NLSD122 Candidate Bio: Bill Pender

Running for a 4-year-term on the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education is Bill Pender, of New Lenox. Pender was appointed in July 2012 to fill a vacancy left by Sue Gillooley, who resigned in June 2012.   

Get to know Pender. He and wife Jen have three daughters, 10-year-old Audrey, 9-year-old Caroline and 5-year-old Sophie.

Pender's educational background:

St. Xavier University 1998, BA in Social Science with a minor in education.
Governors State University 2005, MA in Educational Administration
Governors State University 2010, MBA

Pender's Occupation and Employer:

High School Assistant Principal
Joliet Catholic Academy

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

My single most important priority is to seek out alternative sources of funding. The state continues to decrease their contributions to the local school districts and we need to be ready as we move forward and the funding continues to decrease.

Why Are You Seeking Office?

I am running because I believe I have a great deal to offer. I was raised and taught to volunteer in my community. I feel this is a great way to do so, but if I am not elected I will find another way to be of service to my community.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I feel my experience in the classroom, as well as in the administrative aspect of school. I feel my experience brings a unique perspective from he view of the parents, taxpayers, teachers, and school administrators.

How will you lend stability to the board?

In my short time on the board I have worked with all members of the board. I feel I have made decisions that I felt were best for the district. When I have had concerns with anything, I have contacted district administrators to express my reservations rather than creating a scene at the meetings.

How will you work to balance the budget?

I will continue to work with the board and administrators to make sure we continue to to look for alternative sources of income as well as to make sure that we look for cuts that do not have negative effects on student learning.

How will you represent all taxpayers in the district?

As a taxpayer from a single income family, I will continue to make sure there is no waste in the district. Also, I will continue to do my best to avoid a deficit in the district. Nobody wants to raise taxes but if the tax levy is not passed, we would likely see a major deficit a few years down the road which would be a much worse for all taxpayers.

There are eight candidates running for 4-year terms. 

The incumbents for the 4-year term are: 

1. Patrick Martino, incumbent
2. Deborah Kedzior, incumbent
3. Sue Smith, incumbent
4. William Pender, who was initially appointed in August to fill the remaining  two years of a term left by resigning Member Sue Gillooley.

The four newcomers are:

1. Thomas Hottinger
2. Philip Adair
3. Gregory Loock
4. Rhonda Starklauf

The candidates running for a 2-year term are:

1. Kathy Miller (incumbent)
2. Todd Hyatt (write-in candidate)

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