By Patricia Bogumil
Editor
Two challengers and one incumbent vie for two open positions on the Yorkville School District Board of Education in the April 2 election.
Incumbent Dave Moyer faces Rory Esch and Marty Winter. Information provided by each candidate follows.
• Dave Moyer, the incumbent, said his continued goal is to maintain the small, community feel at Yorkville School and, at the same time, maintain its reputation of being at the forefront of curriculum and technology, in an effort to prepare the students for high school and beyond.
Yorkville Elementary School has enjoyed an excellent reputation for many years, Moyer added, noting that he and his children have graduated from Yorkville School.
“We are extremely proud of our modern facilities but, more importantly, our teachers and staff members are dedicated and committed to our mission of “Kids are No. 1.”
Moyer noted that Yorkville School has already committed much time and financial resources to comply with the new Common Core Standards as it relates to curriculum and the Response to Intervention (RTI) program as it relates to the school’s Special Education department. “We must continue down this path to keep up with the ever-changing methods of education,” Moyer said.
Historically, the Yorkville board of education has enjoyed a high level of cooperation among its board members, Moyer added. “We strive to maintain stability within our board and our staff.
“As a life-long resident of the Yorkville community, I feel I can continue to offer this stability.”
The school board is made up of current parents of school-aged children as well as members whose kids have since graduated from Yorkville. Moyer noted.
“I want to maintain this successful ‘mix’ of board members, as I believe it brings several unique perspectives to the table that are critical to maintaining a successful educational experience for our children, while protecting the needs of our local taxpayers.”
• Rory Esch has two children currently attending Yorkville Elementary School. “I am interested in seeking office to continue to be an educational advocate for not only my own children, but for our future graduates of Yorkville School,” he said.
Having been very involved in his children’s athletic education as a baseball, basketball and football coach, Esch said he now looks forward to the opportunity of taking a more active role in their academic education.
Yorkville School has an outstanding facility and an excellent staff that continues to motivate student achievement, he added.
Among the most pressing issues the board must face is the ever-demanding challenges of maintaining fiscal responsibility, Esch said.
Also, the board must continue to strive for student achievement and excellence in order to be competitive with our state and nation,” he added.
“The board must continue to make advancements in technology in order to promote and excel on our school’s report card. “
As staff and students face the new challenge of Smarter Balanced Assessment, Yorkville needs to ensure every student can maintain a high level of proficiency, and must continue to raise the bar to ensure quality students that are high school, college, and career ready.
“With these needs in mind, we must also continue to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. Lastly, we need to continue to make Yorkville an appealing and attractive school to incoming families, as well as new teaching professionals,” he said.
Esch said he is an involved community member who is committed, dedicated, and an advocate for student achievement and excellence.
“I am willing to listen to others’ ideas, to seek common ground and find viable solutions. With my strong leadership skills I feel I would make a great asset to the Yorkville School board.
• Marty Winter has two children (and one on the way) who will be attending Yorkville School.
Among the most pressing issues, Winter names the need to support the development and implementation of the new curriculum in order to align with new state standards; budgets; and strategic planning.
He said he believes his professional background as a construction superintendent will assist the board and benefit the community in developing and implementing plans of action, monitoring progress and making changes, if necessary, to keep the plan on track.
“I understand the importance of budgets, scheduling and accountability. I am a team player and detail-orientated,” Winter said.
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