The Oak Park and River Forest High School board race is getting competitive as new candidates emerge, including a write-in option.
Schaafsma, who teaches at the University of Illinois Chicago, won’t be on the ballot but plans to rally support for write-in votes. He’s motivated to keep candidates Nate Mellman and Gertz from winning seats on the board. With Haigh out, there are now five candidates vying for four spots, which could mean at least one of them gets elected.
Mellman has faced backlash for his comments about antisemitism in the school, even filing a complaint against some teachers. This has stirred up quite a bit of controversy, especially since he’s targeted a student group. Schaafsma, who has two kids who graduated from OPRF and one still there, feels strongly about this and wants to offer a different perspective on the board.
He’s been encouraged by former students who work at OPRF to run. They’re worried about Mellman’s approach and want someone who will listen rather than attack. Schaafsma believes in collaboration and wants to be a representative who hears all sides.
He’s also not a fan of Mellman’s challenges against other candidates, especially women of color. Schaafsma has teamed up with incumbents Fred Arkin and Audrey Williams-Lee to form an informal slate. They recently kicked off their campaign at a local restaurant, drawing a good crowd.
Schaafsma emphasizes the need for someone on the board who understands teaching and the classroom. Meanwhile, Mellman and Gertz are also campaigning hard, with their own launch party and endorsements from local leaders.
Schaafsma knows it’s going to be tough as a write-in candidate, especially with a name that’s tricky to spell. But he’s ready to hand out materials on Election Day to help voters remember him. It’s shaping up to be an interesting election!
