Dear Editor,

The District 51 incumbent school board candidates running in the upcoming Nov. 4 election have my thanks and support for what has been accomplished in the last four years.

What I appreciate most is the reported improved student outcomes in core essential skills such as reading and math as indicated in increased academic scores all while the board demonstrated fiscal responsibility and stability. This was achieved through hard work and dedication of all involved. I’m talking about students and supportive parents, teachers, administrative and support staff, and all board members serving in the past four years.

Congratulations to all! And thank you! You have much of which to be proud, and no doubt the community is proud of you also. In addition to student academic achievement, teacher salary and support staff wages have increased, likely contributing to staff retention, lower turnover and improved overall morale. I was glad to hear the reserve fund increased from a concerning low to a much more stable level. And wow, who ever hears of a project such as new high school building construction being on time and under budget?

In a letter to the editor I saw several days ago, a local resident said he spoke with D51 teachers describing the poor state of D51 schools. I would agree they have been in the past, but in my opinion much improvement and much upward and forward momentum has been achieved in the past four years. I would say D51 is much better off today than it has been in quite a few years.

Help this to keep moving forward by re-electing Andrea Haitz, Will Jones, and Angela Lema.

— Cristine Hoche, Glade Park