Schools

St. Charles, Orchard Farm School Districts Won't Have April Election

Just three people filed for three open seats in each district's board, which means election isn't needed.

For the second year in a row, incumbents on the had no competition in their bid for reelection.

Board members Linda Schulte, Lori Gibson and Dale Hallemeier all filed to run for another three-year term. 

Hallemeier and Schulte are both former educators within the district. Gibson is a professional actress and a district graduate. When Hallemeier, Schulte and Gibson ran in 2007, they were among a field of seven candidates. 

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District Superintendent Randy Charles said he sees the lack of candidates as an indication that there aren't pressing or controversial issues that are motivating people to run. 

"Our board members are working very, very well together right now," said Charles. "They know each others strengths and priorities. They use those well."

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Hallemeier said it's good that the district won't have to spend the approximate $40,000 for the April election, money that could go toward teacher salaries.

Orchard Farm School District similarly only had three people file to run for election to the board of education. 

Incumbents Elmer Dwyer and Bob Sweany filed to run again. Dwyer has served eight terms on the board and Sweany has served one term on the board. Board Member Curt Dreyer did not run for reelection. 

a New Town resident, also filed for a seat on the Orchard Farm Board of Education. Otto is the owner of an indoor skate park and has a child who will begin attending Orchard Farm schools next year. 


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