2025 BND Voter Guide: See school board candidates running in the metro-east

Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the school board races in the April 1 election in Cahokia, Collinsville, East St. Louis, Freeburg, Grant and Highland school districts.

The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested seats and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.

While this article has information about candidates in school board races, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about candidates running for local and school board positions across the metro-east.

2025 BND VOTER GUIDE: Research candidates running in city, school & township elections

Here are the responses from the Cahokia, Collinsville, East St. Louis, Freeburg, Grant and Highland school board candidates who have replied: (The candidates are listed alphabetically.)

Cahokia School District 187

You can vote for four candidates in this election.

Collinsville Community Unit District 10 Board

You can vote for three candidates in this race.

NAME: LORI BILLY

Age as of April 1, 2025: 56

Office seeking: CUSD No. 10 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572517435810

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Retired teacher and varsity girls basketball coach

Education: Collinsville High School 1986 SIUE 1990 Bachelor of Science in education SIUE 1995 Master of Science in education 1997 32 hours beyond my masters

List highlights of your community involvement: I am a member of the Delta Epsilon Teacher Sorority, I am still actively involved in athletics at CHS, I was a member of the Facilities Committee for Unit #10 and I am very involved in my church, the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, as assistant choir director, Sunday School teacher and member of the parish council.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? As a lifelong resident of Collinsville, this community is extremely important to me. I have dedicated my life to this district as a teacher and coach for 33 years. I have a unique perspective of the districts needs, the function of the classroom, the needs of our students and staff as well as our need for fiscal responsibility. We have a responsibility to continue the good work that the district is doing, but also to recognize the future needs and concerns that we must be willing to address. It is my hope that we come together as a community, stop complaining and judging so quickly, and do what is necessary to make this district and community the best that it can possibly be.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? There are many issues that school districts face at this point in time, but I believe there are three that stand out. If the Department of Education is shuttered, our district will face the daunting task of reorganizing the budget to pay for vital programs and staff that this department currently funds. We cannot lose these programs, especially for our students that are struggling academically and financially.

Meeting the social/emotional needs of students must continue to be a priority for the district. Trauma based practices are becoming an important part of the day to day function of the classroom and staff members must be trained and prepared properly. We must also concern ourselves with the social/emotional well being of our staff members who are now absorbing all of these issues with our students.

Discipline and distraction are a continual concern in the classroom setting. We must have consistent, effective discipline standards. These standards must be enforced and supported at all levels. Phone usage in the upper grades must be addressed as it is a major distraction to the learning process. I truly believe that cellphone use must be restricted during class instruction time.

Why should people vote for you? It is my intention to represent, to the best of my ability, all areas of the district. Those who know me, know that I do not have an “agenda”. I would take this appointment seriously and be as unbiased as possible in my decision making. I will remember that the job of a board member is one of governance and not a place to air my personal grievances. My loyalty is to the students, staff and community members of the Unit #10 district and I intend to approach this position with a forward thinking, community building approach. I bleed purple and I’m so proud to be a Kahok!

NAME: JEREE BRONNBAUER

Age as of April 1, 2025: 45

Office seeking: CUSD No. 10 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: None

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes. Current school board term.

Occupation: Licensed insurance producer

Education: Attended SWIC

List highlights of your community involvement: I have served as either an executive or general committee member on the Italian Fest Main Street event from 2009 until 2022. I sat on the very first planning committee and served as the first chairman of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Collinsville in 2009. I remained part of that committee until 2012. I then joined the Board of Directors for 3 Little Birds 4 Life birds serving from 2012 to 2015. I was also a development associate for the American Long Association where I helped create a fundraising platform called I love lungs from 2012 to 2014. I served on the Kahok Kickers Boys Soccer Booster Club for the CHS boys soccer program from 2022-2024. I currently sit on the city of Collinsville Park and Rec advisory commission board and I help the parent advisory board for the Collinsville Gators swim team.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Jody White State Farm and Viviano Hearing and Cooling sponsored my signs

Why are you running? I am running to serve my community and to serve the students and staff of Collinsville, Maryville, Caseyville and Fairmont City.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Keeping students and staff safe as well as making sure every student is equipped with what they need in order to graduate.

Why should people vote for you? I will always support students and staff and make sure they are given what they need to be successful throughout their experience in our district. I will be conscious of what is affordable to the taxpayer in all of our communities.

