D135 School Board Candidate Questionnaire Responses

Below are the answers in response to the CARE135 questionnaire that was distributed to all D135 Candidates for School Board via email in February.  Not all candidates have returned the questionnaire at this point and we will make them available as we receive them.  We are still awaiting responses from Tom Cunningham and Ann Gentile.

Please feel free to use the comment section of this site for further inquiries.

Thank you,

CARE135

Laura Berry-LB Orange

Mary Bragg-MB Green

Mike Carroll-MC Blue

Nathan Jaisingh-NJ Red

Sandra Kulak-SK Gray

Michael Maratea-MM Purple

•             Please tell us a little about yourself:

LB: I have lived in Orland Park for 35 years.  I recently retired from Orland 135as the director of curriculum and instruction.  I am passionate about education and have dedicated my educational and professional career to education.   As a retiree I want to give back to the community that I love.  I have been pleased with the education that was afforded to my two (adult) sons when they were young.  I am proud of this district and want to continue the excellence.

MB:  I’m Mary Bragg and I’ve been a school board member for the last 8 years but I’ve been an active volunteer in the district for the past 17 years. Those volunteer positions have been room mother, vision and hearing helper, art mother, East-side Market Day coordinator, Music Parents East vice-president and then president. I worked on the referendum walking around the neighborhoods handing out information, working on mass mailings and going out putting yard signs up for residents who requested them in the early morning hours.  I attend events throughout the district at all of the different buildings when my schedule allows me to and I have only missed 1 board meeting in my 8 years on the board.  I’ve never walked out of a meeting, taking away the public’s voice or missing all of the conversation so that I could make an informed decision.

MC: I am 49 years old, married, with 2 sons in District 135.  I am an attorney, with offices in Orland Park and Lockport.  My wife and I both graduated from District 135.

NJ: I was raised just east of Lexington, KY in a small town named Morehead, KY.  I moved to Chicago in 2000 to attend Rush University, where I met my wife, Nicole.  Together, we have 3 wonderful children: Maya (6), Noah (4), & Elijah (2).  Currently, I own a mental health company with 21 staff members and 3 separate divisions (on-site long-term care services, office-based outpatient, & Integrative Athletic Enhancement – sport psychology consulting).

SK: I have been a resident of Orland Park for 30 years.  My son is a product of district 135 and 230. Prior to retirement, I was an active, involved educator for over 35 years. Before working in Orland School District 135, I was Mathematics Curriculum Supervisor at Indian Springs School District #109. The remaining 22 years of my career were spent in Orland School District #135. During that time, I held the following positions: Computer and Mathematics Educator, Instructional Technology Specialist, successful grant writer, Staff Development Instructor, and Associate Director of Instructional Technology.

MM: My name is Michael R. Maratea, age 58, and I am a retired educator for 33 years in Kirby School District 140.  I spent 16 years in an elementary school and 17 years in the middle school as a sixth grade teacher and team leader.  I have resided in Orland Park for 14 years.  My wife is a school speech-language pathologist.  I currently have four sons in District 135 schools.

•             Why are you running for school board?

LB: I would like to give the voters of Orland Park a choice when they vote.  I will keep the children of the district in mind when making decisions.  I will set a good example on how to work together with all the board members, for the betterment of the district. I will not be wasteful and stand in the way of moving the district forward.  I am a caring and reasonable person who would be dedicated to working together with the other board members for the betterment of the district.  I am fiscally responsible and will keep the interest of all the taxpayers in the forefront.

MB:  I am running for re-election because there are pending issues that still need to be addressed, Common Core curriculum changes, school funding and pension reform.  It is a critical time to have the history of the past several years to be able to move forward without having to wait for training or to get-up to speed with the issues.

MC: To bring respect, professionalism and fiscal responsibility to our School Board.

NJ: I am running for school board because I am invested in this community.  I will see my children and their friends for many years to come, move through this district.  I want to ensure this district not only remains strong on numerous fronts, but strengthens, not just for my children, but those that follow.

