“Vote 1-2-3” Candidates Announce Slate

Palatine, IL – Community Consolidated School District 15 Board of Education candidates Matt Lyons, Jennifer Zold, and Donna Johnson are pleased to join efforts in promoting shared positions for the April 9^th election.  From a large pool of candidates, and after several individual meetings, these non-incumbents discovered many common viewpoints and goals.  Since their positions on the ballot happen to fall in the sequential order of 1, 2, and 3, they’ve chosen to use “Vote 1-2-3” to identify their group throughout the campaign.

While the three bring varied backgrounds to the team, several areas of focus unite them:  Putting Children First, Improving Communication and Collaboration, and Budgeting within Our Means.  The candidates believe these concepts will serve to support and sustain work toward a quality education with high standards that is balanced within the resources provided by the community.  Lyons, Zold, and Johnson are motivated to run because they want to make a positive impact on the future of our children’s education and community.

Matthew Lyons and his wife have two elementary age daughters and have lived in Palatine for five years.  Matthew brings a wealth of qualifications to effectively serve as a Board member. Currently, he is the Chief Information Officer for a trading firm in Chicago. He holds a B.S. in Applied Physics as well as an M.S. in Computer Science & Engineering. Matthew believes children need to be considered when the Board is weighing decisions, balancing the needs of students and their families, taxpayers, and employees of the District when setting policies and strategy with administration. He also feels that fulfilling the Board’s fundamental duty of maintaining a balanced budget and controlling spending will promote stability in the community. Matthew is endorsed by former District 15 Board member Susan Quinn and Citizens for Accountability in District 15.  

Jennifer Zold and her husband, Palatine residents for 16 years, have two children in area schools, one of which is currently a District 15 student. Jennifer currently works part-time in trust and property management.  She also has a decade of experience as Director of Operations for a small Chicago-based consulting firm.  Jennifer has a B.S. in Applied Psychology, Business Emphasis, from Loyola University Chicago. She is noted for her civic work, co-founding Citizens for Accountability in District 15.  This group communicated District 15 issues with area stakeholders and led a campaign to give voters a choice in the 2010 bond referendum.  Her endorsements include several former District 15, or District 211 Board members: Susan Quinn, Art Goes, and Bill Lloyd.  Jennifer seeks to continue and strengthen accountability efforts within the District by encouraging policies aimed at improved, proactive, and transparent communication.

Donna Johnson and her husband Todd have lived in their Palatine home for 13 years.  Their family's children have been enrolled in the District 15 schools since 1991, with nephews currently attending.  Donna works part-time as a financial consultant for an educational and charitable foundation.  Previously, she reported to a board as a program manager for student programs.  Donna holds a B.S. in Finance and is continuing her education in Project Management.  She thinks the Board’s recent efforts to create a plan for a balanced budget and long-term stability are very encouraging.  She believes the District must stay on this path through focusing on fiscal policies that align our expenditures to our limited revenues.  Donna is endorsed by former District 15 Board member Susan Quinn, and Citizens for Accountability in District 15.

The Vote 1-2-3 slate for District 15 School Board blends business experience, civic involvement, and motivation to build a strong educational community.  While the three candidates bring unique qualifications to the team they are united in their strong sense of purpose and desire to serve.  

To lend support or learn more, the public is invited to meet with the candidates on Tuesday, February 19^th from 7-9 pm at the Palatine Public Library in Mtg. Rm. 1.  For more information on the Vote 1-2-3 candidates go to www.vote123.net or email them at info@vote123.net.