District 99 Candidate Henry Jakobsze Withdraws from School Board Race

Henry Jakobsze, a candidate for the Community High School District 99 Board of Education, has withdrawn his name from the April 9 election ballot.

Jakobsze, a Downers Grove resident, announced his departure from the District 99 school board race Wednesday afternoon, citing "personal circumstances," and threw his support behind incumbent Debbie Boyle. 

His exit narrows the field to five candidates for four board positions—incumbents Boyle, Terry Pavesich and Julia Beckman, and newcomers Rick Pavinato and Martin Gorski.

Jakobsze released a brief statement Wednesday, praising the current board and administration 

"Through the process of preparing to run for the high school board, I had a unique opportunity to view the inner workings of the District 99 board and administration. I am extremely impressed and encouraged by the strategic plan and leadership of our district, and the high quality of education provided to the students in our communit," Jakobsze said in a statement. "I am very confident that our children are receiving an outstanding opportunity to learn and prepare themselves for the future."

Jakobsze also asked his supporters to join him in endorsing Boyle.

"Debbie and I share many of the same beliefs of accountability to the taxpayers of the community and providing the best opportunities and resources for our students and teachers," Jakobsze said. "In her first term, Ms. Boyle has been instrumental in developing more open and transparent communications from the district, such as broadcasting board business meetings and increased disclosure of financial documents on the website that helps our entire community become better informed. She will continue to be an effective leader on the District 99 Board."

The remaining District 99 candidates are set to appear Thursday at a public forum hosted by League of Women Voters of Downers Grove, Woodridge and Lisle.

The forum will be held at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 801 Burlington Ave.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

There are plenty of ways to keep up on Downers Grove news:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter

• Like us on Facebook for a slightly different take

From Darien or Woodridge? We've got you covered:

• Sign up for our daily email newsletter: Darien | Woodridge

• Like us on Facebook: Darien | Woodridge