Fielden, Jaensch, Price endorsed in District 203
March 29, 2011 2:42PM
District 203 candidate Terry Fielden
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Updated: May 29, 2011 4:48AM
Considering the tough financial shape governments at all levels have found themselves in recently, Naperville School District 203 has managed to offer both a first-class educational system for Naperville students and also be fiscally stable. The district is only slightly above the state average in spending per pupil, yet its academic achievements are considerable.
We think this speaks well of the majority on the current board, and in endorsing the three incumbents seeking re-election — Suzyn Price, Mike Jaensch and Terry Fielden — we give a vote of confidence to the current management of the district.
As a group, the board has successfully — and peacefully — negotiated labor contracts, managed a substantial remodeling of Naperville Central High School and other building projects, and hired Mark Mitrovich as the district’s new superintendent.
Price, the vice president for advancement at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, has the longest tenure of the three. She is seeking her third term on the board, having served as president from 2007-2009. Prior to joining IMSA, Price, who lives in Naperville, was the director of grants at North Central College in Naperville.
Terry Fielden of Naperville is the senior project executive for a building company, has expertise in school construction and has played a significant role in oversight of the renovation project at Naperville Central High School. He is seeking his second term.
Mike Jaensch of Naperville, an American Airlines pilot, is also seeking a second term on the board. He has served as board president since 2009, leading the board in what it has achieved in the past couple of years.
There are two challengers for the three seats up for election — John J. Fisher Jr. and Bethany Weeks.
Fisher, who lives in Lisle, is a stay-at-home dad who is a Lisle Township precinct committeeman, former legislative assistant for Congresswoman Judy Biggert and is currently a trustee for the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District. He has training in law and government and if elected is interested in helping the board with legislative matters.
Bethany Weeks of Naperville is the daughter of District 203 board member Dave Weeks. She is a teacher’s aide in School District 204 and is working on a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology.
District 203 is well run and successful, and the three school board incumbents seeking re-election next Tuesday have a lot to do with that.
Accordingly, The Sun endorses Suzyn Price, Terry Fielden and Mike Jaensch.