SK: School board members are servants of the community who should work collaboratively in the best interests of the children. They are responsible to the community in providing the stability and leadership necessary to ensure the strength and well-being of the community.  The community deserves the best leadership possible. I will be a dedicated servant/candidate willing to volunteer my time and talents to ensure that the children of Orland Park and its community are served to the best of my ability.

MM: I knew before retiring that I would like to volunteer to serve on my children’s school board if elected.  I am not happy to see how board members treat each other and the lack of communication between the different levels of the school.  This has created an atmosphere of distrust.  Also, the district is years behind other districts in the area of technology and there is no reason for this with a huge surplus.  District 135 was once the crown jewel of school districts, and I would like to help return it to that position.

•             What is your perception of our district at this time? 

LB: The district is in need of stability and a school board that is supportive and not wasteful.  We are behind neighboring districts in technology that is needed to educate children for the 21st Century. We have needlessly raised taxes.   We have needlessly wasted school funds.  Despite these concerns, I have never seen a more passionate and devoted team of teachers, support staff and administrators who work day to day with the children of this district.  These professionals in the schools make the district what it is today.  Our children are safe and get a great education.  We need to provide the teachers what they need to create even better experiences for the children.

MB: We have a great district but there is always room for improvement.  The staff morale needs to be improved upon and I want to ensure that all stakeholders voices are heard.

MC: The majority of the current Board has been acting very unprofessionally, and appears to have been more concerned with their personal agendas and issues than what is best for our students and taxpayers.

NJ: A great district, that if right leadership is not in place, has the potential to lose its stature.

SK: I feel that the district is in need of stability and sound decision making on behalf of the needs of the children and the community.  The school district has lagged behind, over the last 8 years, the instructional technology needs of its children.  The 3% increase in the tax levy that passed at the January, 2013 board meeting was unnecessary.  We have wasted school funds on costly litigation.  The teachers, support staff, and building administrators have performed magnificently, despite the limitations imposed upon them by a lack of vision and goals at the top.  New leadership is desperately needed now, at the board level, by individuals who understand and are experienced in curriculum, technology, policy, school law, contracts and finance.

MM: I think District 135 is a place where some people work outside their parameters of his/her job title and interfere with the educational process.  The teachers and administration are constantly looking over their shoulders with distrust.  This takes their focus away from their responsibilities.  A new professionalism needs to permeate throughout the district.  District 135 is not thought of as highly as it once was by surrounding districts.

Governance, Finance, and Operation

•             What do you see as the opportunities and challenges in this district? 

LB: The district has the opportunity to give the students an excellent education for the 21st Century.  We need to use the money we have wisely to make that happen.  The challenges are working together for the benefit of all and not just a few.  The opportunity to better prepare the children for the world they will live in is so important.  We need to be able to work together to make this a reality.  We can be fiscally respectful while providing for the education of the children of the district.

MB: The opportunities we have as a district are that we have very talented staff members who are qualified in many different areas and can train other staff members while our very talented maintenance staff has saved us hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years by completing the preventive maintenance and repairs that can be completed in-house.

                The challenges we face are the loss of funding from both the state and federal government, new unfunded mandates being placed on districts nationwide, and pension reform that will be eventually passed on to us.

MC: The biggest opportunity is that because the foundation of our teachers is so great, with a change in majority leadership in the Board, the ship can be righted very quickly.  The challenge is getting out the message, and making the public/voters aware of what’s happening.

NJ: Opportunities and challenges always come down to one thing…people and is one willing to work with anyone, no matter their political affiliation, voting history, etc.  I am.

SK: The opportunity exists, right now, to provide our children with the technological experiences that they will need to compete in their futures. This is of utmost importance.  The challenges that the district faces are to do so with careful planning and thoughtful decisions based on research and funding so as not to exhaust our resources.  This can be accomplished with an appropriate, experienced, and educated board of education.  

