District 207 Teachers Endorse Candidates

In an election that will greatly influence the composition of the Maine Township District 207 school board as well as the futures of students at Maine East, Maine South, and Maine West, the teachers of District 207 announced their support for three school board candidates. One incumbent, Ed Mueller, as well as two new candidates, Eldon Burke and Margaret McGrath, received endorsements based on their knowledge of fiscal and labor-related issues. School Board elections will be held April 7th.

Emma Visee, President of the Maine Teacher’s Association commented, “It was a pleasure for our group to have conversations with all of the candidates. Each candidate spoke with passion about supporting the best possible education for the students of Maine Township, and about the need to have open and continuous dialogue with all stakeholders. Our endorsement selections reflect our perception of the strengths each candidate could bring to the position.”

Ed Mueller has been a member of the board since 2001. “He has represented the community in an extremely responsible way,” says Maine West science teacher Adam Roubitchek. Margaret McGrath is an attorney with experience in labor law and extensive knowledge of finance and labor issues. Eldon Burke is a retired Maine Township teacher and administrator. He has been active in the District 207 Education Fund and was also instrumental in promoting the construction of the new Des Plaines Public Library.

School Board candidates provided written responses to a questionnaire from District 207 teachers, and then participated in individual interviews. Teachers based their endorsements on the candidates’ knowledge of school-related concerns, as well as a willingness to engage in regular dialogue.