Evaluate how the District 211 has used the money from the 2005 tax-hike referendum.
The revenue that was acquired during the referendum was not managed in a way that satisfied the community. The newly elected school board will need to work diligently in order to earn the trust of the tax payer. During these economic times people are working harder than ever to maintain financial security. It will be the responsibility of the school board to manage funds carefully as well as transparent. Community members in D211 have always been supportive of the school system, provided children are getting a quality education. If the schools are satisfying the needs of the children people will support spending with in the schools. The key to success in D211 will rely on improving the quality of education as well as spending with its means.
What steps must District 211 take to further bolster its reputation as one of the best high school district in the state?
The first step should be to review spending. The board needs to allocate funds to programs and resources that will directly impact student learning. Secondly, D211 needs to be accountable to the student. D211 needs to ensure that we are providing a positive learning environment for all types of learners. It is crucial that students feel comfortable, safe and challenged in a school setting.
Furthermore, the educators need to be constantly looking for new ways to touch a student. They need not be afraid to think outside the box to maximize a student’s potential.
If the schools, students, parents and community all work together to foster learning and provide a solid foundation for kids today it will be inevitable that D211 will regain its reputation; because our students will flourish and test scores will be on the rise.
How well does the district spread resources and funding among its five schools? Is there equality or do things need to change? Cite examples, if you can.
There is always going to be conversation of equality among the five schools when it comes to resources. Plain and simple all school resources should be on a rotation schedule. Regardless, of which school a student attends the resources and education should look the same.
If elected, you will participate in negotiating the next teacher contract. What should change, if anything, in the next contract, and how well does Dist. 211 balance the need to retain top teaching talent with fiscal responsibility?
At this point it is too early to speak in specifics as too what needs to change. The position I take on contract negotiations is to hear the wants and needs from both sides. I am from the belief system if the board makes financial decision with the student’s best interest in mind we will do well. Regardless of which side of the negotiation table you sit it is imperative to be cognizant of the economical times.
Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.
I have not experienced this type of environment. I do feel that it makes sense to have a representative from the union. I believe that a union representative is helpful to understand the full dynamics of the needs of the teachers. D211 will need members on the School Board who are strong and intelligent on the subject matter. In order to be effective on the points at hand the school board will need to be open minded. Change can come in many directions to satisfy the needs of the majority.