Retired 1st grade teacher joins school board race

Four candidates have filed paperwork to run for three seats on the Racine Unified School Board -- three incumbents and one newcomer.

Frances Eulingbourgh of 3801 Spruce St., an adjunct instructor at Gateway Technical College and a retired RUSD teacher, is the newcomer challenging the three incumbents whose terms expire.

Eulingbourgh retired from Unified in 1998; she taught first grade at Jefferson Lighthouse School for 21 years.

"I think I could make some changes," she said. "I know what's needed in the classroom and nobody on the board has that expertise." She said she wants to provide "what teachers actually need -- "instead of making Racine Unified so top-heavy at Northwestern Avenue.

"That's a political statement, but that's how I feel," she said. "At my age, being political doesn't bother me." She is 74, and this is the first time she has run for office.

The three incumbents seeking re-election to new three-year terms are William Van Atta, 127 Morningwood Drive; Julie McKenna, 724 Crab Tree Lane; and Susan Kutz, 4937 Regal Court.

The election is Tuesday, April 6.