Why should you vote in the Tuesday, April 4, election? The 2,450 students who attend Hinsdale Central High School, where they are taught by 215 certified faculty members and have the chance to participate on 31 athletic teams and more than 85 clubs.
The 1,364 students at Hinsdale South High School, which has 134 certified faculty members, 31 athletic teams and more than 70 clubs.
An annual budget of some $160 million.
The three individuals voters elect to serve on the Hinsdale High School District Board will be responsible for the above — and more — during their four-year terms. They will be in charge of hiring a new superintendent, creating a new strategic plan, evaluating curriculum decisions and overseeing the final construction projects that are part of the $140 million future ready facilities plan.
We’ve done our best to introduce the candidates to readers, sharing some biographical information and running three full pages of charts summarizing their positions on the issues. We’ve summarized board issues over the past two years and provided some information about the board members who are not up for reelection to help voters decide who will best complement that group. All our election coverage is available online at http://www.thehinsdalean.com.
We’ve also offered our own endorsements, recommending Asma Akhras, Kay Gallo and Catherine “Cat” Greenspon for the three open seats on the board (our reasoning is explained in full in a March 23 editorial posted online).
And now it’s up to you.
Of course District 86 isn’t the only local race on the ballot. Residents also will elect school board members for Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 and trustees for the Hinsdale Village Board and Hinsdale Public Library Board. Those three races are all uncontested.
DuPage voters also will be asked to weigh in on candidates for the College of DuPage District 502 Board and the Regional Board of School Trustees.
The good news is you don’t have to wait until April 4 to cast your ballots. Early voting is available for DuPage County voters at Hinsdale Village Hall, 19 E. Chicago Ave., through Saturday, April 1.
Cook County voters can cast their ballots now through Monday, April 3, at the village halls in Brookfield and Lyons. Visit http://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote for more information.
In addition to the coveted “I voted” sticker, those who cast their ballots on Tuesday will be setting a great example for their kids. And they’ll have the satisfaction of knowing they fulfilled their civic responsibility.
See you at the polls.
