Chamberlin, Swanson, Nerge win in Grayslake District 127

It will be déjà vu in Grayslake High School District 127 as voters re-elected two incumbents and voted a former board member back into office.

With all 40 precincts reporting plus mail-in and early voting ballots, unofficial results show incumbents Russell Chamberlin and Suzanne Swanson and former board member Douglas Nerge won the race for three 4-year seats.

Swanson led the pack with 1,865 votes; Chamberlin had 1,777 and Nerge 1,640. Political newcomer Scott Gaunky showed 1,375 votes.

Nerge, a small-business owner, joined the District 127 board in 2007, but was not re-elected in 2011. Gaunky is an administrator at Lincolnshire-Prairieview Elementary District 103.

Candidates expressed a desire to retain District 127’s financial stability and its high level of academics. However, only Nerge offered a specific answer on a Daily Herald questionnaire on whether he would support a substantial pay increase for administrators planning to retire and wanting a boost in their pension benefits.

Nerge called it “immoral” to approve hikes in pay or benefits just because an employee is nearing retirement.

Chamberlin went on the record to say he would not support an attempt at a tax-increase referendum or cuts in teaching staff. He said District 127 has been doing well in preparing students for college or full-time employment.