In case you haven't heard, there's an election coming up. 

Not the election on Nov. 2 when we choose a new governor, senator, state representative and vote Yes or No to the District 15 bond referendum.

There is another election that in many ways is more important to the residents of Palatine Township.  On April 5, 2011, voters will choose who will serve on the Board of Education for both Community Consolidated School District 15 and Township High School District 211.  These will be people that we'll not only trust with the education of our children, but those we trust with our tax dollars.

However, before a vote can take place – quality citizens need to step up and decide if they have what it takes to occupy a seat in the boardroom. 

Now the seven men and women who currently hold these positions may decide they want a second (or fourth in the case of two District 211 members) term in office and they might just get it by default. If no one else in the community decides to challenge them, no sweat. They won't have to spend a dime on campaign literature or attend a candidate forum to get your vote. You won't have a choice.

It happened that way two years ago in District 211 - three open seats, three candidates. Good for the candidates. Not so good for the voters. 

There have been more than enough candidates in District 15 elections since 2005, yet voter turnout is low. Not so good for democracy.

How does one know if they (or someone they know) have what it takes to be a "quality" school board member?

From the perspective of one who has seen the good, the bad and the ugly at many a school board meeting, consider the following before you put your name on the ballot.

Education – Although it is not an official requirement, it should be. Shouldn't Board of Education members have a college degree in something – preferably with a finance class or two somewhere on their transcript? The majority of decisions they make involve money. There are budgets, bond issues and contracts. You can't ask questions if you don't know what to ask. 

Promises – If you make them, don't break them. Fiscal Responsibility, Teamwork and Community Representative are not just campaign slogans. That is the job of a school board member. You must be a good steward of our tax dollars. You must work together to ensure those dollars are spent wisely. You are accountable to ALL residents, not just those that elected you. 

Respect – You won't get it if you don't give it to the citizens in the community, your fellow board members and the employees. If a citizen sends you an e-mail, send one back with your answer. Don't pass the buck. If someone is speaking, don't turn your back, shuffle papers or make faces. Listen to them; you might just learn something. 

Individuality – Let your voice be heard. Let the community know what you think and why. If you rarely speak, how will we know that you understand, are interested or even care about the issue at hand? 

What considerations would you add (or subtract) from this list?

We need choices in April – will you be one of them?

To find out more abou the process of becoming a school board candidate in the April 2011 election, visit the District 15 and District 211 websites.  District 15 has made their nominating packet available for download.  To obtain a District 211 packet, contact David Torres, Associate Superintendent for Business.