NAME: JENNIFER HASAMEAR

Age as of April 1, 2025: 47

Office seeking: CUSD No. 10 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: None

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No

Occupation: Communications manager

Education: Bachelor of Arts, mass communications, Webster University

List highlights of your community involvement: Collinsville Tepee Youth Center, Adult Board, 10+ Years; Kreitner Elementary PTA President, three years; CBSL, assistant coach, three years; CMT YMCA, Parents Advisory Board, one year. Other civic involvement has included: Collinsville Aquapark Gators, Learning Tree Preschool, Metro East Titans Swimming, Collinsville Area Soccer Association (CASA), Maryville Khoury League, and Italian Fest.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? In 2023, I was granted the opportunity to serve out the rest of my father-in-law, Tim Hasamear’s term, after he died. When I first took the position, I was excited to continue forging his path. My goals continue to be providing the safest environments for our students, faculty, and staff within our facilities, while also giving our students the best opportunities and technology to leave our district and go into the world with the confidence and fearlessness to take the next step. I hope to be re-elected to the board in hopes of building my own legacy and continuing to forge the path my father in law began with the school district.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Schools today are different than they were 20-30 years ago, even 10 years ago. With issues such as funding, improving test scores and safety and security, keeping students, staff and faculty safe and secure from exterior and interior dangers in our facilities are of great importance to the district and the school board. We need to continually remain vigilant through discussion and action to ensure safety. With safety plans in place, our school district must be prepared in the worst case scenario and to make sure that these plans continue to evolve as new dangers present.

Why should people vote for you? As a parent and grandparent to students in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District, the true value in having parents’ perspectives on the board is to bring viewpoints and positions that are incredibly important since the education of our children and their safety and security is paramount to our district. I also bring 10+ years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, which provides me with a background to better understand the intricacies of building projects, referendum funding and community engagement.

If the voters choose to continue allowing me to serve the district as a Collinsville CUSD 10 School Board, I will provide a unique perspective as both a parent and a businesswoman who understands the importance of our students’ futures, clear communications, transparency with the community and finding the best possible funding opportunities to provide the best learning environment for each student in the district.

NAME: GARY A. PECCOLA

Age as of April 1, 2025: 68

Office seeking? CUSD No. 10 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: None

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes, current seat

Occupation: Retired after 30+ years as a residential contractor and developer; Former U.S. Air Force Captain (four years active duty service.)

Education: Collinsville High School graduate (1974); Bachelor of Science degree from SIUE (1978)

List highlights of your community involvement: Current member, Unit 10 Board of Education (2005-present); Chairman, Team 10, a drug-free community coalition in the Unit 10 school district area (2005-2013); Co-Chair of CLASS, Unit 10 Community Engagement Project (2004); past member of Unit 10’s Wellness Team and Character Community Task Force; volunteer at school district’s mobile food market; member of the Citizens for Safer Schools community engagement group that advocated for the successful passage of the 2024 ballot initiative; and current member of Unit 10’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? My wife and I

Why are you running? I am running for office to give back to the community where I have lived my entire life. Providing students with the best possible education in a safe environment while maintaining fiscal responsibility is my highest priority. I have always been a strong supporter of the vocational program and the opportunities it offers our students. The planned expansion and renovation of the Collinsville Area Vocational Center and its programming is underway, and I would like to see that project through and continue to advocate for vocational/technical career opportunities for our students. I want to continue efforts that focus on improving student achievement, attendance and the social emotional needs of our students and staff. I want to increase public awareness of the many positive opportunities offered by our district while also making them aware of the unique challenges we face. I strongly believe in fiscal responsibility and am not in favor of increasing the district’s property tax rate. I am committed to making our district the best it can be, and I believe the experience and leadership skills I have gained will help me continue to be an effective board member.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Continuing to improve student academic growth while addressing the social/emotional needs of our students, staff and families is our most pressing issue. At the same time, security is paramount, and we must ensure a safe learning and working environment in our schools. We have implemented programs and resources to address these matters including data analysis, new curriculum resources, instructional coaches, instructional interventionists, Jump Start, summer school, staff professional development, English Learners (EL) programs, tutoring, and efforts to improve attendance and family engagement. If re-elected, I will continue to work with the board and the administrative team to review current programs and look for new ones to help address these issues.

