North Cook News

Mark Cramer wants to bring his worldly experiences to the District 211 school board.

“I’m an older guy who’s been around the world and seen models that truly work,” Cramer, a retired Navy commander now running for the local school board, told the North Cook News. “I’ve seen some concerns in the community over school board members not listening to the community and growing unrest between teachers and the board.”

The 69-year-old Cramer reasons that should not be, and as part of his campaign, he vows to change it.

“The No. 1 issue is an ongoing communication gap,” he said. “Board meetings are hard to get to, and there just seems to be a disconnect between the board and the community. District 211 almost had its first-ever teacher’s strike recently, and mainly it was because the two sides never seem to dialogue with each other.”

Cramer thinks that is where his wisdom and experience would prove beneficial.

“I have more experience in the world and have lot of past responsibility evaluating others and being evaluated,” he said. “I’ve managed budgets and operated under extreme conditions. I believe what I bring to the table is a broader perspective and a spirit of cooperation and discussion.”

Cramer said rising property tax rates is a pressing issue.

“People are being priced out of their homes and forced to leave the state,” he said. “The problem is really starting to hurt people. Here in 211, I believe we can do some tightening of our belt without making any cuts to services.”

Cramer said he can see a scenario in which District 211 comes to serve as an example for the entire state.

“District 211 is the largest high school district in Illinois,” he said. “All eyes would be on 211 if we start to move in right direction, with others seeing that it can be done.”