The Riverside-Brookfield Landmark sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2023. The Landmark’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Name: Michael Welch
Age: 62
Previous Political Experience: RBHS 208 board member, 2009-2017, president 2015-2017, board member Sept 2021 to present
Previous/Current Community Involvement: board member and treasurer, Riverside Swim Club; youth basketball coach, youth t-ball coach, and youth soccer coach
Occupation: Internal Revenue Agent
Education: B.S. in Accounting, Southern Illinois University; master’s degree in accounting-taxation; Southern Illinois University
1. Why are you running for the board of Riverside Brookfield High School? What motivates you and what experience and perspectives would you bring to the job? How would these be valuable as an elected official?
I have been a member of the Riverside Brookfield High School Board for approximately 9+ years. When there was a vacant position on the board in 2021, I volunteered and was appointed. I am running for a 2-year position to continue my community volunteer work and to help look after our High School which is one of the jewels of our community.
2. As a school board member, you will play a significant role in budgeting. How will your values inform your approach to budgeting and fiscal planning?
Each year that I have been on the Riverside Brookfield board, I have been a member of the advisory finance committee. When I was first elected, the school was in a structural deficit; meaning we were spending more than the resources our community were providing to us. Over the years I have helped steer the school’s finances in the correct direction. During my time on the board, I believe we have had a balanced budget each year. I am running for the board to continue my oversight of behalf of our community and hope to continue having balanced budgets.
3. What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing District 208 and how should the school board address them?
Each challenge that comes to the RBHS board must be addressed. This is what the board does. Providing the best education for our students should always been our goal.