Why should people vote for you? The knowledge and experience I have gained over the past 20 years while serving as a member of the Board of Education has been invaluable. I served four years on the Board Budget Committee and have served as board president for the past 16 years. I have developed a very good understanding of the district’s budget and overall operations. I have served on the board’s negotiating team during many contract negotiations with the district’s four bargaining units. I visit each school at least once a year to speak with principals, administrators and teachers and sit in on classes. This experience gives me firsthand knowledge of the unique issues faced at each school. I also attend numerous athletic and extracurricular activities offered throughout our district. By participating in professional development and leadership efforts, I have reached and retained Master School Board Member status through the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) and am a IASB Leadershop Academy Fellow.

I have the time, ability and desire to give back to the community where I have lived my entire life. I am committed to making our district the best it can be, and I believe my experience and leadership skills will help me continue to be an effective board member.

East St. Louis School District 189

You can vote for four candidates in this election.

NAME: REMY BRIANCA DEAN

Age as of April 1, 2025: 36

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: School board member East St. Louis School District 189

Are you an incumbent? Yes.

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No.

Occupation: Grant coordinator

Education: 2007 Althoff graduate, paraprofessional certification - SWIC, EMT certified - Christian Hospital, certified medical assistant - St. Louis college health careers

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Served as deputy clerk for East St. Louis, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Senior Pearls, mentor for Summer Youth Program

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? As a mother of two school-age young boys, parental involvement and responsibility are key to the growth and development of children in our community.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? The top issue in my race would be parental involvement. I would address it by identifying and implementing creative ways to increase involvement by providing support for unconventional families.

Why should people vote for you? As a parent of a child and an appointed member of the School District 189 school board, I have firsthand knowledge of the needs of the students, families, and faculty in this community. I will work tirelessly to meet the goals and vision set by the state of Illinois for the district and will always put the students and faculty first.

NAME: TIMOTHY D. LOCKETT SR.

Age as of April 1, 2025: 53

Campaign website or social media page: N/A.

Office seeking: School board member East St. Louis School District 189 (vote for 4)

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes

Occupation: East St. Louis Public Works director

Education: Master of Science in psychology

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Precinct committeeman

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? For a better school system for our community.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? School attendance to increase grades, I would address that by boosting parent and community participation in the school system.

Why should people vote for you? (I hold) commitments to students and families, will advocate for responsible budgeting and spending, fiscal responsibility and transparency.

NAME: WILLIE B. RAY

Age as of April 1, 2025: Did not answer.

Campaign website or social media page? N/A

Office seeking: Vice president of East St. Louis School District 189 school board

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought: Yes, in 2021 I ran for a seat on the School District 189 school board.

Occupation: I am a revenue cycle director in the health care system with 20 plus years of experience.

• Responsible for all revenue cycle functions to enhance cash flow, financial reporting for the CFO, and improvement of internal and external operations
• Managed five departments: Business Office Services, Patient Access, HIM, Medical Records, and Credentialing for a hospital and group health clinic

Education: Master of Business Administration in business management administration; Bachelor of Arts in health care management

Please list highlights of your civic involvement:

I feel it is my civic duty to continue to help our school board, and our community to achieve even greater accomplishments in 2025 -2029.

Here is a list of our accomplishments for 2021-2024 and my reasons to run again:

• Seven out of nine schools were rated “commendable” by the Illinois State Board of Education.

• Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center earned the highest quality rating — The Gold Circle of Quality — by ExceleRate Illinois (in Fall 2022).

• Our students earned $37 million in college scholarships within the past two years.

• I am happy to report that my team and I helped secure $340 million in grants in the past three years.

• Our 9th graders’ graduation rate is on track to increase by 85%.

• We have increased the graduation rate overall in the last four years.

• Over 98% of East St Louis Senior High School senior students graduated.

• Increase the percentage of students meeting and exceeding the state standard on Illinois Assessment Readiness in reading by 12% in the past two years

• Increase student attendance by 5%

• Decrease the number of chronic absenteeism by 13%

• Stabilized student enrollment

Financial:

• We successfully negotiated a three-year contract with two local unions to provide competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages that will attract and retain high-quality staff. This has resulted in a higher teacher retention rate which is higher than the state average.

• We received a clean audit opinion from external and internal auditors for several consecutive years.

