Two incumbents, three new challengers

ROCHELLE — Five candidates are on the ballot for the April 4 Consolidated Election running for three seats on the Rochelle Community School District 231 Board of Education. They include incumbents Steven Builta and Javier Zepeda and challengers Victoria Lynn Pemberton, Jennifer Thompson and Lanning Nicoloff (unincorporated area).

The candidates responded to a News-Leader questionnaire concerning the upcoming election.

Steven Builta

Please tell voters a little bit about yourself       

-My wife and I moved to Rochelle in 1996 to raise our family and to become part of a community. Since moving here, I have served the community in many ways. I have been a volunteer firefighter for over 25 years and spent a decade serving with local scout organizations. I have been a member of the D231 Elementary Education board for 12 years having served the last eight years as board vice president. Professionally, I hold a master’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University and work in emergency management.

Why are you seeking the office you’re running for in the April 4 election?

-It’s been my honor to serve on the board for the past 12 years. We’ve made great strides and I’m proud of the work we’ve done, but there is still work to do. I look forward to continuing to support the students, teachers and staff of D231.

What issue or issues relating to holding office are you most passionate about and where do you stand on them?

-School safety and fiscal responsibility are my priorities. Every dollar we spend as a district comes from the hardworking families of our community. As a member of the board, I work to ensure that every expenditure goes to not only supporting and improving student education but also enhancing the safety of our schools. A safe learning environment is essential for student learning.

Javier Zepeda

Please tell voters a little bit about yourself

-My wife Martha and I have lived in Rochelle for 20 years. Our five children have attended school in Rochelle. My years of experience in the classroom and in the counseling department at RTHS is one of my strong qualifications for the elementary district school board position. Being in the school environment, I am familiar with what goes on in the typical classroom, and I am also familiar with the needs of students, teachers and families. My other strong qualification for the board is that I am a current board member in the district, with almost two terms of experience representing students and families.

Why are you seeking the office you’re running for in the April 4 election?

-I am running for the April 4 election to continue representing and supporting the elementary school district, advocating for the needs of our students and families.

What issue or issues relating to holding office are you most passionate about and where do you stand on them?

-Our district is now on its way to RMS with the Dual Language program, and I would like to continue advocating for this program, as I strongly believe that bilingualism and biculturalism will help in our relationships with others in our community.

Victoria Lynn Pemberton

Please tell voters a little bit about yourself

-I’m a local realtor at Hayden Real Estate and I help my husband run our family business, Pemberton Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. I have a passion for this community and volunteering which I learned from my parents, John and Scottie Marsden. Previous to this campaign I’ve sat on the C.A.N., Hand in Hand Mission and Rochelle Child Care boards as well as serving as an Elder at my church. I moved to Rochelle when I was 10. I met my husband Kevin here and we have three daughters, two son in laws and a granddaughter.

Why are you seeking the office you’re running for in the April 4 election?

-I believe education is the asset our community is built on. I had two daughters go through Rochelle schools successfully. When my youngest daughter was struggling with different and bigger issues I began attending board meetings and as a result I’ve become passionate about the education of all of our community’s kids.

What issue or issues relating to holding office are you most passionate about and where do you stand on them?

-I want to work with administrators, teachers and staff to improve current test scores, as well as provide curriculum transparency for parents and taxpayers. I would also fight for medical freedom and parental rights. I don’t ever want to see another child forcefully masked, tested or quarantined.

Jennifer Thompson

Please tell voters a little bit about yourself

-Rochelle has been home for the majority of my life. My husband Tim and I have two children - both students in Rochelle elementary schools. I’ve spent the past 16 years working in local government and attended NIU for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. I hold a master’s degree in public administration. Thanks to my education and experience, I have a solid understanding of the school board’s role and the complex decisions regularly made at the board level.  I value integrity, transparency and thoughtful decision-making.

Why are you seeking the office you’re running for in the April 4 election?

-I enjoy giving back to my community and am especially passionate about supporting children by ensuring their different needs are met. I’ve served the district as a volunteer on many occasions and hope to continue that service as a board member. I believe in solving local issues through non-partisan collaboration. 

What issue or issues relating to holding office are you most passionate about and where do you stand on them?

-I stand for supporting teachers, embracing diversity, addressing mental health challenges, responsible spending, setting common-sense policies and prioritizing the safety & security of our buildings.

Lanning Nicoloff (unincorporated area)

Please tell voters a little bit about yourself

-I am a retired educator. I have had full-time teaching positions at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. I have served as a principal and superintendent of schools in two different states. I reside with my wife Patsy and my grandson Jack who attends Tilton School and have lived within the school district for 18 years. I have also served on two library boards, five church boards and a village board for which I served as mayor. I have a doctor of education degree in educational administration.

Why are you seeking the office you’re running for in the April 4 election?

I have worked with school boards for decades as a school administrator. I wrote a 278-page doctoral dissertation on Illinois School Boards and taught school finance to aspiring principals at the graduate school level. I enjoy working with school budgets and policy. I miss working with school boards and believe my experience gives me a foundation to make a positive contribution to the school district.

What issue or issues relating to holding office are you most passionate about and where do you stand on them?

-I come to the board with no axes to grind. My efforts will be concentrated on making the school system operate effectively to promote high achievement and a positive experience for all students and quality service from all school personnel as well as to help the district operate in a financially prudent manner.