SPRINGFIELD, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — As the April 1 election approaches, incumbent Anthony “Tony” Mares and challenger Kristin Barnett are making their case to voters in their bid to represent the city’s northwest side on the District 186 School Board.

Kristin Barnett: A Parent’s Perspective

Barnett, a first-time candidate, cites her passion for volunteering and experience as a parent as key motivations for her campaign. With a first grader at Iles School, she has actively lent her time and supported the school by helping provide supplies for teachers and students. Observing challenges within her child’s school led her to believe these issues extend district wide.

“I’m not somebody that sits back and hopes that somebody’s going to make it better,” Barnett said. “I want to get involved and help make things better.”

Her decision to run was solidified after the last election, when concerns about the future of public education pushed her to take action.

Raised in Elkhart, Barnett attended high school in Mt. Pulaski before earning a chemistry degree from Illinois College. Although she did not attend District 186 schools, she has deep ties to the Springfield area. Her husband attended school in District 186, and her mother, along with her mother’s family, are from Springfield. Barnett works as a chemist for the State of Illinois.

Tony Mares: Continuing the Work

Mares, the incumbent, is seeking reelection with a focus on ensuring students receive the resources they need while maintaining fiscal responsibility. With a background in finance and small business, he emphasizes the importance of managing the district’s $215 million budget efficiently. Mares was first elected in 2017 and has served on the board for nearly 8 years, including time as board president.

“We have 13,000 students, nearly 2,400 employees, and a responsibility to be good fiscal stewards of taxpayer money,” Mares said. “In five years, that’s over a billion dollars, and we need to ensure those resources are reaching the students.”

Mares, a product of the Chicago Public Schools, did not attend District 186 himself but had a son graduate from the district in 2020. He believes the board’s role is to guide the administration and set policies that best serve students.

Key Issues: Teacher Shortages, Attendance, and Literacy

Both candidates have identified major challenges facing the district, including teacher shortages, student attendance, and literacy rates.

Mares highlighted the nationwide teacher shortage as a pressing issue. He noted that District 186 has been proactive in raising starting salaries to attract educators but emphasized that more needs to be done. He also pointed to chronic absenteeism as another challenge, stressing the district’s efforts to provide support through coordinators, social workers, and additional staff.

Barnett, meanwhile, has made literacy rates a central focus of her campaign. She supports the district’s recent shift to a phonics-based reading model, as does Mares, and has called for stronger community partnerships to encourage reading outside of school.

On teacher pay, Barnett acknowledged that no district can fully compensate educators for their full value and stressed that ensuring fair salaries remains a priority. She also advocated for reducing out-of-pocket costs for teachers by increasing funding for classroom supplies.

School Safety and Security Measures

School violence and security remain critical concerns. Mares pointed to steps the district has taken, including the addition of peace rooms in high schools, expanded social-emotional learning programs, and increased security personnel. He also emphasized the district’s commitment to mental health resources, citing the hiring of additional social workers, psychologists, and nurses.

Barnett knows that tackling school violence is tough because it comes from so many different places—society, the community, and even home life. She believes it’s crucial to talk to both students and teachers to find out what might work best. Barnett thinks teaching kids how to handle their emotions and express themselves can help reduce conflicts.

Political Endorsement

Although the position on the District 186 school board is nonpartisan, each candidate has received endorsements from political parties. Barnett is backed by the Sangamon County Democratic Party, while Mares is supported by the Sangamon County Republican Central Committee.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Mares and Barnett each bring different perspectives on how to strengthen the district. Through his years on the board, Mares has been involved in the district’s capital improvement program, which has revitalized multiple school facilities. He also pointed to the expansion of vocational training and trade programs as a way to prepare students for careers beyond traditional college paths.

Barnett, meanwhile, has emphasized the importance of literacy education, including digital literacy, proposing classes that would teach students essential computer skills beyond apps. She said she wants an opportunity to continue helping the schools and the entire district and “get stuff done.”

 

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