Meet the Candidates: Winnetka School District 36 Board of Education, 4 for 3 seats

JUMP TO: Dan Waters (i, c) | Patrick Conway | Alyssa Rapp (i, c) | Andrew Hotz (c)
(i: incumbent; c: caucus slated)

Four candidates, including two incumbents, are competing for three open seats on the Winnetka Public Schools District 36 Board of Education.

Incumbents Alyssa Rapp and Dan Waters and newcomer Andrew Hotz are endorsed by the Winnetka Caucus. Candidate Patrick Conway also ran for the School Board in 2023. A fifth candidate, Margaret Williamson, filed for the election but withdrew, according to county documents.

Below are basic profiles of the candidates, each of whom submitted a digital form upon request from The Record. The order they are presented was selected at random. Alyssa Rapp did not return the form and messages from The Record by press time (Monday, Feb. 24). Her information will be added if and when it is received.

These profiles are just one layer of The Record’s election coverage and are meant to provide community members with basic information about those running for public office. Prior to the election on April 1, The Record will also conduct and publish independent interviews with the candidates.

Name: Dan Waters

Professional experience: Chief executive officer Hu Chocolate and Enjoy Life Foods

Community experience/involvement: Current D36 Board president
• D36 Board vice president 2022-2024
• Board member Glacier Park Conservancy

Why are you running for reelection to this public office?

We’ve made notable progress as a board, but there is significant work underway that I have great passion for. First, we accelerated implementation of new curricula across English and math while building a data-based mindset to ensure that we are meeting all levels of learners. Second, we have important work around building, funding and executing a long-term maintenance plan for our five schools. Finally, we are in the middle of developing a strategic plan which will set the path for the next generation of learners. I am energized to see this work completed and would be honored to lead it.

Name: Patrick Conway

Professional experience: Business owner/operator

Community experience/involvement: North Lawndale senior project mentoring, Cradles to Crayons in Chicago, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oak Lawn, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) Chicago, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Friends First mentoring, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Souper Heroes street-level homeless outreach program; coaching many youth sports; Winnetka Caucus Council, chairman of Village Platform Committee & Executive Committee.

Why are you running for this public office?

I bring valuable skillsets around finance, communication, and leadership. The leader of the finance committee is not running for re-election and I bring a vast finance background. Our administration and school board have made positive strides in providing parents more data; however, based on survey results, parents still have a desire for better communication and transparency. Our schools are transitioning our math and literacy curriculums and this is an ideal time for the board and administration to set standards but allow for freedom within the framework. In my board experience I believe discourse is positive to achieving the best results.

Name: Alyssa Rapp*

Professional experience: Entrepreneur, health-care executive

Community experience/involvement: Winnetka District 36 vice president, board member for Elevate Women’s Health and The Women’s Health Group

*Rapp did not return The Record’s candidate form. Information was taken from the caucus slate’s webpage.

Name: Andrew Hotz

Professional experience: 15 years as a tech and media executive

Community experience/involvement: With degrees from Northwestern University (B.S.) and Columbia University (M.B.A, Ginzberg prize in economics), his experience includes executive roles at Warner Bros and Google, currently serves as Google director of media technology and AI. Andrew is involved in the community, served as a volunteer teacher (Citizen Schools) and mentor (SPARK).

Why are you running for this public office?

A Winnetka resident since 2020 and proud parent of two D36 students, Andrew brings his professional expertise and passion for education to the D36 School Board. Raised by two educators, he appreciates the value of a strong public school education — a great education every child in Winnetka Public Schools deserves. His unique professional experience in tech brings a needed perspective on AI and other technology that will shape our students’ learning and futures beyond District 36. He is focused on ensuring the district delivers an excellent education through curriculum and instruction, while maintaining a fiscal balance/responsibility to the taxpayers.

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