I have served on the CUSD 303 School Board for the past four years chairing the Policy Committee and serving on the St. Charles Housing Commission and Norris Recreation and Cultural Arts Centers. I am also the mother of a St. Charles East High School graduate and the grandmother of two future D303 students. I am a college educator and am the principal owner of a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and leadership development. A resident of St. Charles for the past 15 years I have been an advocate of strong schools and a spokesperson for sustained and exemplary educational opportunities for our children and our families.
1)To ensure that the award winning St. Charles Schools continue to provide preeminent educational opportunities for all our students regardless of ability.
2)Ensure that the taxpayers’ resources are respected with fiscal integrity and prudent spending.
3)To engage and retain the best and most qualified teachers, administrators and staff.
Prior to the economic downtown short term approaches to school district funding was a common approach. Tax levies would be increased annually as home prices rose in value. Today a long term approach to school district funding is vital in maintaining a district’s fiscal integrity while also being cognitive to the financial challenges faced by our families and business. Recently I voted to support a five-year fiscal plan that will actually reduce the allowable tax levy by 1.5% for 2012. This five-year plan will be reviewed annually to insure that adequate resources are available to cover the district’s variable costs and integrating expenses by monitoring operational expenses; restructuring and refinancing long-term debt, and preservation of the capital development funds. Like our family’s budget the wants are many but the resources to provide for the wants is finite. By developing a five-year plan the needs of our district can be planned for with the utmost fiscal prudence.
As a seated member of the CUSD 303 School Board I have found that our decisions are made collaboratively and with thoughtful consideration. Going forward I will make every effort to reach out to community and parents groups to listen to their needs and concerns and bring their voices to the board table. Likewise I would like to challenge the community to share your thoughts and concerns with the elected board members. Serving on the school board is a partnership and as all partnerships it must be recognized and cultivated in order for it to succeed.
1) The apparent success of Richmond School as recognized by its recent award for its use of classroom technology.
2) Bringing all of CUSD 303 stakeholders together for the recent D 303 Summit which engaged parents and community members to share their concerns and to act as a guide for the district’s strategic plan.
3) The 2013 recognition by the IL State Board of Education as being one of the top school districts in Illinois is a true testimony to our students, parents, teachers and administrators.
4) I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to our district employees and teachers who have tightened up their budgets and have helped to keep our district fiscally healthy.
Four years ago as a newly elected member of the St. Charles School Board, I handed my son his high school diploma when he graduated from St. Charles East High School. Since then I have swept away many tears of pride as I have celebrated the myriad of accomplishments of our students. Over the past four years I have been honored to serve the students and families of District 303.It is with this in mind that I hope to serve four more years as a member of the St. Charles School District.
Having worked as a teacher in both Catholic and public schools, I have practical insight into what constitutes effective, efficient policy and resource allocation. Experience in private industry management, along with multiple terms on the Proviso Teachers Union Executive Board allows for an organizational understanding from multiple angles. This can prove helpful in regular board decision-making as well as in oversight of contract negotiations, where an understanding of the needs of management and the teachers is important.
Transparency - I hope to provide more transparency regarding decision-making in the district. Often decisions are made without adequate time for the public to understand policy ramifications, both educational and financial.
Fiscal Responsibility - We need to balance high-quality, efficient education with fiscal responsibility to the community that largely funds that education.
Faculty Needs - We have an exceptional staff in our district. We need to make sure that they have the necessary tools to continue to provide high quality education to our students.
I would support such a freeze. Many in our community have seen housing values decline while seeing no increase, and in some cases, decreases, in their pay. Efficiencies need to be sought throughout the district’s budget, prioritizing spending on educational necessities first.
Living in the Davis-Richmond attendance area, I was extremely disappointed by the manner in which the decision to merge the schools was reached. While there are certainly many positives, there are negatives as well. Because of the way the decision was reached, there was unnecessary strife and division brought to two communities as they were asked to become one. Certainly, a phone message the day before a meeting with the ominous message that there would be a meeting in such short order “to discuss the future” of your child’s school can be distressing. As both a teacher and a parent of several children who were to be affected by this decision, I invested a great deal of time researching the proposed change. Typically, a change of this scale and scope would involve a two-year window, which would include measured community input. We were given scarcely over two months. There was no time, and it seemed no interest on the part of many on the board, to adequately weigh the merits and weaknesses of the district proposal. There were, and remain, logistical and other difficulties with the current constitution of the schools. Among these were concerns that were raised and dismissed at the time, and acknowledged only after the decision was essentially made.
It was, in fact, this situation that provided the impetus for my decision to seek a position on this board. Transparency in the decision-making process is essential so that in the future, parents and other community stake-holders will be informed and afforded the opportunity for real, meaningful input.
As mundane as it may seem, I am most pleased by the apparent attempts by the board to address the carrying cost of the district’s long-term debt. I do not know the extent to which they researched options, but the acknowledgement that there is a need to address these carrying costs as a budgetary concern is a step in the right direction. I would hope, though, that there are attempts to retire as much of the debt as possible as early as possible.
