D46 Candidates Answer Our Questions

As the April 5 election approaches, Patch asked additional questions of the school board candidates to see how they would impact the board if elected. Here are their responses:

1. The district is facing economic challenges. What programs/areas of operation would you target for reduction?

District 46 has done an outstanding job of finding areas to reduce expenditures without eliminating programs, staff, or increasing class sizes.  As part of the Finance Committee in this district, I am proud to be part of the team that has reduced expenditures by over $6 million dollars without affecting the Educational Environment of the students.  As a committee, we are working tirelessly to continue the trend of reducing expenditures without it affecting programs, staff, and students.   Shannon Smigielski

I do not believe any program or area can be considered for reduction until District 46 goes through an extensive audit and it is determined that all school assets and taxpayer monies is accounted for, per Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5.   Marchell Norris

One area that I would like to look into is the cost of bus transportation. Recently the board raised the tax levy citing a shortfall in the cost of bus transportation.  With the cost of gas on the rise, I would like to be able to fully examine the operation and expense of this area of the budget.   Kip Evans

The first area to examine is facilities and the cost associated with running these facilities.  For example, housing summer school in the most energy efficient building.  Work toward establishing higher energy efficiency buildings by replacing old machinery as we did at Avon.  We also should also look at using our print center more efficiently. Next, we need to reexamine the transportation budget.  We are rerouting buses to make sure we are making the best use of our dollars.  Finally, we need to look at changing our 5-year facilities plan to see if we can reduce the amount of dollars spent there.   Mary Garcia

My personal belief is that reductions should have the least effect on our children and their curriculum. Because of the difficulty and controversial nature, any conversations about reductions must include input from parents, staff and the administration.  Obvious areas to initially assess are the management and operation of our facilities and transportation. As you may not be aware, salary and benefits are the largest part of our budget and the most difficult to affect.   Sue Facklam

2. What programs/areas of operation would you not consider for reduction?

I would not be comfortable considering any area for reduction. With reductions in General State Aid, increased costs from vendors to every day supplies, our Board is facing some tough challenges.  One of my first priorities if elected to the Board would be to require a thorough, perhaps even a forensic analysis of the District’s Finances.  A recent audit showed activity funds have not been properly allocated. The District is in search of its 5th Chief School Business Official in less than 3 years.  I have concerns that the District may not have the real numbers needed to be able to build a true balanced budget.   Shannon Smigielski

It is important as a community that we recognize the importance of the arts in shaping and developing citizens of tomorrow. It is essential that classes like Art, Music and others be given the same appreciation as math & science. It is impossible for me to imagine a world without Monet or Mozart we must encourage the development of the arts with our children.    Marchell Norris

As a taxpayer I have not been able to fully review the entire budget. There is a lack of transparency.  If reduction is necessary all areas of the budget must be considered.  I am not looking to cut programs or staff, but I hope to streamline the budget so that we do not need to increase the tax levy each year. Kip Evans

When we need to make reductions, the last areas that I would cut would be those that affect children directly.  These would include:  band, music, choir, and art.   Mary Garcia

I also believe that the elimination of art, music, band and chorus should be avoided and that extra-curricular activities are important for well-rounded growth and development.   Sue Facklam

3. What ideas would you bring to the district to ensure that today's students are prepared to be tomorrow's leaders, scientists, and innovators in an ever changing global economy?

Our children need access to the most progressive, stimulating, and tangible resources possible. With limited funds, this is another challenge the District and Educators within it, face.  I have embarked on an aggressive search for a committee to help identify, research, and apply for every grant we can qualify for. In addition, I have taken on the role of finding a Grant Writer for District #46.  My goal is to utilize every resource available to help bring in the exact type of resources needed to better prepare our children.   Shannon Smigielski

Thomas Friedman, in his 2005 Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year "The World is Flat" talks about many of the trends facing us today and the convergence of events. Both globalization and glocalization is becoming ever present. I believe it is essential that we prepare our students with an open mind and the ability to learn. The ability to learn translates beyond the ability to memorize or take a standardized test, this is the ability to transfer knowledge from one subject area to another and draw a useful conclusion. We must support all efforts that help our children learn how to independently seek out and acquire new knowledge, the importance of being committed to life-long learning.      Marchell Norris

I believe that continued coordination and evaluation of the educational programs between the high school and the elementary district are essential.  These meetings must include both administrations and staffs. When I toured the schools, I was shocked to discover that the district libraries have no budget.  I believe that libraries in which children can explore new ideas, learn research skills and be enriched by great literature should be the cornerstone of every excellent elementary school program.  Kip Evans

The 21st century initiatives will target the following:

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Collaboration across Networks and Leading by Influence
• Agility and Adaptability
• Initiative and Entrepreneurship
• Effective Oral and Written Communication
• Accessing and Analyzing Information
• Curiosity and Imagination

The district needs to identify the gaps in redundancy within the core curriculum.  Our administration will need to insure that these initiatives are implemented.   Mary Garcia

We continue our close collaboration with the high school administration to ensure that our students are well prepared for the next level.  We track our student’s success at the next level and we continue to see growing numbers of our children accepted into and succeed at four-year universities. I strongly believe that we must have a strong curriculum that focuses on developing reading and writing skills as well as excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.   Sue Facklam

4. What do you consider to be your strongest asset and how will that benefit the district should you be elected? (I.e. determined, open-minded, etc.)

My strongest desire is to use my tenacious research abilities to bring every option to the table for consideration before the Board makes a decision.  Every idea, fact, possibility and consequence needs to be exhausted in efforts to provide the District, Students, Staff, and Taxpayers with the most effective Board.   Shannon Smigielski

In preparation for this campaign effort, I have read a large part of the Illinois School Code. If elected I come prepared to ask the necessary questions to determine that we as a community are doing all that we can to provide a quality education for our children. I will do this while at the same time ensuring that the school board implements policies to ensure we are good stewards of the taxpayer's funds.    Marchell Norris

I have the experience of 32 years in the classroom working at all grade levels K-12.  I understand how schools should operate but I don't have the answers to everything.  I believe it is important to openly solicit the opinions and concerns of parent, teachers, administrators and taxpayers before I vote on issues.  In general, I think outside the box on problems.  Kip Evans

My strongest asset is that I am a strong advocate for children and their educational and emotional needs, and I understand the importance of fostering the growth of 21st century learners for today's ever-changing work place.   Mary Garcia

I am very knowledgeable about public school financing and about the workings of this district. I put an extraordinary amount of time in learning about the management of public schools and I ensure that I am very well prepared for board meetings and discussions. I care passionately about the school district and make a concerted effort to meet with teachers, students and parents. I routinely participate in or attend numerous school functions throughout the year and feel it is important to recognize our accomplishments and efforts.   Sue Facklam