The main goal of the Township High School District 113 Caucus is to vet, endorse, and support qualified candidates for the Township High School District 113 School Board. Caucus members may also help identify potential board candidates, as well as exchange ideas on matters of mutual educational and community interest in the District.
What is the caucus looking for in School Board candidates?
Broadly speaking, the Caucus seeks to endorse candidates who are well-qualified to serve on the Township High School District 113 School Board and who possess the qualities inherent in an effective board member. The caucus is not looking for candidates who take a particular stance on any single issue.
Qualified candidates will have the skills, experience and temperament necessary to succeed as a Board member. Generally, we are looking for candidates who:
- Are open-minded. That means, they demonstrate an ability to seek out new information regarding District issues, consider all viewpoints and modify their views accordingly and in a way that serves the best interests of the District, overall;
- Understand the legal constraints placed upon the Board in both setting policy and taking action;
- Proactively solicit feedback from all corners of the community and are receptive of and responsive to such feedback;
- Are committed to achieving community-wide consensus on issues important in determining the future of Township High School District 113 and are further determined to take action that will help ensure the long-term financial health and historic reputation of the District; and
- Are committed to setting policy that will result in all students receiving the highest quality education possible and which will help our students thrive.
What is the process for vetting and endorsing candidates for school board?
The caucus convenes in the fall of each year prior to the general election, which occurs in the April of odd-numbered years. Caucus members attend at least one of two scheduled planning meetings where they discuss district priorities, caucus responsibilities, prepare a questionnaire for board candidates and discuss the qualification priorities for a position on the board. Caucus members can also help identify and recruit potential board members.
Upon completing the caucus questionnaire, each prospective candidate is invited to be interviewed by the caucus and respond to a few short questions.
In its Endorsement Meeting, the caucus, after discussing each candidate in a closed setting, votes to endorse those candidates it believes are best-suited and most qualified to sit as members on the board.
Leading up to Election Day, the caucus provides support for the candidates it has endorsed.