Politics & Government
Meet Kenneth Yerkes, Candidate For OLCHS Dist. 229 Board Of Education
Kenneth Yerkes is running for election to the Oak Lawn Community High School Dist. 229 School Board in the April 1 election.
OAK LAWN, IL — Kenneth J. Yerkes, DDS, is running as a write-in candidate for election to the Oak Lawn Community High School Dist. 229 School Board in the April 1 election. Early voting beings March 17.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Family
My family is extremely private, and I respect their privacy. No two people think exactly alike, and I speak only for myself.
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
Bachelor of Science
Master of Arts Degree in Education
Doctorate in Dentistry (Doctor of Dental Surgery)
Occupation. Please include years of experience.
Illinois Licensed Dentist (General and Family Dentistry with over 42 years of experience.)
State of Illinois High School Teaching License with a Middle School Endorsement
Student Teaching done at Marian Catholic High School. I plan on substitute teaching in 2025 and teaching full-time in 2026.
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 include improving learning outcomes, addressing the need for more students to read and perform math at grade level, preparing them for life after high school with the skills necessary for any career they choose, and helping them develop critical thinking skills and, ultimately, wisdom. This is my intention.
First, join the school board and collaborate with its members. Next, engage in meaningful discussions about addressing the identified challenges and work with parents, who should actively participate in their children's education.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I don't know the critical differences between me and them—I don't know all of them. I only addressed the School Board during COVID-19, and I objected to schools being forcefully closed, vaccinations against COVID-19 being forced on anyone who did not want to take an experimental vaccine, and forcing students to wear masks that did nothing more than stop spit and did not stop the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?
I do not wish to criticize the current board. Instead, I want to use my talents, knowledge, and wisdom to work with the School Board and act in the best interests of the students and the community we serve.
Other issues defining my campaign platform:
To describe the other issues that define my campaign platform, I begin with a question directed at parents and answer each question based on their feedback and my independent research.
If the high school teaches critical race theory, Marxism, or any other ideologies, are you OK with this?
President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal funds from being allocated to K-12 public schools that teach critical race theory (CRT) or gender issues. This executive order prevents federal funding from supporting the indoctrination of children, which encompasses radical gender ideology and critical race theory in the classroom.
It is my belief that the essence and philosophical basis of CRT and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are rooted in cultural Marxism. Furthermore, these ideologies exemplify reverse discrimination and race-baiting, oppose meritocracy, and undermine the development of individual potential. Most of the country has significantly and appropriately rejected them and should be eliminated from our schools. CRT and DEI ideology foster hopelessness and mediocrity, while meritocracy unleashes human potential and promotes freedom.
What is the fruit of DEI?
Has it fostered unity in our school districts? No. Has it improved reading, math, and SAT scores? No. Has it imposed significant costs on taxpayers? Yes.
I do not have all the answers to these questions. However, I know that in Cook County, approximately 57% of property taxes fund public schools. Oak Lawn Community High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores. While it is making some progress, we can achieve significantly better results. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 22%, while in reading, it stands at 17%.
Should men be allowed to join women’s sports teams?
I believe the answer is no. Allowing men on women’s teams distorts the competition and is unfair. In contact sports, it can also be dangerous.
Should parents be involved in their children's education and counseling on issues related to so-called gender ideology?
I reject the notion that one can identify as or become a different gender than the one assigned at birth. There are two genders: male and female. We should not strive to accommodate a person’s imagination. We should not open Pandora’s box by discussing 72 genders. The largest children’s hospital in Chicago has begun to create partnerships with local school districts to promote radical gender theory, “kink,” “BDSM,” and “trans-friendly” sex toys for children.
What would your opinion be if this Children’s Hospital partnership were extended to Oak Lawn Community High School?
