Rutledge, Kulovits Lead Close District 200 Race: Election Results 2023

WHEATON, IL — Voters headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots to determine who would snag a seat on the Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education. Heading into Tuesday's race, there were nine candidates hoping to snag one of four seats that were up for grabs on the board.

John K. Rutledge was in a clear lead over Kimberly Hobbs as of 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. For the four-year term on the District 200 board, Long, Erkenswick and Hjerpe had a distinct lead.

The polls opened at 6 a.m. Tuesday and closed at 7 p.m. With 95.5 percent of precincts reporting as of 9:38 p.m., the unofficial vote totals were:

Unexpired Two-Year Term

• Kimberly Hobbs: 6,744 votes
• John K. Rutledge: 8,106 votes

Full Four-Year Term

• Dave Long: 6807 votes
• Amanda "Amy" Erkenswick: 6507 votes
• Spencer Garrett: 5997 votes
• Erik C. Hjerpe: 6446 votes
• David A. Sohmer: 6,139 votes
• Julie Kulovits: 8,040 votes
• Anjali Bharadwa: 3,172 votes

Below, you'll find some background information about each candidate.

Kimberly Hobbs

In her campaign video, Hobbs said she aims to "expose our children's minds to history's transcendent works, which instill a love of virtue truth and beauty."Hobbs is on the Parents for District 200 slate, along with David A. Sohmer, Spencer Garrett and Amanda "Amy" Erkenswick.

John K. Rutledge

Rutledge's website states, "With over twenty buildings, District 200 has many roofs, HVAC systems, parking lots, security systems, and other components that need attention. I believe my experience [as a commercial realtor] can be useful in the Board’s oversight role."

Dave Long

Incumbent candidate Dave Long currently serves as secretary of the District 200 board. Long's platform supports community transparency, emotional learning and limiting tax referendums until the district's debt has been paid.

Amanda "Amy" Erkenswick

Amanda "Amy" Erkenswick has been a room parent at Emerson Elementary and has two children in District 200 with her husband, Mark. In her campaign video, Erkenswick says, "I believe parents should be welcomed with open arms to engage with and through our district schools and administration."

Spencer Garrett

Spencer Garrett "has strong discernment for what is right and is not afraid to stand up for the disadvantaged, marginalized, or struggling student" because he grew up with dyslexia, his campaign page states. He states in his campaign video that he wants students to feel joy for learning and that "preserving childhood is what I'm passionate about."

Erik C. Hjerpe

Erik C. Hjerpe has three children who attend District 200 schools. He studied business at Wesleyan University and Keller Graduate School of Management. Hjerpe's platform prioritizes social-emotional learning initiatives and diversity and conclusion, along with facility improvements among the district's middle schools.

David A. Sohmer

David A. Sohmer earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Wheaton College. In the years since, Sohmer has been the Chair of the Board of Deacons at Wheaton College and is a commissioner on the city's Community Relations Commission.

Julie Kulovits

Julie Kulovits is seeking a second term on the District 200 board after having been appointed in 2022 to fill a vacant spot. She has three students in District 200 and has served as a classroom parent and reading aide.

Anjali Bharadwa

On her campaign website, Bharadwa states, "The School Board is supposed to be a reflection of the community it serves. I feel that there are many gaps in our representation that I could fill. I am a woman with a career in technology as a Senior Director, and I am a racial and religious minority."