Below are candidate-submitted answers to a survey Landmark sent out to all candidates running in this year’s elections.
Age: 35
Office Sought: Lyons SD 103 Board Member
Previous Political Experience: None
Previous Community Involvement: Police Explorers, Lyons Community Garden
Education: Associates Degree in Law Enforcement
Occupation: Transportation Security Officer (TSO)
Why do you want to be a board member?
As a school board member, I could bring exciting new ideas and fresh energy. I’ll look at routines and policies with an open mind. I’ll help dispute old rumors and assumptions. I’ll have the opportunity to share my ideas with my fellow board members, administration, and members of the community. At the same time, I’ll learn how to make a positive difference and a lasting change that will benefit the school district and in turn the students. After all, our biggest job is to ensure the youth of our community become contributing members of society. I want to be part of the team that makes our community the best it can be and a successful school district is a big part of the equation.
How many meetings have you attended in the past year?
I haven’t kept count, but I attend as often as possible.
What is the most important issue facing the school board?
Funding and coming up with innovative ways to increase the amount of the money the school district receives without relying on a referendum and an increase in taxes.
Solution – Seek out grant opportunities whenever possible as well as any and all other sources of revenue.
If elected, what changes would you like to have accomplished by the end of your term?
I would like to see funding increase as well as opportunities for professional development in order to further increase our staff’s already impressive levels of knowledge in order to better serve our students.
What changes would you most strongly resist?
Any changes that would increase class sizes or decrease the amount of materials and resources available to the students. I would resist any cuts to any programs that are offered.
What other issues facing the school district are of interest to you? Why?
The new PARCC assessment and the implementation of the Common Core Standards because both will directly affect funding sources and opportunities available to the school district.
