Name: Chanda Schwartz Position for which you are a candidate: School District U-46 Board   Why are you seeking this position? I am seeking the position of U-46 School Board Member because I am passionate about serving and giving back to the community. I started serving in the district to be a contributor and stay informed. I have enjoyed getting to know members of our community, serving alongside parents, community members, and staff. I want to bring my experience and service in the district to the school board, be a voice, and support the needs of our students, staff, [...]

  Name: Maureen Morris Position for which you are a candidate: School District U-46 Board   Why are you seeking this position? I am a taxpayer who is concerned about what is being done with the money in the U-46 School District. I am concerned about the proficiency levels of all students in areas of reading and math. I want accountability and reassurance that all students are getting an exceptional education and the money received is money well spent. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position? I am a resident of Streamwood for 26 [...]

  Name: Diana Alfaro Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin City Council   Why are you seeking this position? I am running to increase representation and diversify skillsets on City Council. I completed a Latino/x leadership training about 2 years ago and a comment said to me has really stayed with me, “sometimes you have to take an opportunity because life has given you the privileges, skills, and opportunities to put you there. You take the opportunity to push the door further open for those after you.” I want to push that door further open for Latinos/as/x and [...]

  Name: Kathleen Kate Thommes Position for which you are a candidate: School District U-46 Board   Why are you seeking this position? I am running for re-election to the U-46 Board of Education because first and foremost, I am an educator.  My undergraduate degree is in Education and my very first teaching job was in U-46, at Eastview, in 1998.  There I learned the craft of teaching and the important role U-46 plays in our communities. Since then, I went on to have three children (all of whom attend or are attending U-46 schools), earn two Master's Degrees (MAT [...]