Election 2013: Arvid Johnson

Running for the Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Board of Education is Arvid Johnson.

Get to know 48-year-old Johnson:

Family:

Anne - wife
William - son, LW East '11 - 20
Christopher - son, LW East '11 - 20
Stephen - son, LW East '13 - 18

Education:

Illinois Institute of Technology, 2001, PhD in management science
University of North Carolina, 1994, MBA
Northeastern University, 1990, MS in electrical engineering
Lewis University, 1985, BS in physics

Current occupation and employer:

I presently serve as the dean and a professor of management of the Brennan School of Business at Dominican University in River Forest, IL.  Prior to joining Dominican in 2001, I had over 15 years of experience in business/industry - including 11 years in management roles.

Why Are You Seeking Office?
I am seeking re-election for the same reason that I initially sought to serve on the board in 2009: to continue to support Lincoln-Way’s long tradition of increasing student academic achievement in a fiscally responsible manner.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My most important priority will remain that to which the District 210 Board of Education has long been committed: to continue to improve student academic achievement in a fiscally responsible manner.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I believe that my experience in higher education gives me the context with which to analyze and improve our students’ academic achievement and that my experience in business prepares me to steward responsibly the community and citizens’ investment in our high schools.

How do you envision the transition from Supt. Lawrence Wyllie to Supt. Scott Tingley?

I have every confidence that this transition will go smoothly.  Dr. Tingley has 16 years of experience at Lincoln-Way District 210 in positions that have given him insight into district-wide issues and district personnel, student achievement, the classroom, athletics and activities, and discipline of students.  In addition, Dr. Tingley will have had a six-month transition period working with Dr. Wyllie, who is committed to a successful transition.

What's the biggest challenge facing LWHS D210?

Our biggest challenge is to continue to improve student academic achievement in an environment in which the State of Illinois’ funding of education is decreasing significantly.  Due to proration and effective reductions in the General State Aid funding level, the State has cut annual funding to Lincoln-Way by almost $4 million in the last 4-5 years.  In addition, the State remains more than 6 months behind in its Categorical payments (for programs and services that the State requires the District to provide but, then, only partially funds).  While the Lincoln-Way team has a proven track record of a “doing more with less” than other high school districts, we risk compromising the quality of our children’s educational experience and environment if additional, significant cuts are required.

Is technology important for the future success of LWHS D210 students?

 Absolutely - and increasingly so!  In fact, as discussed in the Board's January "Goals Planning Meeting", the Board has asked the Administration to develop a District-wide technology goal - along with related objectives, verification indicators (measures), and milestones - for the 2013-14 academic year

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

Our Lincoln-Way high schools have a proven record of continuous improvement.  Since 2008-09, our average composite ACT scores have increased from 22.2 to 23.0, while the average for high schools in the State of Illinois have increased at a far lower rate (from 20.7 to 20.9).  At the same time, our operating expenditures per pupil have been have been reduced by over $700, while the average for high schools in the State has increased.  I am honored to serve the community as a member of the Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education.  Despite the challenges faced by our District, our employees remain committed to doing “what’s best for kids” – so that our schools remain great places where great students accomplish great things!