Adam McRae: Candidate For Lemont-Bromberek D113A Board Of Ed

LEMONT, IL — The consolidated election, which features several local races, will be held on April 1, and early voting already started on March 17. As a way to help keep voters informed, Patch offers candidate questionnaires for all candidates in local races.

One of those races in Lemont is the race for Lemont-Bromberek District 113A Board of Education. There are five candidates running for three 4-year terms.

One of those candidates is Adam McRae. McRae recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire, and his answers can be found below:

(If you are a candidate in the upcoming April 1 election, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com for a candidate questionnaire to share your positions with readers)

Your Name:

Adam McRae

Campaign website

Facebook page Lemont 113A Putting kids first

Age (as of election day):

45

Town/city of residence:

Lemont

School district:

113A

Family. (Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.)

Wife Heather McRae 15 years of marriage, Daughter Kylie McRae (13), Son Adam McRae (11), Daughter Madison McRae (9), Son Connor McRae (7). Both of my sons are ice hockey players and both daughters compete in cheer.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

NO

Education:

Attended Hinsdale South Highschool and Attended Bradley University

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Managing Broker Real Estate 19 Years

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

none

The most pressing issues facing our district are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

The most pressing issues facing our district are fiscal responsibility and transparency, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Fiscal Responsibility: Our district must ensure that every dollar spent directly benefits students, teachers, and the quality of education. As a business owner and real estate broker, I understand the importance of managing budgets effectively. I will advocate for responsible spending, ensuring that funds are allocated where they make the greatest impact—classroom resources, teacher support, and student programs—while eliminating wasteful expenditures.

Transparency: Parents and community members deserve clear, open communication about how decisions are made. I will push for greater transparency by improving access to financial reports, meeting minutes, and decision-making processes. Families should never feel left in the dark when it comes to the education and well-being of their children.

By prioritizing these issues, I aim to build trust between the school board and the community while ensuring that our district operates efficiently and in the best interest of our students.

Should cell phones be banned during school? Why or why not?

No but I believe that there is a time and place for phones. Students need to understand that there should be full attention on the teacher and the lesson at hand during class.

If you are a challenger, what do you bring to the board and what may you plan to change?

As a Lemont parent I bring a unique perspective to the school board as both a parent with four kids in the district and a dedicated youth hockey coach. My direct involvement in the community and with students gives me firsthand insight into their needs—both academically and in extracurricular activities.

Enhancing Student Success – Ensuring that every student has access to the tools and resources they need to excel, whether through improved curriculum, additional support programs, or enriched extracurricular activities.

Strengthening Communication & Transparency – Advocating for better communication between the board, parents, teachers, and students so that families feel heard and involved in key decisions.

Expanding Extracurricular & Athletic Support – With your experience as a hockey coach, you understand the value of sports and activities in student development. You can push for better funding, facility improvements, and broader opportunities for all students, not just athletes.

Fostering Fiscal Responsibility – As a real estate broker and business owner, I bring financial and leadership experience that can contribute to responsible budgeting and resource allocation for the district.

Improving Learning Environments – Whether it’s reducing class sizes, supporting teachers, or integrating innovative teaching methods, your goal is to make sure students receive the best possible education.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Attitude & Effort Matter – Just as in sports and academics, success in education comes down to a strong work ethic, accountability, and the right mindset. I believe in fostering an environment where students, teachers, and administrators are encouraged to give their best effort every day. This means supporting policies that promote hard work, resilience, and personal growth in the classroom and beyond.

Fiscal Responsibility – Every dollar spent by the district should directly benefit students, teachers, and the overall educational experience. As a business owner, I understand the importance of managing budgets efficiently. I will advocate for responsible spending, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to improve educational resources, support teachers, and enhance extracurricular programs—without unnecessary waste.

Efficiency & Transparency – Parents and taxpayers deserve to know how decisions are made and where their money is going. You will push for greater transparency in budgeting, clear communication from the school board, and a more efficient use of district resources. This means making financial reports more accessible, keeping families informed, and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of students.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My biggest accomplishments are being a dad and being deeply involved in my children's lives. My wife and I work every day to help our kids become the best versions of themselves, teaching them the value of hard work, commitment, and personal growth. This same philosophy drives my approach to leadership—I believe in supporting students, teachers, and families to create an environment where every child can thrive.

Beyond my role as a parent, my experience as a youth hockey coach has given me hands-on leadership skills, teaching kids the importance of attitude, effort, and teamwork. Coaching isn’t just about sports; it’s about developing character, resilience, and accountability—values that translate directly into education.

As a business owner and real estate broker, I manage budgets, make strategic decisions, and understand the importance of financial responsibility. These skills will help me ensure that our district uses resources wisely, prioritizing students and teachers while eliminating wasteful spending.

I bring a common-sense approach to leadership—one that values fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and hard work. My experience as a father, coach, and business owner gives me the perspective needed to serve our students, families, and community effectively.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I am already deeply invested in the success of this school district—not just as a candidate, but as a parent, coach, and community member. I am not running for personal gain or politics; I am running because I want the best for all students, just as I do for my own four children.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

My success on the school board would be measured by tangible improvements in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and student success. A successful term would mean:

Improved Fiscal Responsibility – Ensuring that every dollar spent directly benefits students, teachers, and the quality of education. Success would mean eliminating wasteful spending and reallocating funds to where they matter most—classroom resources, teacher support, and extracurricular programs.

Greater Transparency & Community Involvement – Making sure parents and taxpayers have clear, accessible information on district spending and decisions. A successful term would mean more open communication, increased parent engagement, and a stronger connection between the school board and the community.

Strengthened Student Opportunities – Expanding support for both academics and extracurricular activities. My experience as a coach and a parent of student-athletes and cheerleaders gives you firsthand insight into the benefits of well-funded, well-managed programs. A successful term would mean ensuring students have equal access to high-quality programs that help them grow both inside and outside the classroom.

A Positive, Accountable Culture – Promoting attitude and effort as key drivers of success for students, teachers, and administrators. If the district moves toward a culture of hard work, responsibility, and excellence, you will have made a lasting impact.

If, at the end of my term, parents feel more informed, students have better resources, and the district operates more efficiently, you will know you’ve succeeded.

What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools?

Staff should be guided to follow the law while ensuring the safety and rights of all students. They should refer any ICE inquiries to the district administration and legal counsel, avoid sharing student information without proper legal authorization, and follow established district policies on handling such situations.

How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not?

When I was in school kids we were taught about sex education. Let the parents discuss with their own kids about the topic of LGBTQ. Let parents raise their own kids and let the educators teach.

When it comes to student achievement, what are schools within this district doing well and what needs to be improved? How can those improvements be made?

Lemont schools are already excelling in academic performance, extracurricular programs, and community involvement. As a real estate broker and parent, I know that strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community, and Lemont leads the way in preparing students for success.

However, with the ever-changing world around us, we must remain at the tip of the sword, ensuring our students stay ahead of those in surrounding districts.

By focusing on innovation, student support, and smart budgeting, we can keep Lemont schools at the forefront of excellence.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

no

Lemont Election Guide 2025: What’s On The Ballot, What To Know
Here are the candidates for Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A:

• Board Member (vote for three)
  • Pete Miller
  • Bethany Martino (incumbent)
  • Kevin Collins (incumbent)
  • Patrick Kerrigan (incumbent)
  • Adam McRae