Lake County Gazette

Michael Weaver, an active member of the Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 Board, is seeking re-election on April 1.

Weaver, who has served on the board for four years, has clear plans if re-elected. 

"I’d like to spend the next four years focused on increasing new and innovative learning opportunities for our children, including ways to utilize our facilities to enhance their experiences," he told the Lake County Gazette. 

Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 serves approximately 1,905 students across its three schools—Laura B. Sprague, Half Day, and Daniel Wright Junior High—in Lincolnshire, Ill., and surrounding areas.

Weaver emphasized his commitment to the district’s growth and success and noted his personal connection to the school system.

"I’ve had two sons who went to school in the district from Kindergarten through the eighth grade," he said.  

As a board member, Weaver has focused not only on local issues but also when it comes to advocating for the district at the state level. 

"I’ve been an advocate for legislative matters that impact our district at the state level – actively participating in advocacy initiatives run by the Illinois Association of School Boards and ED-RED," he said. 

These efforts align with his belief that public education is vital to the success of both the children and the community.

Looking toward the future, Weaver emphasized the need to prepare students for an evolving world. 

"Preparing our children for the future in an ever-changing learning environment and for continually changing future job opportunities," he said.  

Weaver also highlighted his commitment to being a responsible steward of the district’s finances, ensuring that funds are managed effectively to benefit all students. 

"Managing the finances the community provides us responsibly with the most impact to all of our students,” he said. 

When it comes to the district’s educational approach, Weaver stressed the importance of fostering innovative learning opportunities. 

"For our children, continuing to advocate for innovative and challenging learning opportunities to prepare them for the future," Weaver said. 

He believes that providing diverse and rigorous educational experiences is key to helping students succeed in an unpredictable world.

Weaver is equally focused on the district’s relationship with the broader community. 

"For our community, managing our financials carefully while maintaining and increasing the reputation of our district, which has a positive impact on our property values," he said. 

Weaver indicated his awareness of the intersection between quality education and the community’s economic vitality.

Continuing his advocacy efforts, Weaver aims to promote local control of the district. 

"Continuing to participate in advocacy initiatives that focus on local control of our school district and reduction in state mandates," he said.  

Weaver is particularly proud of the district's staff, whom he credits with inspiring excellence in students. 

"The district staff are excellent and continue to amaze me with the exciting new ways they find to challenge our students," he said. 

The candidates for the Lincolnshire-Prairie School District 103 Board of Education, from which four will be elected on April 1, include Weaver, Anne van Gerven, Maria I. Peterson and write-in candidates Joy Anes and Matthew Schlagheck.