Dale Sherman

Dale Sherman is a first-time candidate for the D128 school board. Sherman is a lawyer of 26 years who has three children, including a Libertyville High School senior and two middle schoolers at Highland Middle School. In Libertyville, Sherman previously served as the secretary of the Libertyville Boys Club Executive Board for three years. Sherman’s campaign slogan is “Demand Excellence,” a reflection of his desire for the D128 school board to produce the most well-prepared students during and after the pandemic.

Sherman believes that one must be a good listener to serve on the D128 school board and said “the best board members listen more than they speak.” He wishes to emphasize listening if he is elected by gaining the perspectives of all of his constituents, even his critics. Sherman proposes that the school board conduct more focus groups with all types of students regardless of age, not just student leaders.

Sherman has been a critic of the district’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, believing that D128 schools should have been reopened fully back in August. He has expressed this frustration with the school board in previous letters that were read at Board of Education meetings this past fall.

“In trying so hard to address one problem that they had, [the board] created a bunch of others. And the students not being in school is not a good thing for the [them],” said Sherman.

Furthermore, while appreciative of the board’s willingness to listen to parents and students in regards to the hybrid model, Sherman believes that D128 schools should be open fully.

Following the pandemic, Sherman’s primary goal as a board member would be for the district to return to normal. He feels that one key aspect of achieving this goal is addressing the mental health of students. Sherman believes the board will need to consult mental health experts and child psychologists in order to best determine how to handle potential mental health issues amongst students.

Sherman also thinks that the board should continue its efforts in best preparing students for a changing world. With fewer universities requiring SAT and ACT scores for their application process, he believes that the district should reconsider instituting class rank, which he thinks could help D128 students in the college admissions process.