Susan Locke

On the Record

What experiences do you have that make you a good candidate for office?

I have been very active in both church and school activities. In the past I have served as a member of our church Council, served as a member of the Evangelism Team and presently help with the LOGOS program. I also currently serve as a Ways and Means PTO Board member at Alice Gustafson Elementary School. I have also served as Room Parent and on various other committees at the school including Fun Fair and Clothing Sale. These activities have allowed me to work with people, make budgets, meet deadlines and make decisions. All very important components in a School Board Member.

What are your top two or three priorities if elected?

If elected my top priorities would be to continue to maintain a balanced budget, work towards smaller class size and keep the open dialogue and excellent working relationship with the teachers that exists.

Would you support freezing your taxing district\'s levy until housing prices rebound? Why or why not?

Yes I support freezing taxes as they have just been increased. If they are frozen though, it should be stated as to what the limits are, at what point can you start taxing again? What is the housing price rebounding to? People should know what to expect and when to expect it. When can they expect their taxes to increase again.

What one decision by the school board do you most disagree with and why?

The decision to cut full day kindergarten. It was one of the prevailing factors as to why my husband and I moved to Batavia in the first place. I understand the reasoning behind the cut, but I don’t like it. I think, in fact I know in the case of my own older son who didn’t have full day kindergarten here in Batavia, a lot is lost when a child goes from a Pre-K environment to a half day Kindergarten. That is not to say it cannot be gained elsewhere, but it was a loss to Batavia’s Schools and their kids.

What was the biggest accomplishment of the board in the past year?

In the past year the biggest accomplishment of the board has been to balance the budget. It has been a very difficult and at times painful task, but a necessary step to maintain the health and well being of the entire School District.

Why should voters elect you to office?

I will be honest and work hard to see that the needs of the community, students and teachers are well represented. My experience working in the school with parents and teachers will serve me well on the Board. I am willing to listen to both sides of a problem, learn from others and make informed decisions.