Central 301 Board of Education Candidates for the April 1 Election

Central Community Unit School District 301 in Burlington is preparing for its upcoming Board of Education election on April 1, 2025, with early voting open in all early voting locations today, March 17, 2025. Voters will select candidates for three 4-year terms and one 2-year term. The Central Education Association (CEA) and the Daily Herald have endorsed several candidates.

Candidates for the Two-Year Term:

• Andrew Dogan (Elgin Township) - Endorsed by the CEA and The Daily Herald
• Junaid "J" Afeef (Plato Township)

Candidates for the Four-Year Terms (Vote for Three):

• Micheline Welch (Plato Township) - Endorsed by the CEA and The Daily Herald
• Grace Martínez (Plato Township) - Endorsed by The Daily Herald
• PK Parekh (Plato Township) - Endorsed by The Daily Herald
• Ryan Wasson (Burlington Township) - Endorsed by the CEA
• Dornetria Hemphill (Elgin Township)
• Scott Mrkvicka (Elgin Township) - Endorsed by the CEA
• Roumiana McMahon (Plato Township)

The election comes at a pivotal time for the district, following recent administrative changes including the departure of their Superintendent, the lowest teacher retention rate out of 9 districts in Kane County, and a $225 million proposed high school that failed three times in referendum which cost the district over $9.3 million in taxpayer funds. The elections come amid community calls for increased transparency and communication and solutions for the elementary space challenges impacting the district. Both the CEA and the Daily Herald emphasize the importance of selecting candidates committed to responsible fiscal management and educational excellence.

To learn more about the candidates, go to www.buildingabetterdistrict.or...