Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of stories looking at contested races in the April 1 general election.
Six candidates are vying for three open seats on the West Aurora School District 129 school board in the April 1 election.
The two incumbents seeking re-election are board President Richard Kerns II and Julie Stone. The other candidates are Austin FitzCorbett, Cesar Valdez, Erika Garcia and Ana Cuevas.
“I have a passion for education and want to see our schools become the best that they can be for our students, so that no matter what they want to do post high school, they are positioned for success,” said Kerns, who is seeking his third term on the school board. “We have a great district and community, and I want to help lift our district to even higher levels.”
There are students who are not achieving at grade level, in part from the impact of the pandemic years while others are new to the district and there are some students struggling with academics, he said.
“I want to work with the district to find ways, whether that is through new curriculum (like the new ELA curriculum launching for elementary starting this fall) or different supports for teachers (coaches, paraprofessionals, interventionists, restorative coaches) or more pathway teachers (autos, welding, etc.) I want the district’s dollars focused in this area,” Kerns said.
“This is a big lift, and I know the leadership is trying to think of everything possible to help do this. I want to support academics any way I can,” he noted.
The state’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding – or pandemic relief grants – distributed to school districts have ended and the evidence based funding may become an issue as the state faces its own financial issues, he said.
“I don’t know how much longer (the state) will be able to increase education funding by the promised $350 million per year until all schools hit our funding goals, but potentially one day soon this could very well stop,” Kerns said.
District 129 has built-up “significant reserves” in recent years, he said.
“We are not in the position where we were at when I first came on the board, only 25 days of fund balances. I don’t want to see us return to this. So, this will mean being very judicious with where our district’s dollars go, so that we can maximize every dollar spent, making sure they are going to the things that will help our district the most,” Kerns said.
Kerns is a financial advisor with more than 20 years in the profession. The district has made “significant strides” in the area of financial management, he said. The board has had numerous discussions about building its fund balances in the event of a state budget impasse, he said.
“Through prudent decision-making and disciplined spending, our district administration and the board collaborated to develop budgets that consistently produced surpluses. This strategic approach has enabled us to gradually improve our financial standing, culminating in a current fund balance that now exceeds 200 days,” Kerns said.
“This financial stability has afforded us the opportunity to update all of our buildings and grounds, shifting our focus to preventive maintenance. Consequently, we can now dedicate our full attention to delivering the highest quality education to our students. Additionally, this financial cushion ensures that we have the necessary resources to support both our teachers and students in the classroom effectively,” he said.
“I want to see our teachers supported in all ways possible so that they can focus on helping our students catch up from losses and excel in their education. Finally, I want to see our district be financially responsible and wise with the money our community has entrusted us for the education of our students so that we can be prepared in case of any funding issues in the future,” Kerns said.
Kerns has had two children graduate from West Aurora High School and a third currently is at the high school.
Stone is seeking her second term on the West Aurora board.
“During these last four years, I have absolutely loved all of the opportunities to celebrate our students and staff as they grow, learn and succeed in many different ways,” Stone said.
Stone would continue to support students through academics and other activities, she said.
“I want to do everything I can to help support academic achievement and social-emotional health for all students in District 129. I want to see the rich history of West Aurora continue to grow as we promote opportunity and equity for all students. I also want to promote an environment of collaboration, trust and respect within our district and in our community,” she said.
Stone has a master’s degree in finance and worked in the corporate accounting and finance profession for more than 10 years. She is currently a stay-at-home mom.
Her education and experience in finance have provided her “the tools to help make sure that our district continues to be fiscally responsible in the future,” she said.
Her focus is on academic achievement as well.
“I am proud of our rich history and tradition of excellence in West Aurora and I want to see that keep going,” she said. “I want every student to continue to find curiosity, complexity and joy in learning, have access to a rigorous, comprehensive education as well as opportunities to develop their talents and passions.
“I want students to continue to have access to an ever-expanding range of career and college options so that every student can find something that they are passionate about,” she said. “And I want to continue to equip our teachers and staff with the support and resources they need to support every student in their learning journey.”
Stone remarked on the district’s accomplishments in the past four years, notably “expanded career path opportunities for our students with the opening of the West Aurora Automotive Center” and continuing fiscal responsibility.
With two children in middle school and a child at the high school, Stone has been involved in Parent Teacher Organizations and other committees.
FitzCorbett is a software architect and community volunteer, including Boys Baseball of Aurora. He co-organized the Aurora 4th Ward West Park Neighbors National Night Out, a free event that served more than 400 community members and hosted 20 local businesses, nonprofits, offices of elected officials and first responders, he said.
FitzCorbett and his wife volunteer for Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry fundraisers, as well. The couple relocated to Aurora in 2023 and own a home near the high school, he said.
“I am running for the West Aurora School District 129 School Board because, at 25 years old, I believe that I can be a responsible community steward for many years to come. I know that our community’s children are our community’s future, so I want to spend my time ensuring that our public schools are developing the best possible outcomes for our students,” FitzCorbett said.
There’s value in working as a team on the board, he said.
“I understand that a single school board member can do little by themselves except inspire their fellow board members and hold them to a high standard. It requires a team effort to make long-lasting substantial positive change,” he said, adding he is prepared to make the commitment to serve as an “effective member of the team.”
His focus is aligned with district and board goals, he said.
“My personal aspirations are aligned with many goals already shared by the district’s board and staff,” FitzCorbett said.
Most notably, those are to “achieve academic excellence at all grade levels, to become a paragon for educator retention and professional development, to graduate students who are truly career and college ready and to facilitate extraordinary parent and community involvement,” he said.
