Lincoln-Way Education Association School Board Recommendations
@lwea210
@lwea.pac@gmail.com
Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson has been in the classroom as a world language instructor for 16 years and currently teaches Spanish in neighboring District 230. A bilingual-certified veteran of curriculum planning, Catherine is currently pursuing her Ed.S. and belongs to a plethora of professional organizations dedicated to improving both world language access and instruction. Catherine brings practical classroom experience to our school board and can speak directly to the experiences of our students. A Mokena resident and mother of two children in District 159, Catherine’s commitment to public education is obvious to her students, colleagues, and community.
Vote Johnson for a four-year term.
The Teacher
Caitlin Olejnik
An occupational therapist by trade, Caitlin is now a full-time mother to three children in Manhattan driven by her desire to get back into an educational setting. Putting her career on pause to care for her elementary-age children, Caitlin became a strong advocate for the inclusion of students with special-needs because of her first-hand personal experience. Her advocacy led to volunteering in the classroom, facilitating an urge to do even more. Neighbors know Caitlin as someone who can be counted on to carpool to youth sports, watch their children until arriving home from work, or provide a place for children to come play. Representative of the quintessential Lincoln-Way community members who make our district special, her enthusiasm for service is authentic. She is eager to return representation to a rapidly-growing area within District 210.
Vote Caitlin for a four-year term.
The Heart
Dr. Dana Bergthold
The Administrator
Dana brings over twenty years of educational experience, where she has served as a school psychologist, director of special education, and as a current Assistant Superintendent in Community Consolidated School District 181. Dana has gained a broad perspective on educational policy and implementation from her vantage point in elementary, middle, and high school districts. With a proven record on school finance, Dana will ensure District 210 retains its ISBE Financial Recognition status, while ensuring all students receive the resources they need to maximize their educational potential. A certified mediator, Dana will be an effective liaison to all stakeholders. Dana is a Frankfort resident and mother of two children in District 210.
Vote Bergthold for a four-year term.
Richard LaCien Jr
The only incumbent running for reelection, Richard provided measured and stable leadership on the District 210 School Board over the past four years. A resident of unincorporated Mokena and father of a recently graduated alumnus, Richard is returning with the singular purpose to ensure the consistent progress made over the past several years continues on its positive trajectory. In addition to his proven track record, Richard will continue advocating to increase the opportunities for students exploring career paths in the trades, without compromising any of the high academic expectations of the school board. Richard looks forward to providing the veteran leadership necessary as the board transitions to several new faces.
Vote LaCien for a four-year term.
The Staple
Early Voting
It's never been easier to cast your vote, click the link below to access the Will County Clerk's Office where you can find early voting locations, times and registration information
Each of the candidates listed on the Will County Board of Elections website, received a survey and an invitation to attend the LWEA's recommendation meeting, hosted by the LWEA PAC. The recommendation meeting was open to all IPACE paying LWEA members and followed Illinois Education Association protocol.
We began with a brief discussion for all members in attendance and developed 5 questions for each of the candidates to answer. Once developed, 5 members were chosen to ask those questions to each of the candidates. Candidates received a time slot to meet with the members. One at a time, each candidate gave a brief introduction, answered the questions, and gave a brief closing statement. There was a brief roundtable discussion on each candidate following his or her responses.
Following the interviews and discussion of each candidate, all IPACE paying LWEA members who were in attendance for the entirety of the recommendation session voted to determine which candidates would receive the recommendation of the LWEA. Per IPACE and IEA guidelines, voting members were in attendance for the entire recommendation process to secure a vote. Those recommendations were presented to the LWEA Representative Assembly and were approved at the February business meeting.
How does the LWEA make their recommendations?
The Process
