Endorsement of Stacey Meyer and Julie Gordon: Letter

Written and submitted by Candace Browdy.

I write to urge Deerfield and Highland Park residents to vote for incumbents Stacey Meyer and Julie Gordon for the District 113 School Board.

Education related issues are my passion and I've spent the last 20+ years working in the field of education and access to higher ed.

The District 113 election is critical this year. The reasons include:

• Tom Koulentes, HPHS principal and one of the most talented educators I've ever met, is leaving the district after more than 25 years to become principal of Libertyville High School. Tom's departure is a devastating loss.
• Several senior level district leaders are retiring at the end of this school year.
• The board is charged with completing a comprehensive strategic plan.
• The superintendent has only been in his role for 8 months and is a first-time superintendent.
• Given the climate in our country these are very difficult times for students who identify as LGBTQ and/or Latino/Hispanic.
• While the district is in excellent financial health, state budget issues may result in the loss of almost $4 million to the district.
• Only two of seven board members are from Deerfield/Riverwoods.
• There exists a significant minority (Hispanic/Latino) population of students and families at HPHS. Their contributions are great but their representation is limited to a few.
• MANY students in the district have unique learning abilities and need extra support to ensure they are successful in high school and beyond.

Stacey and Julie understand the issues listed above and how best to address them. Both incumbents have made significant contributions to the stability and health of the district. Both have shown time and time again that they do research, ask questions, and listen to and respect their fellow board members. Their leadership and collaboration with other sitting board members has helped steer the district in the best possible direction.

I worked with Stacey for 8 1/2 years and her ability to actively listen and help her colleagues problem solve is unmatched by anyone I know. In recent months I've heard many teachers/staff members from both high schools express their faith in Stacey's commitment to student needs and outcomes, a belief that she truly values their input, and a sense that Stacey's service to the district comes from her passion for education and not as a means for stroking her ego. Stacey is a Deerfield resident who has worked hard to ensure that the needs of DHS and its community are equally represented. She is the only candidate who has professional experience in the field of education and has extensive experience in the areas of equity, strategic planning and data analysis.

Yesterday I attended the League of Women Voters event and was impressed as Julie shared with the audience the work she has done with respect to district finances and fiscal management, board governance and equity. Like Stacey, Julie is transparent about working for the good of the entire student body, not just one segment of the population. Over the years I have seen Julie take the time to do due diligence and make informed decisions with respect to governance.

I ask you not just to vote in this election but to please re-elect Stacey and Julie.

As for the newcomers to the election, I had a chance to listen to both at yesterday's event and feel that Lizzy Garlovsky was far better prepared, more focused, and understood the need to ensure voters that despite what many perceive as a power play by two sitting board members (neither of whom are up for re-election) she, Lizzy, is an independent candidate. I also had a prior conversation with Lizzy during which she assured me she is not under the thumb (my words, not hers) of said board members. For these reasons, as well as the fact she would add another Deerfield/Riverwoods voice to the board, I support Lizzy's candidacy.

Please vote in this important election and help ensure that these smart, capable and valuable candidates are elected.

Candace Browdy
Deerfield resident
Parent of two DHS students
Former Executive Director of the Schuler Scholar Program