South Cook News

Patti Thanos, a candidate for the Orland District 135 Board of Education, said she feels the current board is doing well, but thinks she could add value to the team.

"In general, I think the majority of the school board is doing a great job, but I feel that I could add value to their team and should be able to help them with the initiatives," Thanos said.

Thanos, Ryan Valan and Iwona Piwowarczyk are running for the Orland D135 School District. The election is April 4.

Focusing on education first is one of their priorities: "Focus on providing a quality education that prepares students for the future," according to the 135 United website. "We represent children, parents and families to ensure proposed curriculum continues to advance academic growth and personal success." 

A second priority of theirs is transparency: "Welcome and encourage parents to participate in school activities, engage in student success planning and be a voice for policy improvements," according to the website. "We believe in open communication between parents, teachers, staff and local residents." 

Their third priority is community: "Empower communities with a bottom-up approach to policy improvements," according to the website. "We believe in creating a partnership with our local residents to improve schools, resulting in lower taxes and rising property values."