Three vie for two spots on Riverview Board

VoteButtonFlag webBy Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

There will be a new Riverview School Board member when Silver Lake residents vote April 5.

With two seats, and incumbent Brent Brenner declaring non-candidacy, Jim Walker is the lone incumbent in the race.

Walker, who has served the board for 11 years, and challengers Mike Gentile and Joy Corona are looking to fill two slots.

The three candidates listed in alphabetical order received the same questionnaire, and provided the following information at the request of the Report.

Joy Corona

Joy Corona
Joy Corona

Address: 1018 Marti Court., Silver Lake.
Age: 41.
Resident of town: 13 years, five months.
Occupation: Civil Engineer.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Political experience: None.
Organizations: Western Kenosha County Youth Football, Treasurer since 2014. Association of State Floodplain Managers, Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management – member and serving on Stormwater Committee, Lake County Illinois Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee Member (appointed position). McHenry County Illinois Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee Member (appointed position).
Family: Married with three children, ages 13, 11 and 7.

Corona, a first-time runner, is seeking election citing three reasons – involvement, budget and competitiveness.

In regards to involvement, she believes there has to be more communication.

“There used to be a greater sense of family, a feeling that the school was a happy place to work and attend,” Corona said. “I feel like the dynamics of that have changed, due in part, by lack of communication of involvement.”

Maintenance of the budget and equipment upgrades are also essential, she said.

“We need to ensure that we have sufficient funding to provide a quality education and hire/retain excellent teachers,” she said. “Grant funding is also necessary for playground equipment.”

If elected, she plans to conduct thorough inquiries into other district’s programs.

“Some feeder schools offer stronger programs in certain educational/extra-curricular areas,” she said. “I plan to investigate these differences and help improve Riverview’s program.”

Mike Gentile

Mike Gentile
Mike Gentile

Address: 773 N. Manor Dr., Silver Lake.
Age: 37.
Resident of town: 4 years.
Occupation: Truck Sales Executive, JX Peterbilt.
Education: High School, York Community High School, Elmhurst, Ill. 1997.
Political experience: No previous experience. Ran for Riverview School Board last year, but lost to incumbent Dave VanKampen.
Organizations: Western Kenosha County Youth Football Bulldogs, Coach 2004-Present, Vice President of tackle, 2005-Present. Lakeland Little League Coach, 2004-2010. KAA Basketball, 2007-2012. Wilmot Junior Panthers Baseball 2012-2014. Village of Silver Lake Planning Commission 2015-Present.
Family: Single.

Gentile, running for the second time, wants to apply more community insight into board meetings.

“Board members should serve a dual role of representing the school and community,” Gentile said. “The local school board must look into the community, find out what citizens want and help to provide clear communication between the school and community.”

Constant monitoring and encouraging growth is another reason for him seeking a position.

“We must pursue our established goals and encourage and monitor progress,” Gentile said. “We also must be able to assure financial responsibility of the taxpayer dollars and help to energize systematic change within the current system.

“I will work to make sure we continue to provide a quality, well-rounded education with a challenging curriculum,” he added.

“As a school board, we must look for ways to increase not only parental involvement, but community involvement as well,” Gentile said. “It is my goal to be this type of voice on the Riverview School Board.”

Jim Walker (Inc.)

Jim Walker
Jim Walker

Address: 10118 265th Court, Trevor.
Age: 49.
Resident of town: 13 years.
Occupation: Engineering Manager.
Education: Master’s in Business Administration, Master’s in Project Management, Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Political experience: 11 years experience on Silver Lake-Salem J1 School District school board.
Organizations: Aquanuts Water Shows.

Walker is seeking re-election, citing a personal connection to the school through his three children.

“Two of my kids have graduated from Riverview and I have a fifth grader attending there now,” Walker said in his questionnaire.

Additionally, his experiences make him want to maintain continuity as a board member.

“They all have had excellent educational growth and experiences at Riverview,” he said. “I want to make sure all children in the District continue to receive the best possible education and opportunities for growth.”


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