Waukegan school board candidates square off in forums; ‘We are in a time of uncertainty'

Chicago Tribune

17-03-2025

As seven people compete for four seats on the Waukegan Community Unit School District Board of Education in the April 1 general election, the one certainty is that there will be at least two new members.
With board President Brandon Ewing and one-term member Adriana Gonzales not seeking reelection, two incumbents — Anita Hanna and Jeff McBride — join five other contenders, and at least four have ties to the district.
Along with McBride and Hanna, Tanyea Curry, Angela Ramirez, Michael Rodriguez, Nicholas Shepherd and Randy Sobecki are asking voters to give them a seat on the board.
Sobecki, Shepherd, Rodriguez, Ramirez, McBride and Hanna answered questions and talked about their qualifications during student-organized forums on Wednesday and Thursday at the Waukegan High School campuses.
Between Rodriguez, a former board member hoping to return, Hanna and McBride, they have a combined 48 years in the position. Hanna is seeking her seventh term, Rodriguez his fourth and McBride his third.
Both Hanna and Rodriguez said literacy is the top issue of the campaign. Hanna helped with the Illinois State Board of Education literacy plan implemented last year. Rodriguez, who served from 2007 to 2020 and was board president for eight years, said nothing is more important.
'If a student is not reading at grade level by third grade, they will have difficulty through the rest of their time in school,' Rodriguez said. 'We need a plan to get every student reading at grade level very early.'
McBride, who is also running for his fourth term as a Waukegan Township trustee, said he is seeking reelection as part of his longtime effort to mentor young people, particularly those who need a hand up to find success.
Shepherd, a prosecutor in the Lake County State's Attorney's Office with experience in domestic violence cases, is also the parent of a Waukegan High student.
Sobecki is the father of both a Waukegan High graduate and a current District 60 student. He regularly attends board meetings and offers his thoughts.
A one-time District 60 employee as a member of the Family and Community Engagement Department, Rameriz is now community engagement coordinator for United Way of Lake County. Her three children went through the district's schools and graduated.
During the forum, the candidates were asked how to balance the need for federal funding with an executive order from President Donald Trump banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Saying the executive order is unconstitutional, Hanna said she will continue to support the programs. Rodriguez said the board must carefully look at each situation to make sure it is protecting students.
'We need a game plan,' Rodriguez said. 'We need the food programs for our students, and do not want to risk that. If the first plan doesn't work, then we'll go to plan B.'
'We do need to look at backup plans,' Shephard added.
In a low-income community like Waukegan, Sobecki said taking care of all students is very important, especially with the number of migrants from other countries. He suggests following state law.
'Everyone needs to be included and have every opportunity,' Sobecki said.
'We have to give every student every opportunity to learn and be successful,' McBride added.
Should a conflict arise between maintaining the benefits of DEI and keeping federal funding, Ramirez said collaboration and transparency are important tools to make sure students have the resources they need.
'We are in a time of uncertainty,' Ramirez said. 'We have to be really innovative and transparent. We have to work collaboratively.'
When questions were raised about vaping in schools — Sobecki said it is present in the middle schools, as well as high school — all six candidates said the education of students and parents is crucial.
Early voting is underway at the Lake County Courthouse & Administration Building and the Jane Addams Center in Waukegan, as well as 15 other locations throughout the county through March 31. A complete list of locations and times is available on the Lake County Clerk's Office website.