People move to St. Charles to provide the best environment for their families. Even if they don’t have children, the quality of the schools affects them. We need to take the time to be sure we are making proper fiscal and educational decisions for the good of our children and our community.
I have always maintained that the two most critical components for effective schools are competent teachers and motivated students. We are fortunate to have these assets in our schools. I hope to help provide what is necessary for the teachers and students to accomplish those goals.
My main contribution include facility & finance expertise. I was an independent businessman, which had dealings with the public, bargaining units,& management, I have learned thru my business what it takes to run a successful enity. The skills necessary for good leadership w/in business are the same skills which should be applied to public faction. I have passion for the community & school district... most of all I beleive every students education, should prepare them for society.
Am a current board member.
Financially Sound/Secure.
Making sure the staff,& teachers have necessary resources available for student education.
To make sure that D 303 has a solid system as they go forward.
I am a tax payer, and like everyone else I have trouble w/tax increases, but I must be practical in my approach as the school district has only 1 source of revenue and that is property taxation. The levy is set so that govermental bodies may adjust their rates in accordance w/ inflation, and there are certain cost which increase yearly and 303 has no control over, so they must find added revenue to offset these cost.
If, I look back on 1 decision it would be the consoliidation of the 2 schools, maybe it would have been better to take more time in the decision. I voted yes and would again.
I firmly believe the roll of a board is to have a just and fair vote, waying all opinions. But, once the majority has decided, than no matter how you voted, you accept the decision and move on, there is never any benefit in going backwards.
Air-Conditioning of the schools.
New contract for the superintendent.
The success of the Davis-Richmond endeavor.
I am a lifelong resident of St. Charles, have always had a passion for this community and it’s school district.
As a present board member, I was instrumental in rebuilding the fund balance, and this was done w/in budget, I am an experience board member who has worked as an independent when necessary, but also been a team supporter. I do take pride in assuring that the children have the best possible education and are prepared to meet society, along with being conscious of the tax payers finances.
I am retired business owner, and I know, that for an organization to be successful, it must have good, hardworking, dedicated leaders with leadership ability, l bring, that quality to the board.
I have been on the Board of Education since 2009 and have been the President since 2011. In that time we have had countless schools receive national recognition for excellence. The district also century received record high scores in parent satisfaction from the latest parent survey. In addition, I have a deep background in finance which helps with the many budget / finance issues that come before the Board.
1. Continue to build and enhance our different curriculums and opportunities for students.
2. Continue to run our district in a financially responsible manner. This includes maintaining a healthy reserve fund and paying down debt.
3. Continue to be responsive to parent’s, student’s, and taxpayer’s concerns.
As a taxpayer I would love to freeze the district’s levy and give the taxpayer’s some much needed relief. As a Board member however I have to consider rising salaries, fuel costs, food prices, etc. Therefore, the only way to keep the levy flat is to start cutting programs in the schools and lowering the standard of excellence that our district is known for. For that reason, I cannot support freezing the levy indefinitely but would consider a short-term freeze.
The one decision that I disagreed with was to go ahead with the Richmond Davis changes. A the time, I felt that we were rushing a major implementation and didn’t have a valid system of monitoring results. However, after seeing the results and seeing the great parental support over the last two years, I am glad that the Board approved the measure.
There have been many accomplishments including a very successful Summit 303 which garnered great feedback and insight from the community. The Board has also implemented a plan to air condition all of the schools which is long overdue.
I should be re-elected because I have served the Board well over the last four years and will continue to do so. The last four years have seen tough economic times, budget cuts, government uncertainty. Through it all, this Board has made difficult decisions. Every decision that I have made on the Board has been filtered through the effect on students, teachers, parents and taxpayers. As a taxpayer and parent of three District 303 students, I am able to take a holistic view of the district and what needs to happen to maintain a standard of excellence now and in the future.
In addition, I have personally responded to almost every person that has called or emailed me to make sure that I fully understand the wishes and attitudes of the people that I represent.
With over 25 years as a successful businessman, a current parent of a D303 student, and taxpayer in the district. I have a deep passion for I’m a current member of the D303 Board of Education.
Make sure the district is financially sound. To make sure is prepared to continue to be succesfull presntly and in the future. Provide the teachers and staff the proper tools and resources available to ensure all students have a chance for a quality education.
Being a taxpayer and no different than anyone else, I don’t like my taxes increased either. But the number 1 source of revenue for any district is property taxation. The tax levy is set so the government can adjust their rates inconjunction with inflation. There are several costs that increase each year in D303 and the district needs to find revenue to help offset those expenses.
I don’t look at it as disagreeing. We speak as one voice for the district. We weigh the facts and information and then we vote. Whatever the outcome we respect one another and move forward. We want the district to keep advancing and not go backwards.
The 3 biggest accomplishments are putting a plan in place to get the schools air conditioned, the Davis-Richmond merger, and the superintendent’s new 4 year contract.
To provide all students with the proper tools and resources to have the opportunity to receive an excellent education and experience while attending D303 schools.
