WINNETKA – New Trier Township High School is facing a period of transition as the district seeks to replace longtime superintendent Dr. Linda Yonke while facing four open spots on the school board this spring.
Members of the New Trier Caucus held their first meeting on Sept. 29 to begin the process of slating candidates for the school board. Meanwhile, the school board began its search for a new superintendent earlier this fall. Dr. Yonke has been in that role since 2006.
Board President Greg Robitaille is the only school board member who intends to run again in next year’s election, while Alan Dolinko, Malcolm Harris and John Myefski have each served eight years and do not intend to run again.
“We are the Yelp reviewers for the candidates for the rest of the district,” Dan Fogel, chairman of the New Trier Caucus, told a room crowded with delegates last Thursday night.
The caucus was formed in 1954 by the League of Women Voters and the New Trier Citizens League as a non-partisan organization with the sole purpose of slating candidates to the New Trier school board.
Representatives from all six sender districts — Winnetka, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northfield, Glencoe and portions of Glenview — gather to vet candidates for the school board. A total of 46 delegates form the organization, with representation based on student populations from each of the sender districts. For example, since Wilmette is the largest feeder district to New Trier, it also has the greatest number of delegates, topping out at a total of 19.
At the caucus meeting, Dr. Yonke provided the delegates with an overview of District 203, highlighting both current and potential issues facing the district. She threw her support behind the caucus system, noting that the board sets the tone for the district.
“They have been extraordinary and really truly outstanding individuals and I think that is largely because of the caucus system,” Dr. Yonke said, referring to the current school board members.
Some of the issues Dr. Yonke highlighted included recruiting excellent teachers during a pending teacher shortage and contending with potential budgetary issues if state leaders in Springfield decide to implement a property tax freeze, pension cost shift or cut funding.
Dr. Yonke urged the caucus to consider candidates who appreciate that each community has its own view and remember that not all students have the same experience at New Trier. “Everybody comes from somewhere. They have a certain perspective of New Trier based on where they live and their kid’s experience there,” she said.
Alan Dolinko, who served on the Wilmette District 39 school board for eight years before serving eight years on the New Trier board, spoke candidly to the caucus delegates. “I think I know a little bit about what the job entails,” he said.
Dolinko emphasized the importance of considering the characteristics of a candidate — is he or she open-minded, civil and pragmatic? Does the candidate have his or her own agenda? These were questions Dolinko urged the delegates to consider as they vetted candidates for the board.
While Dolinko had ample experience on a school board before serving New Trier, he said experience is less important than finding individuals who are willing to work hard and learn. “This is an educational institution and as board members we are always learning as well,” Dolinko said.
Dolinko said he felt that transitioning to a new superintendent was the biggest issue facing the school board going forward. “This is a unique place,” he said, noting that it took him about a year to feel comfortable when he joined the board.
Throughout October the caucus will interview, select and slate candidates for election. Applications to appear before the caucus should be submitted by Oct. 10. Interested individuals should contact Dan Fogel at danfogel@yahoo.com or visit the New Trier Caucus 2016 on Facebook.