Letter to the Editor: District 99 Board President Bill White Seeks Re-Election

Downers Grove Patch accepts letters to the editor, which will be posted on the site weekly.

The following was submitted by Community High School District 99 Board President Bill White, who filed paperwork for the April 9, 2013 consolidated election Monday morning.

If you're interested in submitting a letter, e-mail Downers Grove Patch Editor Amanda Luevano at amanda@patch.com.

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To the editor:

On Monday, I filed for re-election to the Community High School District 99 Board of Education.

I am running for re-election because I believe strong, locally controlled public schools are a vital cornerstone of our community. I believe I have provided calm, steady leadership while promoting the idea that all District 99 constituencies deserve to have their voices heard. I also understand and support the distinction between an elected school board, which establishes the overall direction for the district, and our professional educators, who implement the district’s mission on a day-to-day basis. Finally, I am guided by the belief that although District 99’s two schools serve a number of municipalities, we are all members of one community.

District 99 has been a strong and successful district for many years; however the last two years have seen an exceptional list of accomplishments that will benefit our entire community well into the future.

• Quietly and with minimal controversy, we reached agreement on a teachers contract that is frugal and yet fair to both the taxpayers and our faculty;
• The overall costs of administration remain admirably low, both in comparison with other districts and in comparison with amounts spent on student instruction;
• Transparency regarding district operations, strategic planning, board meetings and finances has been enhanced in a number of different ways;
• District 99 has strengthened its relationships with all constituent communities;
• Beautiful new outdoor facilities have been installed, and of greatest importance;
• Student achievement has remained strong, both in the traditional academic subject areas and in music, speech, theater, athletics and the many other co-curricular endeavors that make District 99 a truly remarkable school district.

I am also proud and pleased to note that all of these accomplishments have occurred within the constraints of a balanced and responsible budget.

Deborah Boyle has also filed for re-election to the District 99 Board of Education. I support Mrs. Boyle in her bid for re-election, not because we always agree, but because we have been able to work together effectively and productively notwithstanding our disagreements. Despite our larger political differences, Mrs. Boyle and I do share a common commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders within our community are afforded a seat at the table, so their voices may be heard, with respect and courtesy. Successful representative government requires a willingness to cooperate and collaborate, especially among those with whom we disagree, and is absolutely necessary if we are to engage the entire community in supporting our public schools.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season and I look forward to sharing my vision as to how strong, locally controlled public schools will benefit everyone in the District 99 community.

Bill White

Candidate for District 99 School Board

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