Hmmm. ... Seems we know which way this "writer" is leaning. ... would be nice to see an opposing viewpoint, or better yet an impartial article outlining platforms of each group to inform readers and let them decide. ... and one note: every "adage" is old; that's why it's an adage -- the word "old" is in the definition.

Sasha,
I have been very impressed with Mr. Slupski's reporting. He does a thorough investigation of the facts and presents them to the public. I don't see the truth as bias, yes it may sting at imes, but it is his job to uncover the truth. Individual residents don't have the time to investigate and dig for it. That is the role that a responsible reporter is suppose to play... Keep up the good work Patch...

The Daily Herald endoresed the Evens – 2-4-6 James Ekeberg, Gerald Chapman and Dave Seiffert and so do I.

I still don't understand why anyone would vote for Seiffert. He was appointed to a finish a 2 year position yet he still gets to run for the four year seat as well. Let's give him the two years to prove himself and then vote on his performance. If he wins in this election and gets the four year seat, that will leave his current seat open and the board will get to appoint another person for the two year position again - bypassing the will of the people. Let voters decide who they want to represent them, not a board majority.

Ask the 2-4-6 dandelion supporters who thier employer is or what field they work in?

Concerned Resident: No need to ask the 2-4-6 sign owners' who their employers are - union hacks all of them are! All the bus drivers got signs delivered for them! Linda Flemming the biggest RINO on the planet was caught on camera 2 years ago having her husband hand bus drivers the signs for Dick and Babs.

Wow. The more I read here, the more I'm leaning toward the evens. And Wise and Concerned Resident, believe it or not, I am NOT a member of a union. I recently visited the odd website (pun intended) and was less than impressed with the "platform." Very basic with no real solutions. It's easy to criticize when you're on the sideline, but it's a different story when you're playing in the game. First instinct tells me the odds should stay on the sideline. And Concerned, my original comment wasn't a shot at Mr. Slupski. I thought the column was very poorly written. I was new to the website and since have found more information on District 15, per Brian's suggestion. Thanks, though, for being so concerned.

The only reason someone would lean toward the evens is:
- you think "pay to play" Chicago politics in Palatine is in the best interests of educational excellence
- you think being open and transparent with your constituents is overrated
- you think honesty is not the best policy
- you believe adding millions of dollars of debt to a community without their consent and without a plan is great leadership
- not explaining the reasons for one's votes is great in an elected official
- a balanced budget is really not necessary for our school district
- deficit spending and putting our schools and children's education at risk is just fabulous
- strengthening the curriculum as a board goal is not necessary (forget that the stated goal of our school district is to produce world-class learners)

Maybe you missed their articles on the first two parts of their platforms. Not basic and they have presented real solutions. They can be found on www.vote135.org.

Sasha, with all due respect, I highly doubt that you decided to vote 'evens' based on other people's posts. If that truly is the case then that is a sad statement from you and others who think that way. You should look at all the candidates and what they have done in the past and/or what their platforms are to make a truly informed decision. Also, I think it is a cheap shot to say that Jennifer Mondy's opinion piece was "poorly written." If you don't agree with the 1-3-5 ticket you are free to vote the other way, but if you are looking for decorum from others, you must exhibit it yourself first. I also invite you to write a rebuttal editorial as Mr. Slupski has suggested. I would be interested in hearing why you support 2-4-6 with concrete reasons, not just bashing the 1-3-5 candidates and supporters.

Speaking of websites ...
Nancy Groch registered and probably also created Chapman's and Ekeberg's websites, which are designed identically (http://electjimekeberg.org and http://electjerrychapman.org) as can be seen under whois on register.com. Nancy had also registered and created Bokor's website two years ago.

Then we have the "independent" Mr. Mark Bloom, whose vacated seat is occupied by David Seiffert who is running on a slate with Chapman and Ekeberg. He registered and probably also created Seiffert's website (
http://electdaveseiffert.com) as can be seen under whois on http://godaddy.com. I guess Mr. Bloom really isn't so independent after all.

who really cares about who created which candidate's wbsite? What does that have to do with election issues?

Great Logic, Louise. Vote against them because they did not design their own web sites. How about the logic of Mr. Iannuzzelli's wife receiving raises averaging about 6.5% a year (Champion.org source) in a District that is deficit spending while Mr. Ianuzzelli is championing (pun) salary reform and the elimination of deficit spending?

Mr Slupski did not write the article, Jennifer Mondy did. just a FYI

I hope Mrs. Iannuzzelli is looking for another job in a school district that is run by people who understand how to balance budgets. No one's interests are served when spending exceeds revenues, especially the employees. That is the message of the 135 candidates, and one that most people understand.

