As local school council ( LSC ) elections come near ( taking place April 21 ) , the LGBT community will have representation in the form of a candidate running in the Boystown area.
David Neubecker, an out gay man, is running for the LSC in the Nettelhorst District, which encompasses Boystown and some neighboring areas.
The district is aptly named as it includes Louis Nettelhorst Elementary School, which has gotten much publicity as a gay-friendly school, with much volunteer work done by the LGBT community.
Neubecker himself has had an active role in the area the Nettelhorst district covers, doing much work within the LGBT community at large. He has worked with multiple organizations such as Triangle Neighbors, the Lakeview Citizens Council and Night Ministry, among others.
Specifically at Nettelhorst Elementary, Neubecker has two children attending the school. Healong with his husband, Leehas been a very active parent, founding the Diversity Committee.
"This committee allows the parents an opportunity to address issues of inclusion, equality, and diversity across many different communities within the school," Neubecker said.
He has additional experience in the classroom as well, being a former elementary school teacher.
"Nettelhorst is a wonderful school with very dedicated teachers, administration, staff and parents," Neubecker said. "By serving on the LSC, I can bring a unique perspective to the table and continue to build bridges with the surrounding community."
Of the things Neubecker feels he brings to the table are unique answers to financial strains that all state-funded institutions are presently feeling.
"With looming budget cuts, schools will have to think outside of the box on how to address the financial needs of the school," Neubecker said. "This includes lobbying our elected officials, building connections with local and corporate businesses, and engaging the surrounding community."
As an out gay man, Neubecker is expecting a push from right-wing groups outside of Nettelhorst, playing up the fact that he's gay.
"My being gay is only one part of who I am," Neubecker said. "First and foremost, I am a dad. Our school has the opportunity to become a leader on how to address issues [ like ] becoming a welcoming school to all families and students regardless of their sexual orientation."
He is confident that common sense will win, in all people want good schools.
"At the end of the day, all parents want the same thinga safe, welcoming school that will challenge their children academically and teach them how to relate to an increasingly diverse society."
Another LGBT candidate running for a LSC is Karen Barbour, running at Inter-American School. Attempts to contact her for an interview were not returned as of the press deadline.
In addition, Tommy Sampson ( also known as Father Tommy Avant Garde ) is running for the LSC at the South Side's Englewood High School.