Corporate VP Announces Run for District 118 School Board

Michael Baker (CREDIT: Screenshot from Baker’s website)

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By Joe Vince

A corporate vice president announced Monday in press release that he’s running for one of the three open seats on the Palos District 118 School Board.

Michael Baker, who has lived in Palos Park for 11 years and has four children attending district classrooms, wants schools to concentrate more on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) areas without losing sight of the importance of arts and physical education classes, according to the candidate’s website.

“The world is ever-more dynamic and connected, and we must ensure our students are prepared and empowered to reach their fullest potential in school and in life,” Baker stated in the press release.

Strengthening the district’s bond with the community, as well as maintaining “financial stewardship that puts students first, are other priorities on his platform, the release stated.

Baker is “a global vice president at a large media and consumer research company” and has taught statistics and economics courses at Roosevelt University, according to his release. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Knox College in Galesburg and a master’s degree in the same field from Roosevelt.

“The opportunities I’ve had to teach have given me firsthand appreciation for the importance of teachers having the support and resources necessary to create effective learning environments,” Baker stated in the release.

More information on Baker and ways to volunteer on his campaign can be found at his website and Facebook page.

The school board election is April 7.