Politics & Government
Meet Your Candidates: Margaret Lattner Skiver, District 200 Board Member
Former OPRF grad looks to joing school board.
Margaret Lattner Skiver, a lifelong resident of Oak Park, is a former teacher and graduate of OPRF High School vying for a spot on the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 school board.
The board is comprised of seven members serving four-year terms. This year, six candidates — Lattner Skiver, , John Bokum Jr. and incumbents Ralph H. Lee, John C. Allen IV and Sharon Patchak Lyman — are looking to fill three vacant spots. (Editor's note: Bokum, Lee, Allen and Patchak Lyman were all sent candidate questionnaires; only Lattner Skiver and Phelan returned them.)
She currently works as an IT manager. Lattner Skiver has two sons, one of whom currently attends OPRF. Her teaching experience includes six years at St. Luke in River Forest. She's also involved as a member of Ascension Parish.
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Patch: What are your thoughts on the existing policy of an open campus at OPRF?
Margaret Lattner Skiver: I believe that if the parents, taxpayers, and neighbors of the school want a closed campus, then we should close the campus. Use open lunch periods as privileges for seniors.
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What in your background makes you an ideal candidate?
I do not know if there is an ideal candidate – I would bring a different background, perspectives, and voice to the board.
Is there any particular reform of the district that you believe is necessary in the near future?
I believe there has to be reform of the college prep track at the high school. The difference between honors and college prep is widening. Why is that?
Are standardized tests the best measure of the success of a school district?
No, but standardized tests are what is being used. I would like to see testing like in the U.K., but publishing companies that produce the standardized tests that we use have such a strong lobbyist presence in D.C.
What are some of the best characteristics in the district that you would like to see preserved?
The pride of graduating from a great school.
Of the many famous alumni that attended OPRF, do you have a
favorite?
My favorite is Kathy Griffin. She is irreverent and funny. We also went to the same grade school.
