D122 Candidates Answer: How Would You Like the District to Progress?

Every day this week, Patch will give you the District 122 Board of Education candidates' answers to a different question that deals with the financial and educational issues facing the school district.

We'll compile all the responses here, ordered in the way names will be on the ballot, and you can also get more election information on the . Today's question is:

If elected, how would you like to see the school district progress over a hypothetical term? 

I would like to see the Board of Education focus more on identifying alternative solutions to the problems we face and communicating such to the administration, parents, teachers and taxpayers. I would like to have more input from the parents, teachers and taxpayers before making the final decision on the solution.

I would like to see the school progress with stellar academic achievement in all
areas of reading, math and writing. I believe that the board’s mission is for the
successful educational of all of our children. We must constantly be maintaining
and exceeding our test scores and monitoring the children’s success into the
high school level. We need to be vigilant in monitoring the district’s needs for our
children and our teachers and staff. We must continue to keep a watchful eye
over the budget to assure the community that we are living within our means. 

I will try to see that the school district gets more state funding. As I mentioned with their funding level the district doesn't get a fair share from what we contribute to the state. This would take the pressure off the taxpayer. The state needs to make cuts and changes in their budgets. Through my years on the board I hope to see that all test scores go up. This will be a indication that I was at least helpful in a very small way. Our schools are our No. 1 asset. I want it to continue to be.

One of the biggest issues facing our district is communication. Poor communication between board members and the community has caused a lack of trust. It is up to our board to put all personal differences aside and concentrate on the important issue of educating our children. I also believe there should be more time set aside for the residents to voice their opinions before the board makes a decision that affects the entire community.

I would like to see the districts already strong academics improve while trying to lesson the impact on the taxpayers.

I would like to see the school district maintain a fiscal responsibility to the community while it also prepares students with a competitive education and opportunities in academics, the arts, and athletics. If I get elected, I intend to remain a fiscally responsible board member to our community. My No. 1 priority is to maintain education and opportunities for the children of the school district despite the lack of the financial support from the State of Illinois.