CHAMPAIGN — Eleven people are competing in the April 1 election to fill five open seats on the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education.
In recent years, board members have been closely divided, clashing with one another and administrators. That has led to vacancies on the board and accusations that the group is fostering an unproductive work dynamic.
Many of this year’s candidates say they are running to heal those divisions on the board. Whoever voters elect will also weigh in on the district’s approach to immigration enforcement, local property tax rates and whether to renew contracts for key administrators.
Unit 4 candidates on the issues
IPM News asked the candidates to introduce themselves and answer yes-or-no questions related to issues that have come up on the board since the last election. Their responses have been included with minor edits to grammar and punctuation.
Seven of 11 candidates responded to IPM’s questionnaire. Christy Arnold, Anthony Bruno and Roselle Bhosale declined to participate. Bhosale agreed to fill out the profile section of the IPM questionnaire, which you can find at the bottom of the page. Mark Holm did not respond but did agree to an audio interview, which is referenced in the audio story above.
Candidate Profiles
Four-Year Term (Three Open Seats)
Christy Arnold
Christy Arnold declined to participate.
Ronald Baker
“For over 14 years, I’ve mentored young athletes as a football and wrestling coach, building relationships with diverse families and navigating complex challenges. Serving on nonprofit boards has strengthened my ability to collaborate and lead effectively.”
Anthony “Tony” Bruno
Anthony Bruno declined to participate.
Karl Geissler
“I’ve developed expertise in construction contract management, strategic planning, leadership, and executive reporting. Since 2016, I’ve volunteered as a track and field coach for Jefferson and Centennial. I enjoy serving our students and seek to be a resource to our board.”
Grace Kang
“I have been a past elementary and middle school teacher for nearly 10 years and I currently work as an associate professor of elementary literacy at a local institution where I teach various literacy courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and conduct qualitative research.”
Alvaro “Al” Molina
“In the early 1990s, through close collaboration with professors, I established two biological stations spanning 1,800 acres, fostering our biodiversity. I recognize that effective conservation cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of the local community. Therefore, I created Hotel Hacienda Merida and simultaneously founded and supported with the profits the Ometepe Bilingual School, which offers tuition-free bilingual education.”
Charles Jarrel Young
“As a board member, I would draw on my personal experiences as a product of Unit 4 schools, a father, and a licensed social worker. Having grown up in this community, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities our students face. As a father, I have a firsthand perspective on the importance of strong, supportive educational environments.”
Two-Year Term (Two Open Seats)
Fatima Ahmed
“Since my kids were little, I’ve been involved in their schools. I was a classroom volunteer at Bottenfield and Booker T. Washington, and helped organize school wide events like multicultural nights and field days. I also serve on the Unit 4 calendar committee.”
Roselle Bhosale
Roselle Bhosale did not respond to the yes-or-no questionnaire but agreed to share a photo and this statement about herself:
“For over 20 years, I have been a compassionate, quadrilingual educator dedicated to helping students thrive. I have had the privilege of teaching PreK–12 students across three states in the U.S., as well as in my home country, Malaysia.“
Justin Michael Hendrix
“I bring over five years of experience as an early childhood advocate and educator, supporting young learners and families in Champaign-Urbana. My studies in literacy and early intervention at the University of Illinois’ College of Education have given me the expertise to push for policies that improve academic outcomes from the earliest years.”
Mark Holm
Mark Holm did not respond the questionnaire.