Virginia (Gina Aldridge) Hofer, candidate for Dupo 196 School Board

Name: Virginia (Gina Aldridge) Hofer

Political party (if applicable): N/A

Age as of April 6, 2021: 52

Campaign website or social media page: N/A

Office seeking: Seat on Dupo School District 196 School Board

Are you an incumbent? No

Previous offices sought: None

Occupation: Accounting/Payroll Manager

Education: Eighteen credit hours away from a bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: Most of my involvement is directly with the school district. I have volunteered at the school since my son was in kindergarten, whether it be Room Mom, being a chaperone for field trips, fund raising, whatever was needed. I also served a year on the PTO. I have also volunteered and participated in activities/fund raising for the Dupo Quarterback Club, where my son played baseball for several years.

Why are you running? I am running to give a different perspective and outlook to our school district. I believe it is time for change and I believe that new people being on the school board, can make that happen. I want my child, along with every student within the school district to make sure they are getting the most out of their education.

What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Communication. I do not think there is good communication between the staff and the school board. If there is better communication and cooperation between the staff and the board, I believe that is going to help give the students the best education they can get.

Why should people vote for you? I believe people should vote for me, because I would be a new face on the board, I have lived in Dupo, Illinois, since I was in the fifth grade; I graduated from Dupo High School, and I am raising my son in the same school district, which I loved when I went there. I have also been very involved with the school district since my son started kindergarten; he is now a freshman. I was a Room Mom; I volunteered when they needed me. I chaperoned every field trip they would allow me to attend and I know a lot of the staff and parents, so I believe that the community knows that I would listen and do what I think is the best thing for the students and the staff.

This story was originally published February 24, 2021 at 2:52 PM.