MM: The opportunity is that the district can be returned to its former self as a model for other school systems.  The hierarchy and roles can be reestablished with a new and improved board.  Hidden agendas have no place on a school board.  They are toxic and could destroy the policy making function of the board.  Challenges are many, but could be remedied quickly.   Roles at each level need to be redefined and followed.  Communication will then improve throughout those levels, and trust will return.  We need to have a solid technology plan that would improve our technology quickly with no further burden on the taxpayers.  The money is there, however, it is just not budgeted properly.  We have good people in central administration that would do a fantastic job if they were allowed to. District 135 could return to its previous status in a short amount of time.

•             In your view, what has the district done well over last five years?  What has the district done poorly that you would change? 

LB: Our teachers are so dedicated to the students of the district I know that they provide a safe and caring environment for the children.  The teachers do this in spite of the lack of technology.  Testing scores have stabilized overall and teachers are better able to use test scores to diagnose and help students when they have challenges.  Our buildings are in great shape, with capital improvements being completed in house (for the most part) and under budget. We have a robust fund balance.   The negative areas are the lawsuits and lack of significant progress in upgrading technology and resources to meet the demands of the 21st Century.  Additionally, there is a perception that the current board may not be working together for the benefit of the district.  School funds have been used for things not of benefit to the children or taxpayers.  This needs to change.

MB: In the past five years, the district has reduced expenses by 10%, we’ve hired very talented staff to replace our retirees and we have added playgrounds that are accessible to all students.  We have also added new cost efficient lighting, new computer operating systems, and more computers into each of our buildings.

          Things that have been done poorly and need to be addressed are the intergovernmental agreement regarding the ball fields, the timeline for the technology plan, and getting a fund balance policy in place instead of just talking about it every year.

MC: There have been so many negatives lately.  The one positive that comes to mind is that it appears the District made a good choice in Superintendent with Dr. Stutz.  The bad?  The Melanie Walsh firing and lawsuit, the cancellation of the ball field/gymnasium/park agreement with the Village of Orland Park, and the raising of the tax levy despite approximately $52 million sitting in reserves.

NJ: In an era when federal, state, and grant funds are unstable, the district, in my opinion, has done a good job in building a reserve fund.  I would like to see improvement in communication to the community of outcomes from Board decisions, and the rationale for decisions.

SK: The district does a fine job of recruiting the best teachers that are educating our children.  The testing data allows teachers to make data-driven decisions on what is best for their students, despite the lack of current technology.  They will improve even more by providing them with advanced technological tools that will enhance the learning environment.  The capital improvements in the facilities are done with concern, care, and under the estimated budget. The changes that still need improvement are in the area of instructional technology, RTI initiatives, common core standards, and public general opinion of the effectiveness and intent of the board of education. 

MM: The district is sound financially, but unfortunately at the expense of the students and much needed technology and despite wasted tax money on litigations due to poor decisions.  The district’s education of children is still sound, but a lot of that credit has to go to the staff which has continued to provide a quality education.  Unfortunately, that quality and test scores have been dropping over the past five years.  The respect among all levels of the district is lacking and it would be the first thing I would change starting at the top, and the voters have a huge say in that.  This would lift a heavy burden off of the administration and staff.  Also, the misuse of taxpayers’ money on misguided actions needs to stop.  The litigations and double/triple paying one position cannot continue.  Sound decisions have to be made legally and with much thought and legal counsel.

•             In an era of more limited financial resources, how will you enlist support for bond issues or public school spending from conservative voters or taxpayers with no children in the public schools?  How can the school board prove that it is accountable to those citizens? 

LB: I am a case in point here.  I do not have children in the district (currently) and am retired.  I do know that the reputation of the school district strongly impacts the value of my home.  It is critical to all taxpayers that we provide a sound education for the children of the district.  This makes sense for property value and the overall continuation of the district.  Many of our students become taxpayers in this district and in that way “payback”.  With this in mind, it is vitally important to use the funds we have for what they were intended.  Our citizens do not have bottomless pockets; the board needs to realize that.  School funding is complicated.  There are many strategies to maximize the funds we have, the board must be stewards of this money and work with administration to maximize the use of funds and minimize debt and taxes.