I have 2 children in D15 schools and have dedicated myself to try to make things better at their school. I am on the PTA board and my husband also participates in a PTA committee. In the past year, we have attended many of the D15 meetings on Navigate 15, referendum debates, board meetings, etc. We take all that we hear with a "grain of salt". I encourage everyone within D15 to do their own research and make their own decisions and most importantly VOTE.
Whichever side you are on (the even or the odd) - it is obvious that the unions will all be encouraging the voting for the even candidates - and who can blame them. I have to be honest here and say that when I attended a board meeting, I was appalled by what I saw. The divide, lack of professionalism and respect of some of the sitting board members was absolutely unacceptable. For that reason especially I would never vote for Chapman and Ekeberg. Their lack of leadership and obvious hidden agendas were very apparent. They certainly appeared to "bully" the other board members. Seiffert may be a good appointment, but he has 2 years to prove that prior to receiving my vote. I really do believe that all of the board members have the best intensions but I think it is time to shake up the board a bit and hopefully see some much needed improvement.

Informed Citizen: "I have to be honest here and say that when I attended a board meeting, I was appalled by what I saw. The divide, lack of professionalism and respect of some of the sitting board members was absolutely unacceptable. For that reason especially I would never vote for Chapman and Ekeberg. Their lack of leadership and obvious hidden agendas were very apparent. They certainly appeared to "bully" the other board members."

You hit the nail on the head with that comment. I had exactly the same experience the first time I went to a board meeting. And the second, and the third ...

If Chapman and Ekeberg lose they have nobody to blame but themselves.

There has been plenty written about D15 candidates. What about D211 candidates? Please point me to relevant info/websites. Thanks!

The Biggest Bully is not seeking reelection, and the community should be thankful for that.

Just because Dr. Quinn can out RUN and outsmart others because she does her homework does not mean she is a bully. She has consistently kept the students and the community front and center.

What has she done for the students? Be specific, please.

Quite frankly, I am disappointed in all of the candidates. I believe the 1-3-5 and 2-4-6 thing is ridiculous. Whatever happened to running based on a personal platform? I can’t believe these candidates have the same thoughts on every topic that comes across the school board. One candidate’s weakness makes them all look weak. It’s frustrating that alliances already have been formed when independent, thoughtful consideration needs to take place. In regards to Chapman and Ekeberg, they obviously have made serious blunders in trying to issue bonds and the resignation of our former superintendent, Dan Lukich. But those of you who hold Chapman and Ekeberg accountable have to hold Sue Quinn and Tim Millar accountable for Lukich’s resignation as well. I know Quinn isn’t running, but when Millar comes up for re-election, I expect to hear those same arguments against him; and those of you supporting Quinn, at all costs, need to remember that it was a unanimous vote to get rid of Lukich. (Continued in next post)

(Continued from last post) I consider Mr. Iannuzzelli to be an extremely weak candidate. On several occasions, I have heard him state that District 15 needs to get “back to the basics.” Our classrooms do not need to go backward 40 years. They need to join the 21st Century. Our teachers need to become innovators who teach our students to thrive in a new and quickly changing world. Navigate 15 addressed that last night. Of course, our students need to be fluent in reading, writing and math; but it can be accomplished in a way that teaches our students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, collaborators and self-directed learners. This is not part of the “back to basics” curriculum. Ms. Sriram states that “Thirty percent of District 15 eighth-graders had what are considered to be low scores on the ACT-aligned EXPLORE high school entrance exam,” yet she doesn’t prove she understands the underlying reasons for low test scores and solves the problem with “stronger curriculum.” That’s a very basic answer for someone who doesn’t understand the complexities District 15 faces. I appreciate Chapman’s recognition of students who start and stay in the district do well. It’s the students who transfer in and out who struggle. There are schools in the district with 22% and 25% mobility rates. Imagine one-quarter of all students entering and exiting a neighborhood school year after year. Of course that is going to impact test scores. (Continued)

(Continued from last post) The district also has a large percentage of second-language learners and families in severe socio-economic distress. “Strengthening the curriculum,” as 1-3-5 likes to repeat, is a simple answer to an incredibly complex problem. Their continued focus on the bottom 30% leaves the other 70% out in the cold. Yes, I have read Ms. Sriram’s article on “strengthening the curriculum,” and it’s basic at best. Science and math competitions do not solve the problem, especially when it will only reach a small minority of the students in an after-school setting. Mr. Herr was not aware that the district has had a larger turnover of administrators leaving. School climate has been a major issue and for him to be unaware shows his lack of understanding of the importance of relationships with teachers and administrators. Yes, school board members are advocates for the children first and then the community, but any good partnership must include teachers and administrators. They engage our children every day. At least Chapman and Ekeberg have acknowledged that morale seems to be a problem in the district. For the record, I have no ties with the union or any of the candidates. I am mom with two kids in the district trying to dig deeper.

Debs, Really appreciate your analysis of the upcoming elction. It is a lot more than Odds vs. Evens. It is an election that will have a great effect on the Palatine community. Neighborhoods are dependent on excellent schools. If schools are not considered to be excellent, young people will look to districts that have excellent schools in which to enroll their children. If people do not move in to acommunity, there is not neighborhood turnover. If there is not neighborhood turnover, house values decline.

Why do the Board members need to travel on taxpayers' dime?