Meet the Jersey 100 School Board candidates 2023
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The Tuesday, April 4, consolidated election is around the corner, with early voting underway now.
There are several contested races on the ballot, with one being the Jersey Community Unit School District 100 School Board; there are five candidates vying for three seats.
Running in Township 8N Range 10W is Jake Warford and Brad E. Hagen; running in Township 8N Range 11W is DeWayne Lott; running in Township 8N Range 13W is David Gilman; running in Township 6N Range 12W is Judy K. Rowling.
The Jersey County Journal mailed surveys to each candidate and received responses from Hagen, Lott, and Rowling. Any responses received before next Tuesday, March 28, will be published in the March 29 edition.
Brad Hagen
1. Why are you running?
As a lifelong resident and graduate of Jersey County, I care about and believe in the school system. Without a quality school system, we cannot attract businesses and future residents while retaining our great current residents.
2. How are you qualified to help lead?
Business owner and operator for years as well as children attending the district schools. I have no agenda – I only want the best education possible for our students. I want to protect our children, teachers and district while making fiscally responsible decisions.
3. What do you see as the primary work of the board of education?
Providing a platform for direction of the best available educational opportunities, regular education and vocational education.
4. In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing the district? How would you address it if elected?
State and federal mandates make it difficult for board members in any district. I want to make sure that the constituents of this district are being heard and the decisions being made serve the majority of the beliefs and goals of the residents of Jersey County.
Judy Rowling
1. Why are you running?
I am running for a position on the school board as a concerned citizen and grandparent. My focus, if elected, will be to promote both family values and fiscal responsibility in our schools.
2. How are you qualified to help lead?
I am a lifelong resident of Jersey County attending Holy Ghost Grade School and was a 1978 graduate of Jersey Community High School. I received my Associates in Applied Science – Management degree and a Human Resources Certificate of Completion in Management from Lewis & Clark Community College. In 2008 I received the Alexander Mackenzie Award Business Student of the Year. I retired from the Illinois Department of Human Services after 28 years of service as a Casework Manager. I also served as AFSCME Local 1805 treasurer for 15 years. I currently operate my own travel business.
3. What do you see as the primary work of the board of education?
I feel that the primary work of the board of education is to improve student achievement in our community. Also, I believe that it is the job of the board to make ethical decisions as well as maintaining fiscal responsibility in our district.
4. In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing the district? How would you address it if elected.
I believe that the next 2 years will be a critical time for our community school board due to political mandates and our country’s inflation. I believe that we need a board that is not just going to bow down to government overreach. Rather, I believe in a common sense approach. If elected I will welcome listening to all opinions prior to making decisions. Our children are our future and the decisions we make now will affect their future. I would appreciate your vote in the April 4 election. Thank you.
DeWayne Lott
1. Why are you running?
I am running for Jersey CUSD 100 Board of Education to contribute back to my community and ultimately have a positive impact on our greatest resource, our youth. I want to offer support and knowledge while helping and serving others. As a community, we must protect the rights of our students; individually, physically, medically, socially and spiritually. As a board member, I intend on building a more reputable relationship with our teachers while allowing them to voice their concerns without judgment. There is also an importance of partnering with our parents just as our board motto states.
2. How are you qualified to help lead?
I’ve spent 25 years as team leader in a very demanding industry offering an opportunity to work with clients in the inner city of St. Louis to our hometown of Jerseyville. I’ve spent 15 years volunteering as a coach to our youth. I was involved in the startup of our local Jr Panthers football and cheerleading program where I currently hold the position of President. I am an Executive Board member for the Tri County Football League as Treasurer. I created a privately funded Jersey youth baseball program helping kids in need allowing them the chance to play.
3. What do you see as the primary work of the board of education?
As a board we will oversee the infrastructure within the district while looking for avenues to save the taxpayers of Jersey County. Encouraging communication between the board with staff and parents while working to understand their views. Ultimately looking at short term and long term successes to provide a greater future for the students of Jersey CUSD 100.
4. In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing the district? How would you address it if elected?
Prioritizing the needs of school buildings while providing transparency in the appropriations of taxpayer dollars. Greater transparency in grant applications and approvals. The previous school year a record amount of teachers left our district. It’s a devastating loss for our community and our students. I want to improve support for our staff. As a coach, I take a great interest in the well-being of my players. It is important to invest time and sincerity into these relationships and I intend to do the same with our Jersey staff. I want to keep a close eye on the mandates and agendas coming down from the state. We have had an acceleration in the overreach of power at our local level. I understand the importance of protecting the rights of our community. I will be a voice for our students, parents and staff.
