By Benjamin Cox on April 6, 2021 at 6:08am
Several area communities are expecting some turn over in their local school boards at the ballot box today.
The Waverly and New Berlin School Districts have had controversies surrounding their superintendents over the past year, and now members of the community are stepping forward to run against incumbents.
In Waverly, one incumbent, Jim Brown is seeking re-election to one of the 3 seats open. Newcomers David Carter, Makayla Fawcett, and Stefanie Ortman are looking to reshape the board. In New Berlin, no incumbents sought re-election. Three new members will be chosen out of 5 choices that include Holly Kotner, Jenny Mann, Casey Binkley, David Bridges, and Andrew Brashear.
Transparency focus for New Berlin candidates
Rochelle Eiselt, Journal-Courier
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NEW BERLIN New Berlin voters will fill three open spots on the school board Tuesday.
There are five candidates running for the three open positions that are on the school board for a four-year term: Holly Kotner, Jennifer Mann, Casey Binkley, David Bridges and Andrew Brashear.
Kotner said she is running for a position on the school board because she has five children in the school district and would like to volunteer her time.
She grew up in New Berlin and graduated high school there.
“I will do my absolute best to put the children first and foremost,” Kotner said. “I grew up in the town and I think we have an amazing school district. We have a lot of room for growth and I hope that people will put their trust in me to make decisions that are in best interest to our kids.”
Depending on the office, candidates file at the Sangamon County Clerk s office or their jurisdictional office.
Meanwhile, at least one area school board will have a major shakeup.
Three incumbents from the Ball-Chatham School District have decided not to run again.
Vice president Susan Worley and Dr. Brandon Maddox are bowing out after two four-year terms on the board while Srinivasan Srini Durairaj is leaving after two two-year terms.
Clerk Don Gray said a lottery to determine which candidate goes to the top spot on the ballot in seven different races will be held at the his office at 10 a.m. Dec. 28.