North Cook News

Newly installed Orland School District 135 member James Bax is angry that former board members passed a last-minute extension of the superintendent's and teachers' union contracts before four new members could be seated. He said this action is far too indicative of the business-as-usual way things have been done for too long.

“I believe it is vitally important for parents, community members, faculty and staff to work together for the benefit of all students at our schools,” Bax posted to Facebook when he was running for the board seat. “There should be thoughtful discussions, with transparency and open lines of communication.”

While he has served and volunteered in several capacities since his four children began attending school in the district more than a decade ago, Bax is hoping his actions will now have even greater impact. 

“My years of business and project management experience in the construction industry have given me the ability to find the most efficient and effective ways to solve challenging projects for a variety of ownership stakeholders, all while keeping a keen eye on the details,”  he said in his post. “I have a strong desire to be an active participant in continuing to strengthen our schools. I have a strong desire to be an active participant in continuing to strengthen our schools.”