsibility. First, the considerable cost of negotiating a new contract every 2-3 years is reduced. Second, veteran teachers at the highest end of the pay-scale have incentives to retire early. Finally, Babcock, Ekeberg and Chapman were involved in every aspect of change to the contract. They oversaw the negotiations with integrity and a determination to balance what is best for schools with their responsibility to the taxpayers.

Peggy Babcock's involvement in District 15 extends back many years. I first became acquainted with her in her role as PTSA president at Plum Grove Junior High. Prior to that she was the PTA president of Willow Bend. In both positions, her support for teachers, students and schools was unwavering. This has not changed. Babcock, along with Ekeberg and Chapman, promotes a culture of cooperation between teachers, parents, community-members, administrators and students. They are open to- and even seek out- innovative ideas. They are available and accessible. As an active community member, I have reached out to them on numerous occasions via their "Let's Talk" icon on the district website or directly by e-mail and have always received a timely, thoughtful response. The current Board has shown itself to be stalwart and forward-thinking time and again. In response to the research presented by the Life-Safety Study and Facilities Committee, the Board unhesitatingly committed to making needed improvements across the district: a proposal of a community school in the Northeast corner of Palatine, a new middle school and the promise of all-day kindergarten, which is something our district desperately needs. These developments will keep our town competitive in terms of real estate value, but also will serve in the best interest of our kids.

For all of this, the Board deserves our acknowledgement and appreciation. As a taxpayer, parent and educator, I whole-heartedly support the re-election of Babcock, Ekeberg and Chapman to the District 15 Board of education and am confident they will continue to do pioneering work for our community.