MB: Research shows how a quality school district impacts the whole community by raising property values and lowering crime rates.  You prove accountability to all stakeholders in the district by being fiscally responsible and being transparent with all funding.

MC: Hopefully, with the reserves District 135 has, no additional referendum will be needed anytime soon.  Even taxpayers without children in the schools, however, have to understand that a quality school district significantly impacts property values.  As for accountability, transparency and approachability are the keys to satisfying the public that the Board will be responsive to them.  Unfortunately, all of this has been lacking from our Board in recent years.

NJ: Before I would ask taxpayers to hand over more or borrow even more, the first thing that should be done is evaluate how current systems can run more efficiently.  Secondly, the Board is accountable to every citizen who cares about their community & the children in it.

SK: A community is judged desirable based on the performance of the schools that lie within it.  I moved to Orland Park 30 years ago because of the stellar reputation of its schools.  Property values are, in part, based on the quality of the schools.  We need to utilize the bond funds that we told the taxpayers were desperately needed to improve the quality of instruction for our children on our children in a methodical, organized manner so as not to deplete our reserves.  Establishing a fund balance policy would guide us with that goal in mind.  I am a resident who does not have a child in the public school system and a retired senior citizen.  I am as concerned as anyone else is about increased taxes and would lend my expertise in school finance as a resource to other board members who have governmental financial experience. We need to make our long range financial planning goals available for public comment to keep a check on increased taxes and minimize any accrued debt.

MM: At this time, there is no need to raise the tax levy to the max.  Until our economy improves, passing a referendum would be near impossible.  In the past, you could equate better school districts with improved home value, and this unfortunately no longer holds true.  We must once again gain trust from the taxpayers by showing that we wisely spend our current money.  A great gesture would be to decrease the tax levy in December if we are financially sound.

•             What are the district’s greatest capital needs right now?  How do you think those needs should be addressed? 

LB: Technology is a major capital expense.  The district has not kept up with what is needed.  There has been some movement forward, but not enough.  Additionally there can be further purchases to assure the safety of the children in our schools.  These purchases have been put off for too long.  Overall the condition of the building is great, but they must be maintained.  Additional costs could be cut by having intergovernmental agreements in place as were in the past.

MB: The greatest capital needs are technology and having the equipment ready for the new PARCC assessments that are mandated and replacing ISAT testing.  One of the first things we are still waiting on is what kind on operating system will be required for taking those tests and ensuring that the infrastructure can support 5,000 students all being logged on at the same time.

MC: Technology and Professional Development.  Establish a fund balance policy, and use the excess reserves to address these needs.

NJ: Honestly, I am open to learning more about the concerns of teachers, staff, and parents before settling on an issue that I am labeled as championing.  Again, I view this as being a filter for information and making the best decision for the children of the district.

SK: The greatest capital needs right now are in updating the technology infrastructure and technological tools for classroom instruction.  We need to form a technology advisory committee that would research, discuss, and make recommendations to the board of education.  This committee should be composed of educators, administrators, technology support personnel, community members, and a board member. We need to continue to partner with the Orland Police Department and conduct periodic evaluations of our safety plans and make adjustments and improvements where necessary. Since we have many members of the community in this field living in the community, I would solicit their expertise and contributions to the safety of our children.  Furthermore, I would suggest the following measures to increase safety: parent education for classroom volunteers, background checks of all who would have direct contact with the children, replacing the glass in the school entrances to shatterproof glass, a driver’s license swipe device for visitors that communicates directly with the Orland Park Police department.

MM: Our greatest capital needs are in the area of technological upgrades.  While the district has improved in that area, much more will be needed.  Unfortunately, with our large surplus, grants will be hard to come by and part of that large surplus will be needed to fund these upgrades.

•             Should you be elected, during your tenure you would be involved either extending the contract of our current superintendent or hiring a new one.  What are three questions that you would ask a candidate for district superintendent?  What would you hope to learn about the candidate from the responses? 

