The Sycamore School District 427 board president said he hears the community’s message loud and clear after a district referendum failed its second straight election. The referendum would have lifted residency requirements for school board elections.

One newcomer has unseated a 12-year incumbent to nab a spot on the Sycamore School District 427 school board, if unofficial election results hold.

Voters this week in DeKalb County determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries. See the results here.

It's Election Day in DeKalb County. Polls are open until 7 p.m., and feature many contested races including for mayor, council or township trustee, school or park board seats. Here are some races the Daily Chronicle news team is watching today

This spring, DeKalb County voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Sycamore School District 427 Board candidates this week shared their thoughts on diversity, equity and inclusion programs during a candidates forum hosted by Shaw Local News Network.

Sycamore District 427 Board candidates Michael DeVito, Cole Regnery and Heather Tomlinson answered questions about the issues the district is facing ahead of the April 1 election

Video: Sycamore School District 427 board candidates Michael DeVito, Cole Regnery and Heather Tomlinson talked election issues this week with the Daily Chronicle's Kelsey Rettke and Camden Lazenby.

Read the transcript from our Sycamore District 427 School Board candidate forum. Michael DeVito, Cole Regnery and Heather Tomlinson shared their views on how the district can improve for all students

Eric Jones: Sycamore’s advantage is in its community, both the public community as well as the educational community

Michael DeVito: Student safety is the top priority. Every student deserves a secure and supportive environment, complete with strong mental health services and social-emotional learning programs

Cole Regnery: I believe the district can improve reading, English proficiency, and state test scores by listening to our teachers, attracting and retaining top talent, and implementing a common-sense, data-driven plan that we commit to and follow through on over the long term

Heather Tomlinson: In order to continue with the standards Sycamore maintains, it is imperative the community and School Boards work together to set realistic expectations financially for the betterment of our students