NLSD122 Candidate: Todd Hyatt

Running for a 2-year-term on the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education as a write-in candidate is Todd Hyatt, of New Lenox.  

Get to know Loock. He and wife Carole have two sons, Austin and Mitchell.

Hyatt's educational background:

My Bachelor's Degree was earned at Governor's State University

Hyatt's Occupation and Employer:

Commodities Broker/Trader

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My priority, once elected, will be to help run a fiscally responsible school board while representing the taxpayers and students without the instability the board has portrayed in the past.

Why Are You Seeking Office?

Over the years I have grown tired of the unprofessional behavior that has been portrayed while the taxpayers and the students suffer.  The Board, Administration, and Teachers need to work well as a team.  The current Board needs to set the example for others to follow and it’s not happening at this time.  It is time the school board is run solely for the benefit of the students.  I don’t believe the current board respects the needs community.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

It seems some board members are a rubber stamp to accept issues.  I would approach each issue individually.  Making decisions based on what’s best for the students’ needs and operating the district with a budget that is not living beyond the community’s financial means.

How will you lend stability to the board?

The current Board does not have a healthy group dynamic.  At times it appears there is little respect for each other.  They need to put personal differences aside and work for the district. They have been put in the position by the tax payers and everyone needs to remember that each board member represent others in the community.  Stop thinking that it a personal opinion when one of your fellow board members speaks, they are speaking for many.

How will you work to balance the budget?

I understand that this is the major issues.  I know the pass board has worked to make cuts in the budget and run more efficient. However it continues to live beyond its means.  They are still spending money we don’t have or are asking for money that will have long-term implications that the community can’t sustain. It’s important to keep the finances in check and be fiscally responsible for the future.

How will you represent all taxpayers in the district?

 I would work knowing that my decisions needed to be the voice of the community.  To keep in mind the taxpayer’s best interest and make sure that today decisions don’t burden tomorrow’s taxpayer.

There are eight candidates running for 4-year terms. 

The incumbents for the 4-year term are: 

1. Patrick Martino, incumbent
2. Deborah Kedzior, incumbent
3. Sue Smith, incumbent
4. William Pender, who was initially appointed in August to fill the remaining  two years of a term left by resigning Member Sue Gillooley.

The four newcomers are:

1. Thomas Hottinger
2. Philip Adair
3. Gregory Loock
4. Rhonda Starklauf

The candidates running for a 2-year term are:

1. Kathy Miller (incumbent)
2. Todd Hyatt (write-in candidate)

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