In my opinion, the Children’s Hospital of Chicago has assisted countless children and families. However, I oppose allocating resources to disrupt established gender norms in society and support the transition to a more “gender creative” world.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As the owner of a small business in Oak Lawn and a holder of a doctorate in dentistry, I have successfully treated my patients for over 42 years. Additionally, I have effectively taught several dental students, leading to four of them becoming dentists. Two current staff members are eager to apply to dental schools soon.
I also hold a Master of Arts in Education and a State of Illinois High School Teaching License, which I am currently applying to use as a substitute teacher in local public and private high schools.
As the owner of Oak Lawn Dental LLC, I must manage my large overhead costs while still making a living to support my family. I have budgets, and I must be able to pay my staff and myself a living wage.
Why should voters trust you?
In my professional and personal life, I have distinguished myself by embracing responsibilities and exceeding the expectations that accompany such roles. Specifically, I am a highly regarded doctoral-level health provider who operates a dental practice within the school district's boundaries.
I have built a strong family founded on solid values. I am approachable and friendly, and I share a deep connection to the community, having served in many capacities: coaching basketball for 13 seasons at the grammar school level at St. Gerald; being a musician recognized in Oak Lawn and the surrounding area; running as a candidate for the Illinois House of Representatives against a Democrat machine-backed incumbent for over 30 years and against A. Jones, an avowed Nazi, in the Illinois Congressional race; being a member of the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce; volunteering my dental services to care for patients who cannot afford dental care; and being a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent DePaul.
Parents serve as catalysts for change at the school board level of government. Across the country, they consistently bring a voice of reason and common sense to school board meetings. Together, we can enhance educational outcomes for our young adults. Oak Lawn Community High School has much to be proud of; however, we face significant challenges, and I want to hear their perspective.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?
Improved educational outcomes for students.
What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools?
Staff should be informed about ICE's purpose and practices, as well as its professional history and the high standards it has consistently upheld. They should understand that ICE ensures public safety and, like any other law enforcement agency, would only enter a school under very unusual and necessary circumstances, such as when a known terrorist (TDA and MS-13 gang member, etc.) is present on school premises. ICE conducts targeted investigations rather than general sweeping raids. Citizens should not fear ICE; only criminals should fear it.
Is the high school teaching critical race theory, Marxism or any other ideologies and what should be done about it?
It is my belief that the essence and philosophical basis of critical race theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are rooted in cultural Marxism. Furthermore, these ideologies exemplify reverse discrimination and race-baiting, oppose meritocracy, and undermine the development of individual potential. Most of the country has significantly and appropriately rejected them and should be eliminated from our schools. CRT and DEI ideology foster hopelessness and mediocrity, while meritocracy unleashes human potential and promotes freedom.
Should cell phones be banned during school? Why or why not?
Teachers should have the authority to regulate cell phone use in the classroom. I believe that cell phones offer numerous opportunities for distraction, leading to poor listening, decreased participation in dialogue, and more.
How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not?
President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal funds from being allocated to K-12 public schools that teach critical race theory (CRT) or gender issues. This executive order prevents federal funding from supporting the indoctrination of children, which encompasses radical gender ideology and critical race theory in the classroom.
I reject the notion that one can identify as or become a different gender than the one assigned at birth. There are two genders: male and female. We should not strive to accommodate a person’s imagination. We should not open Pandora’s box by discussing 72 genders. The largest children’s hospital in Chicago has begun to create partnerships with local school districts to promote radical gender theory, “kink,” “BDSM,” and “trans-friendly” sex toys for children.
I believe that the Children’s Hospital of Chicago has helped countless children and families. However, I oppose using resources to disrupt established gender norms in society and to facilitate the transition to a more “gender creative” approach.
Do you think property taxes are too high, too low or just right?
Property taxes are excessively high and offer a poor return on investment for our school districts across the state. In Cook County, about 57% of property taxes support public schools.
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?
Oak Lawn Community High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores. Although it shows some improvement, we can achieve much better results. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 22%, while in reading, it stands at 17%.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
No. I commit to serving my full term.
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