School board and trustee elections: what's at stake?

On Apr. 4, voters in Roscoe and Rockton will choose village trustees, school board members, and library trustees. Claire Flynn McIntyre is Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford, Illinois. She lives in Roscoe.

Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy.  It is the reason the League of Women Voters motto is ‘Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.’ Using our vote to elect those who reflect our values to represent us and to weigh in on ballot measures, we have a voice in how our government is run and how it impacts our lives.

The Consolidated Elections will be held on April 4, 2023. Voters will be asked to select their choices for school board members, various village, township, and county officials, as well as trustees for Rock Valley College.  More than any other elections, local elections have a direct impact on our lives.

School board members and college trustees that can responsibly lead our educational institutions forward helps to strengthen our community to the benefit of all. Education is the bedrock of our community and an economic engine that provides and attracts an educated workforce and a strong business environment.

Local government manages many different things. Elected officials spend money to influence and decide what a community’s priorities are and how it will be run. These decisions directly affect the lives of residents.

Let’s consider school board elections.  What should you consider when you vote for school board candidates? A few key points to remember,

• The School Board is responsible for making sure all students receive an excellent and equitable education.

• The school board oversees your tax dollars at work and must do so in a knowledgeable and responsible way.  They must spend our money wisely, benefitting our children in the best possible way.

• School boards are nonpartisan, and candidates should be committed to the best possible education for all students without being influenced by special interests.

• Schools are often the largest employers in the district.  Candidates should understand they will be operating a business requiring good communication and negotiation skills.

On the other hand, when voting for Rock Valley College Trustees, the focus goes from district to include students from different communities and the emerging and current needs of many constituencies. The college’s strength depends upon the qualifications of citizens entrusted to govern.  Diversity that represents the entire community is particularly important. Diversity gives a board balance, depth, and a variety of resources and ensures that the needs of the entire community are recognized and addressed.

The League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford, a partner organization in GO VOTE 815, will hold candidate meet & greets, giving you the chance to ask questions of those running for school board and trustee.

There will also be a meet and greet opportunity to speak with those running for Rockton village board and Hononegah school board on Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023, 6-8 p.m. at Rockton Community Center. It will be co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford and the Hononegah Community High School Student Council and the Hononegah Community High School Key Club.

LWVGR member Christine Haeggquist will moderate.

All candidates for HCHS School Board and Rockton Village Trustee have been invited.

Please watch the Facebook page and website GOVOTE815.org for details. Be proactive by checking your voting status at illinoisvoterguide.org.  This nonpartisan guide is one stop shopping on candidate and voting information.

Remember.  Your Vote. Your Voice. Our Future.