Meet the Candidates for Western Springs District 101 School Board

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL - District 101 has five candidates vying for four open spots on the Board of Education. Lisa Garvin, Brett Lettiere, Julie O'Connor, George Garing Gibbs and Caitlin Sendaydiego are all hoping to be chosen for the board. District 101 has shared some campaign information about all of the candidates on their website.

Lisa Garvin

Garvin is an incumbent in this race, and is seeking to serve a second term on the board. She has had four children attending District 101 since 2002, and moved to Western Springs in 2001.

"As a school board member, I bring a passion for educational excellence, as well as, a sensitivity to the social and emotional needs of our students," Garvin said.

In her professional life, she is a school social worker in special education, with experience in student service roles within education as well. While on the board, she was chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Communication and Building committees.

"As a school board member, I will continue to put the needs of our students first, while striving to make decisions that ensure the best academic and educational experience for all students in our district," Garvin added.

She has also been involved with the Laidlaw PTO, McClure Parent Council, District 101 Caucus, Lyons Swim Club, Western Springs Swim Club, Young Life, Women’s Ministry Board at Christ Church of Oak Brook and Vice President of the ONU Alumni Association.

Brett Lettiere

Lattiere has been an educator for 18 years, and has two children in the District, Phoebe and Beckett.

He believes that his experience in education makes him knowledgeable about trends and challenges, as well as in Common Core, PARCC and curriculum writing.

"I am invested in the education of all children in the district and care about their academic achievement and emotional well-being," Lattiere said.

He currently serves as the co-chair of the Lyons Township High School Community Advisory Council and has found it very beneficial.

As a member of this council, I have the opportunity to discuss education with other parents from Western Springs and surrounding suburbs and with current high school students, many of whom graduated from McClure," Lattiere said. "I am continuously reminded of all the great opportunities our district provides for our students."

Lattiere said he believes that the district has made good choices and provides children with an excellent education.

"I hope to bring my knowledge of and passion for education to the board. I hope that my
experience in education can make me an asset to an already great school board," he said.

Julie O'Connor

O'Connor currently serves on the school board, and is seeking another four year term. She has four children, one at McClure and one at Field Park. She is a graduate of University of Illinois, and has a Bachelor's in accounting, as well as a law degree. She is a practicing attorney, and works as the general counsel and head of regulatory affairs for the Private Bank and Trust Company in Chicago.

"I am not pursuing a specific topic or agenda in connection with the election, but I support the school board’s vision of continuous improvement to support student growth," O'Connor said. She added that if she were reelected, she would continue to be an engaged board member and committed to helping the district.

She believes that her background and work experience allow her to understand and fulfill the responsibilities of the school board.

"I am willing to commit the time and effort necessary to work to address the challenges that District 101 may face, including declines in state funding, and how to best prepare our students for success in an ever-changing world," O'Connor said.

George Gary Gibbs

Gibbs has lived in Western Springs for 12 years, and works as a cardiologist at La Grange and Hinsdale hospitals. He has four children, one at Laidlaw Elementary School.

"I would be proud to be a voice for our village, he said. "I have attended board meetings, listening to the accomplishments of our students, as well as issues that required board attention, such as all day/half day kindergarten, and building/grounds improvements (e.g. new class rooms, gymnasium, air conditioning)."

Gibbs said he would like the opportunity to listen to the community and make a positive difference.

"Above all else, our goal should and would be to provide the highest quality education in a fiscally responsible manner," he said.

Gibbs said his career as a cardiologist gives him a set of unique skills and perspectives.

"I would be able to make comment on health benefits, adverse and positive effects of policies, be involved in public health questions, as well as comment on and help develop health-related programs for our students," he said.

Caitlin Sendaydiego

Sendaydiego is a District 101 alumna, and has four children, two of whom are at Laidlaw Elementary School.

She said she chose to run for school board because she wants to be a part of making the great schools in Western Springs event better.

Sendaydiego plans to do this by, "taking a fresh approach to student testing, focusing on attracting and retaining the best personnel, ensuring that our schools remain safe environments where students can focus on learning, and being a responsible steward of our tax dollars."

In her professional life, Sendaydiego has worked in marketing, finance and operations for BP Products North America. In the community, she is part of the Western Springs Newcomers and Neighbors Club, where she served as president for three years. She has also served on the parent enrichment group for Grand Avenue Preschool, and as a room mom, library helper and classroom volunteer at Laidlaw.

"The insights gained from each of these roles and regular attendance at public meetings with school and district administrators, has encouraged me to ask questions about how our district functions and identify the
following four areas of opportunity for the future," Sendaydiego said. She believes that the four focus areas of the district should be on testing, teacher retention, student safety and fiscal stewardship.

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