I have also written books, and have four children’s books and two adult books on the market and a stage play production company Willi Ray Production. There’s a lot of things I do that I bring to the table for the children at the schools. Those are my passions that I share with the community.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? I am running because I have a deep-rooted commitment to the community. This, combined with 25 years of professional business experience, makes me the ideal candidate to continue serving in this important role.

I am not only a product of this community, but I have also consistently shown an unwavering dedication to its success and prosperity. I bring a wealth of experience, insight and passion to the table. I also want to finish the work we started in 2021. We accomplished a great deal, but there is still much to be done.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

• Attendance issues - School District 189 has attendance issues at the forefront of the agenda. We have parent engagement meetings, ongoing teacher training on addressing the attendance issues and the board continues to update and implement new policies and procedures to improve and bring awareness to problems and trends as they relate to attendance.

• Student safety and behavior - School District 189 has an excellent security process for anyone entering our building. We take threats seriously and have implemented all the necessary processes to monitor our security issues.

• Social-emotional support - We have hired more social workers and counselors to address the ongoing emotional issues as they present themselves. We will continue monitoring this issue.

• Achievement gaps: Our students’ achievement gaps have improved in the state and local area. We will continue to monitor and implement better proven processes for the next four years.

Why should people vote for you? I think people should vote for me because I have over 20 years in the business world, I have demonstrated my ability to navigate challenges, make sound decisions and prioritize what matters most for our students, teachers and families. When you look at my team’s accomplishments within the last four years, it would make sense to vote for me to continue the process of improvements.

Throughout my career, I have proven that I am not afraid of hard work and will go above and beyond to ensure that our school district thrives. My leadership is grounded in a genuine love for our community and a deep understanding of the needs and opportunities facing our schools. My vision for the future of District 189, coupled with my proven track record, assures me that I will continue to be a voice of reason, progress and inclusivity.

It is because of these qualities that I strongly believe that I should be re-elected as vice president of the School District 189 board. My leadership will continue to move our district forward and ensure that our students receive the best possible education.

East St. Louis School District 189 - Unexpired

This election is for an unexpired two-year term.

NAME: DeMARKO MOSLEY

Age as of April 1, 2025: 46

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: East St. Louis School District 189 board - unexpired 2-year term

Are you an incumbent? No.

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought:

Yes; District 189 school board, precinct committeeman

Occupation: Professional consultant

Education: High school diploma, two years of college

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Precinct committeeman, youth organization “TEAM ROWDY”

Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self-funded

Why are you running? I am running to bring a bold new vision of prosperity to the youth of District 189 — one that prioritizes world-class education and career preparedness for the evolving job market. By investing in our young people, we will ignite the redevelopment of our city, ensuring a future where they are empowered, inspired and equipped to lead.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?

Problem: Unprepared students coming out of a $130 million school system.

Solution: Preparing our students for college and careers

As a school board candidate, I am committed to ensuring that every student is equipped for success — whether in college or the workforce. I will advocate for the right resources to help students navigate the challenges of higher education and develop the skills needed for today’s job market. By strengthening humanities, STEM, and vocational programs, we will create well-rounded graduates who are not only academically prepared but also career-ready. Through enhanced course offerings and resource centers dedicated to college readiness and job preparedness, we will empower students with critical thinking skills, ensuring they can adapt, innovate and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Why should people vote for you? It’s time to re-imagine education and equip our future leaders with the tools they need to build a prosperous tomorrow. Our students are the foundation of our community’s future, and we must invest in them today. I am the candidate with the vision, dedication and resolve to ensure they receive the education and support they need to succeed. Together, we can empower our youth, strengthen our schools and create a brighter future for all.

NAME: LAYTONYA C. SAYLES

Age as of April 1, 2025: 60

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: East St. Louis School District 189 board - unexpired 2-year term

Are you an incumbent? No.

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No.

Occupation: Coordinator

Education: Master of Arts in leadership and organizational development

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Previous PTA member

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? I’m a native and lifelong resident of East St. Louis and a product of School District 189. I have three adult children that were also educated in School District 189. I would like to give back to the school district that allowed me and my children the opportunity to advance academically and professionally. It is my hope and dream that I too can be a catalyst to motivate the students of today to dream and obtain their goals.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I will focus on preparing the students of today for a changing world. This means preparing them to be focused on entrepreneurship, vocational and technical training and financial literacy. The development and proliferation of artificial intelligence and technical information systems will require a broader technical and scientific education. This will ensure no child is left behind.