Another focus is on school meals, he said.
“I wholeheartedly believe that the district should do more to improve the nutrition of school meals to go beyond the federal minimum nutritional standard,” FitzCorbett said.
He said he has been endorsed by Aurora Education Association–West and recommended by the Aurora Township Democratic Central Committee.
His youth would be an asset to the school board, he said.
“At 25 years old, I fully expect that other candidates’ resumes are longer than my own. However, when I speak to respected elders in the community, I hear the same thing a lot, ‘We need more young people to get involved.’ With age comes experience, there’s no doubt about that, but we also need elected officials that can easily relate to parents and recent graduates. I have much more to learn, but those who know me agree that I am prepared to serve as a board member,” FitzCorbett said.
Valdez is a graphic designer specialist for a construction products firm in Aurora. He and his wife have two daughters in middle school and high school.
He would consider it a privilege to serve on the board, he said.
“I’m seeking election to the board as my way of thanking and giving back to the district that has poured so much into my daughters’ education. I have always been an involved parent throughout all of our daughters’ education, attending all the events we can, getting to know all our teachers and staff, and encouraging our daughters to participate in as much as they can to get the most out of their schooling. I believe West is an amazing district and our students have a lot of opportunities to learn and excel in their lives through them.”
One of his areas of focus is student-learning, he said.
“There’s work to be done in helping our students improve throughout their education,” Valdez said.
The educational experience can be a way to help students “develop a sense of responsibility and love for learning” that can result in “improved attendance.”
“I know (attendance) is something that the district struggles with,” Valdez said.
Another area of focus would be parent involvement, he said.
“Through our years of experience, we have noticed (parent involvement) is not where it should be. Also, after the pandemic, we have experienced a growth in mental health issues, which is something I would also love to learn and help wherever I can,” Valdez said.
He would also help continue building “a healthy relationship with our teachers, staff, unions and be an ally to them.”
He noted the district’s student demographic as well.
“One other thing, which I believe to be very important, is the fact that I’m a Latino, and would be a great fit in a district that is mostly dominated by a Latino student demographic, and currently there’s no such representation on the board,” Valdez said.
Valdez said he volunteers as a youth leader in his church, working with seventh-grade boys. He has traveled for the past three summers to Poland, he said, to participate in an English Immersion Camp, where he has taught ESL to Polish and Ukrainian teenagers.
Garcia is a health care provider who specializes in mental health services. She attended West Aurora schools and is now seeking a seat on the board as an advocate for education and mental health awareness and services.
“As a mother of a West Aurora School District student and an aunt to nieces and nephews at all educational levels in the district, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools,” Garcia said.
Garcia is a behavioral health therapist at a community mental health facility and has prior experience as a social worker in the West Aurora School District, she said.
“As a Latina and first-generation American, I want to bring the voice of my community to the table. My background as a community social worker has allowed me to build strong connections, and I hope to use that experience to elevate the support services available in our district. As a board member, I will work to strengthen those connections and advocate for the resources our students and families need to thrive,” she said.
One of her primary reasons for seeking election is to be an advocate for mental health awareness and restorative justice in schools, she said.
“Mental health support is crucial for student growth and success,” she said.
“By promoting mental health awareness programs, we can break the stigma and ensure every child receives the care they deserve. Additionally, I support restorative justice practices that prioritize dialogue, accountability and reconciliation over punitive measures. These approaches help students repair relationships, learn from mistakes and build stronger connections with peers and educators,” Garcia said.
Her other interests are “promoting community partnerships for collaboration and support.”
“Our schools thrive when they are deeply connected to the community. I believe in strengthening partnerships between schools, local agencies and family services to expand resources and opportunities for students and families. By fostering collaboration, we can create a supportive environment that enhances student success both inside and outside the classroom,” she said.
Garcia also would be an advocate for “family input to improve curriculum and school systems.”
“Schools should reflect the needs and aspirations of the families they serve. I will champion initiatives that actively involve families in decision-making processes, ensuring our curriculum and school policies prepare students for the future. By embracing innovative approaches and meaningful partnerships, we can create a more inclusive and effective education system for all students,” she said.
Garcia said she serves as vice-chair for Companeros en Salud, a coalition that helps provide access for health-related resources and services to the Hispanic/Latino community and other diverse groups. She has an elementary school age child in the district.
Cuevas is a bilingual pre-K teacher for East Aurora School District 131 who is seeking a seat on the West Aurora board.
She previously worked 17 years as paraprofessional in West Aurora School District 129 and then returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Cuevas said she is in the process of earning her master’s degree in education.
“I want to ensure that the community is properly represented because, as a Latina teacher with experience and bilingualism, I offer great qualities to serve on the board,” she said.
“I also want to continue nurturing a safe and welcoming environment for all students in this diverse school district. I want to provide my insights as a former employee and a current teacher,” Cuevas said.
As a paraprofessional in the West Aurora School District, Cuevas said she was able to build “both a personal and professional rapport” with the administration, teachers, students and parents.
Cuevas said she founded a nonprofit that started a food pantry and provides scholarships to DACA students as well as hosts events to provide resources for those in need.
“I believe that my experience has prepared me for the position of school board member,” she said.
“As a teacher I can understand the needs of students, the need to retain teachers, the importance of working in collaboration with the unions in the area of education and to protect our students who are the future professionals of this great country by having a safe and multicultural welcoming environment,” Cuevas said.
Her two children graduated from West Aurora High School, she said.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
