Below are candidate-submitted answers to a biographical survey Riverside-Brookfield Landmark sent out to all candidates running in this year’s elections.
Age: 42
Previous political experience:
As a current member of the School Board, I serve on various committees which includes, the Buildings and Ground Committee, Policy Committee and Chairman of the Superintendent’s Evaluation Committee. Prior to becoming a Board Member I was selected to serve on the Steering Committee for the selection of the District’s Construction Management Firm. Previous community experience: Active annually in the Village of Brookfield’s Project N.I.C.E., assistance with the Girl Scouts, various service projects with the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and as a young scout in which I earned the rank of Eagle.
Occupation: Licensed Architect
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago
Why are you running for a seat on District 95 school board?
To ensure that our children are receiving the best education possible, with the best leaders and teachers in place to achieve our District’s goals.
Do you support the plan to expand Brook Park School and renovate S.E. Gross School?
If so, why? If not, why not? Yes, I support the expansion plan at Brook Park School that will help relieve the overcrowding stresses that we are currently experiencing. This expansion will eliminate the temporary mobile classrooms and provide a necessary full day kindergarten program.
What do you think about standardized (PARCC) test scores and academic performance at schools in District 95?
What areas do you believe could be improved and what action can the school board take to help improve student achievement? I think that the PARCC test scores don’t accurately show the performance of the District’s schools. These tests take away valuable instruction time and then student performances suffer. The District should strive to lower class sizes, continue to use the MAP testing to analyze student performance and determine areas of need.
How does District 95 integrate technology into the classroom?
The District utilizes computer labs and laptop computer carts. At S.E. Gross, the District has introduced new interactive whiteboards for each grade level. What can be done to expand the integration of technology at the classroom level? The District should strive to achieve a 1to1 program for all students enrolled at District 95. Is there a wish to implement such initiatives as a 1to1 program? Why or why not? There is a wish to see a 1to1 program and the District has be working on the improving the technology infrastructure over the past few years.
Are there programs District 95 could be providing to students that it does not already provide? If so, how might those programs be implemented?
Introducing a Spanish foreign language at the Elementary level and offer a second language other than Spanish at the Middle School level. Also at the Middle School, I think that there should be more of a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) with handson learning in the classroom. In sixth grade, the students take computer science classes every other day for a full year and tech education (engineering) classes every day for a half a year. Then alternate the pattern in seventh grade then eighth grade.
What other issues are important to you as a school board candidate? How would you advocate for them as a board member?
I am supportive of the building referendum and if the referendum is successful I will strive to ensure that the building design and construction is completed with the District and communities best interests in mind.