Why should people vote for you? I have been fortunate enough to work with institutions of higher learning teaching medical facilities, and I’ve held positions in organizational leadership. My varied background and experience will be an asset when collaborating with other board members, as well as faculty and staff within the school district. Furthermore, my experiences have given me the ability to interact and work effectively with all styles of leadership.

Freeburg Grade School District 70

Grant School District 110

You can vote for four candidates in this election.

NAME: JOHN ARBEITER

Age as of April 1, 2025: 54

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Grant School District 110 school board

Are you an incumbent? No.

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No.

Occupation: Facility manager

Education: Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in management and marketing

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Former coach for Fairview Heights Khoury League, former coach for Southern Illinois Ice Hawks Hockey Club, current VP for Belleville High School Hockey Club, current member of Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association Board of Directors

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? Need to bring fiscal responsibility to the district. There is too much wasteful spending and not enough accountability. We need to pursue every available grant and allocation from state and federal programs. The district has suffered a huge loss of long-term teachers due to lack of transparency.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Lack of transparency. The superintendent works for the board and needs to follow their direction, not give them direction.

There needs to be an increase in community involvement. Meetings must be open and inviting. Community members must be made to feel as if they are heard.

Our kids are at a disadvantage when heading to high school — that needs to stop. The students need access to programs they will need at the next level.

Why should people vote for you? I have twin boys who went through the Grant school system. There are a lot of things I wish they had access to that would have helped in their educational journey. I would like to help bring those options to the current students. These kids deserve to have a safe, fun and educational environment.

NAME: ZANDRA HARVEY

Age as of April 1, 2025: 40

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Grant School District 110 school board

Are you an incumbent? Yes.

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. Yes; school board member.

Occupation: Insurance broker

Education: Master’s degree

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: N/A

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? To give back to my community by serving in public office and to ensure racial and gender equity in my community; to ensure students are receiving the education they deserve and the skills which would help shape their personality and future.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Education. Being a board member is not just about handling internal and external issues which may arise, but the most important thing is to make sure children are receiving the education and skills needed for their growth and development.

Why should people vote for you? I’ve been a school board member since 2019 and have seen the ups and downs on how situations are handled and should be handled. It’s not as easy to make decisions that will have a negative effect. As a school board member I will continue to do my best to make the best decisions for my community.

NAME: LUCAS SPRIGGS

Age as of April 1, 2025: 46

Campaign website or social media page: www.spriggs.me/

Office seeking: Grant School District 110 school board

Are you an incumbent? No.

Have you run for elected office before? Please list offices sought. This is my first time.

Occupation: English teacher

Education: I have a Master’s degree in educational administration and a Bachelor’s degree in English education with a minor in speech communication education.

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement. I currently volunteer some of my time to the Gateway Chess League, which is a non-profit organization that works to inspire a lifelong love for the game of chess in young people throughout the St. Louis area.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? N/A

Why are you running? I’ll have two little girls attending school in the district and I want them to have the best educational experience possible, surrounded by dedicated teachers and resources that allow them to thrive. However, I’m not running just for them, but for every family we’ll see at those parent/teacher conferences, cheering at games, clapping at concerts, or laughing at school plays. I’m running for the whole community, because I think strong public schools help build and sustain a connected, thriving community that looks out for each other.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Pushing for transparent budgeting and responsible financial practices, which includes pursuing all available state and federal grants. There’s no reason our schools should be missing out on the money they’re owed because a superintendent didn’t fill out the right paperwork. It’s a waste of our tax dollars. I plan to hold the current superintendent and his office accountable or seek to replace the positions with someone who can do the job properly.

Why should people vote for you? Because I bring twenty years of experience working in schools to the table, and I understand the concerns of parents, kids, and teachers. Also, with a degree in educational administration, I’m familiar with the ins and outs of school funding and operations; and with two girls, a 4-year-old and a 3-year-old, about to enter the district, I have a very personal reason in making sure our community schools offer the best education possible while still spending our tax dollars wisely.