I am a retired public school teacher with 39 years of classroom experience at both middle school and high school levels. I have a Master’s in Education and have numerous classes beyond this degree. In my 39 years as an educator, I have viewed schools through the lens of a caring parent, passionate educator, trusted colleague and student advocate. This vision provides a tremendous amount to offer, which I believe would be invaluable to the CUSD 303 Board of Education. For specifics on my experience and education I would invite you to visit my website at www.electjimconro.org.
My first priority would be to continue investigating ways to insure the safety of our students and staff from any type of threat they may encounter from the time they leave for school until the time they return. More is learned with each one of these attacks on our school systems. We need to look at programs that would ensure safety but not intrude upon the learning process.
Secondly, we need to keep investigating ways to ensure that our students are college and career ready for employment that awaits them in the twenty-first century. The job market is constantly changing and we must be sure that our students will be prepared to follow whatever pathway their lives lead them.
Finally, the St. Charles School System is considered one of the finest in Illinois, and we must continue to provide each and every student with the best education we can while we remain fiscally responsible
I do not believe freezing the District’s tax levy would be the best approach to providing our students with the best possible education. Freezing the tax levy could have a negative impact on the District’s ability to provide funds for the education of our students in the future.
I would propose that as each yearly budget is prepared, line items are carefully examined to ensure that all funds are wisely spent.
One decision made by the School Board that I would disagree with would be the decision to diminish computer class offerings at the middle school level. There are skill sets that must be mastered in reading, writing and math. Computer skills and safe and responsible use of technology are no different. In order to prepare our students for the challenges in a very competitive society, 21st Century Skills and technology proficiency are essential educational components, which should be not only taught and reinforced, but also integrated into every curricular area.
I would say that the greatest accomplishment of The Board in the past year was maintaining a balanced budget. The Board has lived within its means and not mortgaged our district with a bill for which taxpayers of the future would be responsible.
I believe the citizens living in the School District 303 want their students to receive the best education possible, but they also want the School Board to manage the District’s resources prudently and not encumber a large debt.
Educating students has been my passion the last thirty-nine years of my life, and now that I am retired I miss that challenge. I want to be involved, just like I was as an active teacher, with helping students become productive adults in our American society. I can move on to the next step and use my experience and education to give this to the students in District 303. I can be a student advocate at a School Board level rather than the Teacher level. I believe that I have the education, experience and time to become a productive member of the D303 Board of Education.
I attended Western Illinois University for 2 years until my funds were exhausted and could no longer continue. For 4 years I was assigned to the Judge Advocate General after special training in the U.S. Army. I was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant E-5 from U.S. Army Europe. After discharge, went on to paralegal training, was certified and worked over 25 years in the private sector. As a paralegal, it was my job to manage cases and research material to be presented in cases to the court. I currently read 12-15 hours per week. In my view, this is required to disseminate the vast amounts of material necessary to be an effective school board member. I have 30 years experience in leadership and dealing with governmental affairs in both the United States and Europe.
My main concern is that our children receive the finest education possible and building a strong academic curriculum. Secondly, the school board is the governing authority of CUSD 303. Members of the school board should have leadership abilities, familiarity with governmental organizations and an ability to coordinate and unite the efforts of the different factions participating within the school district. Third, I would like to work with the teachers and administration to eliminate those programs and projects that do not meet the high standards of CUSD 303. This should be able to help control and contain the budget restrictions in the district.
As a taxpayer in St. Charles, I would support freezing the district’s levy until housing prices rebound. Because of the sluggish economy, many people in the district will not be able to pay higher taxes and their largest asset, their home, would be in jeopardy. Raising taxes will erode a vibrant tax base in the community. This will happen due to more foreclosures and people moving due to the higher tax rates and assessments.
Any decision that spends taxpayer money unnecessarily and does not positively impact student learning.
It remains to be seen.
The residents of CUSD 303 can trust that I will work very hard to focus attention on the students that they receive the best possible education. Further, I will support dedicated teachers in their goal of producing well-educated and productive citizens.
I have lived and been a home owner in the Saint Charles school district since 1996. I am married to a former teacher from Park Ridge-Niles School District 64. We have five children, all boys that attend D303 schools. Through the next five years, we will have a son at each level of the district- grade school, middle school and high school. I believe this gives me a unique perspective on the future of the district.
My first priority would be to negotiate a fair contract for our teachers, that tax payers and teachers can be happy with.
My second priority would be to maintain or lower the existing tax levy on home owners.
My third priority would be to search for a new superintendent within our own community.
I would support freezing the existing tax levy. Freezing the tax levy would let a lot of tax payers with stagnant wages over the past few years catch up with their increasing property taxes. This would also allow families of all sizes to save more money for their children’s college education.
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The Board has continued to work towards providing a quality education for all students within the school district.
I care deeply about the value of a good education for all students and I am willing to do what it takes to make transparent and informed decisions, regardless of how difficult. I will make sure these decisions are in the best interests of our students, staff and community.
