July 14, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

SJO School Board Candidate Les Hoveln Q and A

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board.


Why are you running for school board?
Frankly, I have missed it.  I was previously on the board for 12 years (2003-2015) and was President from 2011-2013.  In that time, I was fortunate to have worked with several great board members, administrators, and staff members at SJO.  I feel that my past experiences on the Board and my 34 years in the banking industry, I can be an asset to SJO.

What is the biggest challenge facing school districts?
School Funding and the overall financial condition of the State of Illinois.  This will continue to challenge the Board to provide the best possible education for our students while keeping a close eye on our finances while trying to minimize the tax burden on the taxpayers of our district.
 
What is SJO’s greatest strength?
  Our Administration, Staff and Community.  Our administration and staff truly care about our school and are committed to providing the students at SJO with the best education possible.  I also believe that our community is a strength to our district as well – whether it has been a referendum for a school building project or supporting our student/athletes at sporting events, the residents of our district have always been there for us.  Without their support, SJO would not be where it is today.
 
What do you think your biggest strength is regarding serving on school board?
I believe my biggest strength I can offer the district is my past experience on the SJO Board and my years of financial experience outside of the Board which I previously mentioned.  During those previous years on the Board, I  was involved in several building projects, negotiated several teachers contracts, hired several administrators, teachers and coaches and worked with the administration on numerous budgets and even worked thru a bus garage fire.  As a property owner in the district, I have a vested interest in the effects of the Boards decisions on the taxpayers of the district.
 
Tell me about your family.
I have been a life-long resident of the district (Class of 1980)
Married for 34 years (Lori also Class of 1980)
Twin Sons (Alex & Blake Class of 2012)
Born & Raised in Royal, Il 

For information on where to vote click here.

Banner
Related Posts

Get to know Adam Niemerg, write in candidate in the 102nd district

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your family? I am a Teutopolis native, and my family and...

Vickers looks to the future of Ogden

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Sonja Vickers considers Ogden her forever home.  “I just want to see good done for the village for now and...

Van Buskirk’s love of St. Joseph inspires service

October 28, 2020

October 28, 2020

Jeff Van Buskirk loves St. Joseph. He loves the people the schools, the parks and the traditions and the local...

Get to know Scott Perkins

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Scott is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board? I’ve been...

Lewis wants to give back to hometown

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Brandon Lewis has one goal as trustee—give back.  Lewis is running for Ogden Village Board on April 6.  “I want...

5 Questions with Republican caucus candidate Matt Wolfersberger

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

1. What made you want to run? My original plan was to step aside at the end of my term,...

Election Results April 2, 2019

April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

Village Trustee VILLAGE OF BROADLANDS Vote for three Logan Jeffers 31 Mary Garrett 29 Pamela Propst 26 Village Trustee VILLAGE...

Voting information for Consolidated Elections

March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019

You can early vote Saturday, Sunday and Monday at these locations. Brookens Early Voting 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana •...

5 Questions with Republican Caucus candidate Terri Cummings

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

What made you want to run?  When my husband and I moved to St Joseph 14 years ago I felt...

Get to know Jim O’Brien

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Jim is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?  I am...

Get to know Matt Walsh

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Matt is running for St. Joseph Village Trustee as a Republican. What is the best thing about St. Joseph? I...

Get to know Lindsay Rubach

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Lindsay is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?As an Educator...

Get to know Emily Harms.

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Emily is running for Multi-Township Tax Assessor. 1. Can you provide us a little biographical information? My name is Emily...

Richards hopes to make difference as Homer mayor

April 6, 2021

April 6, 2021

Jeremy Richards has plans for Homer.  That is why he is running for mayor in the April 6 election.  “I...

Get to know Jim Acklin, write in candidate for the 102nd district

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

Could you tell me a bit about yourself and your family?I grew up in Paris, Il and graduated from PHS....

Comments
Leave a Reply