Highland Community Unit District 5 Board

NAME: KATHRYN COMISH

Age as of April 1, 2025: 63

Office seeking: Highland CUSD 5 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573141409835

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No

Occupation: Seasonal garden center worker

Education: BS in agriculture and BS in agriculture education and Masters of Agriculture

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? I am running to add diversity to the background and interests of the board members representing the community.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I hope to encourage others to continue offering opportunities to students to learn from the arts (such as band and choir) as well as agriculture and building trades.

Why should people vote for you? I promise to listen to the concerns and suggestions from parents and community members and represent my neighbors viewpoints to the board.

NAME: HOLLI CRAWFORD

Age as of April 1, 2025: 40

Office seeking: Highland CUSD 5 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: None

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. No

Occupation: Network services contract & procurement specialist with the state of Illinois

Education? Bachelor’s degree in computer management & information systems

List highlights of your community involvement: Coach and assistant coach to numerous sports which include soccer, volleyball, cheer. Volunteer at local church for VBS. Assisted village of Alhambra with drafting town ordinances. Lend a helping hand with school & local fundraisers.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? “It’s for the kids” is my main motto and probably how I have ended up coaching or being an assistant coach so many times. In addition, running for school board and residing in Alhambra allows Alhambra to have a voice as to what happens within the school district and to the primary located in Alhambra.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? I don’t really have a top issue or main issue. My main objective is to keep a clear and balanced thought process for decisions that come to the school board, all the while trying to make the best decision possible for the students that attend our school district. There are so many issues and changes happening all over the country within school districts, yet I will do my best to evaluate each situation that arises. Will find the best choice for the students while upholding the values Highland CUSD 5 holds dear yet keep us moving forward and continue to grow as a sought after district for attendance.

Why should people vote for you? My own children attend this district, I have a stake in the game as well you could say. In today’s world we all just want what is best for our children and if being elected to school board allows me to help my children and others, wonderful. I will take that election and be the best possible voice for the children, Alhambra and Highland CUSD 5.

NAME: MEGAN HENSCHEN

Age as of April 1, 2025: 41

Office seeking: Highland CUSD 5 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068796386469

Are you an incumbent? No

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. Yes, school board as a write-in candidate

Occupation: Project controls

List highlights of your civic involvement: President of Center Schools PTO

Education: College degree

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? I want to see our schools succeed and give the kids the education they deserve while supporting our admin and staff.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? N/A

Why should people vote for you? I want the best experience and services for the students. Education comes first, and we have an amazing group of teachers and administrators that are already successful, I want to strive to continue this success and keep the kid’s interest top priority.

NAME: STEVE LANXON

Age as of April 1, 2025: 65

Office seeking? Highland CUSD 5 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: None

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. Yes. One-term school board member

Occupation: Retired educator

Education? Master’s degree in education administration

List highlights of your civic involvement: Highland Optimist Club, Highland Quarterback Club Coach

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? I was a teacher, coach and administrator in this school district and wanted to serve our students and parents in a way that I could give back to them and hopefully improve our district.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? For me it is trying to attract the best teachers and keep them with good salaries and upgrade our facilities so we have everything available for students to succeed. This includes classroom technologies as well as facility upgrades for sports, band, music and our clubs.

Why should people vote for you? I believe the school board should have policies that reflect the culture of our community and and have something for every student regardless of interests. My 30 years as an educator in this district allowed me to serve in a wide variety of roles, teacher, athletic director, assistant principal, vocational director, student activity director and coach various sports.

NAME: AARON SCHUSTER

Age as of April 1, 2025: 45

Office seeking: Highland CUSD 5 School Board member

Campaign website or social media page: None

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Have you run for elected office before? Please list previous offices sought. Yes. Two-term school board member

Occupation: Vocational teacher

Education: Bachelor’s degree in automotive management and master’s degree in educational administration

List highlights of your civic involvement: I have been a school board member for two terms. I enjoy participating in various charities throughout the year.

Who are your top three campaign contributors? None

Why are you running? I care and believe in education, I have two children attending Highland schools, and civic duty.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Attracting and keeping great teachers and staff members, and improving our facilities.

Why should people vote for you? I am honest, have a neutral disposition, and am willing to get out and talk to people to find the right answers. I have served on the board during COVID and I am proud to say that we stayed in person education the entire time. I feel that through good communication I have helped in building a strong relationship between the board and all employed by Highland community schools.

This story was originally published March 13, 2025 at 2:30 AM with the headline "2025 BND Voter Guide: See school board candidates running in the metro-east."