SCHOOL BOARD WILL HAVE NEW FACES

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Lost in the shadows of the Village Trustees election Tuesday night was School District 168 Board race.  There were 4 seats up for grabs Tuesday night and at stake control of the School Board, which appears by the results of this election will certainly change.

Marva Campbell-Pruitt, who ran unsuccessfully for Village Clerk in 2013 has come back strong with a decisive victory Tuesday night over challenger Latonya West.  West was supported by incumbent Board President Sharon Davenport and her Team Davenport.  Campbell-Pruitt will replace Maxine Towers, wife of former Mayor Lewis Towers, who did not seek election and was appointed as an interim appointment following the abrupt resignation of Melvin Stevenson this past November. 

Davenport herself was successful in her re-elected to a second term Tuesday night, but is not likely going hold on to the Presidency following the School Board’s reorganization.  Current Board Vice President Tammy Jones won re-election garnering the most votes in which only some 620 votes were cast as many just came to the polls to vote for Village Trustee. 

The third four-year seat was apparently lost by incumbent Sene Garrett to newcomer Philip Bazile by just a small 13 vote margin.  There were about 11 absentee ballots and a few provisional ballots that will take the Cook County Clerk’s office some time to sort through before official results are posted. 

It’s likely that both Davenport and Jones will not retain the office of President and Vice President.  “It doesn’t matter, it’s always been about the children of the district and that’s what matters most” Davenport said late Tuesday night.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of School District 168.  I wish the School Board members good luck” Garrett said.

Unofficial Election Results

4 Year Term (3 Elected)
Sharon Davenport (i)     357*
Tammy Jones (i)               377*
Sene Garrett (i)                 303
Philip Bazile                        316
Sandra Isom                       296

2 Year Term (elect 1)

Latonya West                    247
Marva Campbell-Pruitt 376*

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES- Meet Latonya West

(This is the was the first in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.  Ms West submitted hers after we ran her original profile and as a courtesy we have included her profile for the voters)

LATONYA WEST
Candidate for 2 year Board Member

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Ms West was the only candidate who submitted her resume and letter of interest for appointment to replace former Board Secretary Melvin Stevenson who resigned in November, 2014.  Board members Jimo Kasali, Deloris Green and Mary Howard blocked her for consideration, and in violation of established Board policy refused her a proper interview.  Since the Board did not appoint a replacement candidate in the time allowed by law, the appointment went to Vanessa Kinder the Executive Director of South Cook Regional Education.  As a result Ms West was passed over in favor of former Board Member Maxine Towers, wife of the former Mayor Lewis Towers.  Towers was officially appointed in January.

Latonya West and her husband Vernon moved the family to Sauk Village in 2006. They have six children with two former graduates and two currently attending Rickover Jr. High School. Latonya has been an advocate for Sauk Village advancement since 2006. She has actively participated throughout the community on initiatives directly affecting education, growth and the well-being of Sauk Village residents.

Latonya graduated from Governors State University with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Health Science with emphases in Addiction Studies, Behavioral Health, Child Welfare and Community Program Design.  While employed at Kennedy King College she assisted with the advisement of students, providing financial aid counseling and support to students experiencing family, personal and economic crises. Latonya has over ten years of experience in financial planning, management, implementing learning and social skill development.

Latonya has been involved in numerous educational and community driven projects including Sauk Village Business Revenue initiative and the petition drive to place the Lake Michigan Water initiative on the ballot. She has also worked on Mayoral, State Representative and federal electoral campaigns. Latonya continues to collaborate with teachers regarding the educational needs of our children and to stay updated on things that can improve the educational experiences of students attending district 168.

Latonya is focused on enhancing student’s academic achievement and increasing district 168 yearly student progress specifications for testing to receive full federal educational opportunities.  Working towards raising the academic levels of all students, obtaining more funding for after school programs, endorsing a stronger curriculum implementation plan and increasing parental involvement in educational affairs in order to get our students on the academic level needed to exceed new state standards. 

“It is so important that our students exceed state assessment expectation levels during Jr. High especially coming out of 8^th grade.  Students need to be better prepared to take the SAT/ACT exams.  High SAT/ACT scores is the key to getting into good colleges. If elected I will work hard and diligently to do all that I can within board policy, state and federal laws to assist board members in achieving academic goals and success for all students. Building on the diversity of our children the soon to be leaders with additional programs that will enhance both the competitive and creativity levels of our students.  I will also dedicate my term to bridging the gap between the community and education. It is so important that our voices be heard and our children’s achievements receive recognition. A Good Education is Priceless! Be a part of the decision making and support the best interest of the children.”

 Latonya is currently seeking election to the position of School Board Member (2 year Term) for Community Consolidated School District 168 at the Election on April 7 2015.  “Vote for Latonya West” Punch # 101