LB:

1.  How have you communicated with the faculty, staff, parents and community members and school board during your year(s) here?

2.  What do you feel are the biggest challenges for the district as we move forward?

3.  Have you felt that the school board supported your initiatives or stood in the way of your                      initiatives?

I would want to know what the long range plans are and how progress on these plans is going.  I would want to know what the next steps are, who is facilitating these steps and how are the plans going?  I would want to know how are the children doing and how the budget being maintained.

MB: The first question I would ask is how do you address the financial needs of the district without going to the public? The second question would be how do you address all of the changes in curriculum and instruction? The third would be what is your long range vision for the district and how do you address it?  The answers should give insight as to how well versed the superintendent is in the different areas of operations of the district.

MC: 1) Do you plan on living in or near the district?  (It shows an investment and commitment to the district.) 2) What are your thoughts on how best to implement technology in education? (Big issue currently with the changing of Common Core standards.) 3) What are your thoughts about the current changes to Common Core Standards, and how best to explain them to parents? (Huge changes in educational standards and testing are currently being undertaken.  A lot of families don’t fully understand them, and how the transition will cause some difficulties/growing pains.)

NJ: 1) Are you a Cubs fan or Sox fan?  2) Why did you leave your previous position?  3) Why can the families of this community trust you to lead D135?

I am looking for ability to react with humor and measurement of trust with these questions.

SK: Regarding administrative decisions/changes, we need to stop the practice of hiring two well paid administrators to perform the exact same job.  Hiring experienced district office will eliminate costly training expenditures. Single year contracts should initially be offered for any superintendent.  The Board should create a performance based rubric for evaluation of administration that includes clauses in their contracts that absolve the taxpayers from continuing to pay their current salaries if they resign, are dismissed, or unsatisfactory performance as based on the established rubric. I would be involved in the hiring of a new superintendent because that is the responsibility of a board of education member.

The three questions that I would ask of a new superintendent would be:

1.  “How would you communicate responsibly to the taxpayers of the Orland Park schools and the staff members?”

 

2.  “What are your short term and long range goals for the schools of Orland Park and how do you plan to accomplish these goals?”

 

3.  “What are the 3 biggest challenges that you would face in this district, if you were chosen as superintendent, and how would you tackle these challenges?”

MM: First and foremost, a superintendent needs to have a clear vision for the district.  I would ask about his/her vision for District 135 and if his/her answer is inspiring and practical I would look upon that person as a viable candidate.  I would also ask the candidate to self evaluate his/her communication skills.  A great superintendent needs to communicate effectively with all levels of a district.  In return, the levels of the district will respect him/her.  Lastly, I would have him/her list his/her three academic strengths, and make sure they align with the district’s three potential weaknesses.  Those weaknesses should then become his/her immediate goals.  I believe we do have that person under contract now.  After meeting Dr. Stutz, her three main areas of strength are in technology, Common Core, and a fire to get things done.  The shackles have to be taken off of her so that she can do her job effectively.  If the board allows her to do her job, she will be effective.  If not, she may feel the need to leave, then our carousel of superintendents will continue.

•             What strengths from your past experiences do you feel will best support the board and how will you use these skills?

LB: I have been an educator with degrees in educational leadership, educational administration and curriculum and instruction.  This has been my life’s focus.  I would freely lend my expertise as needed keeping in mind that the school board is to offer guidance and should allow the current administrators and faculty and staff to do their jobs.  When the people we hire are not allowed to do their jobs or are diverted from their jobs, those are misuses of power by the school board and unacceptable.  I understand the current direction that education is heading and will be supportive.  I have a willingness to listen to all the stakeholders of the district and will give them the respect that is deserved.

MB: My past experiences and the different trainings I’ve taken would be beneficial in helping the new board to move forward on a positive note. The self-governance and procedural practices take time to learn, having someone who can mentor new members is of benefit to the district.

MC: My 18 years of law practice will definitely help in problem solving and risk avoidance/protection.  Especially in contract and personnel issues, every decision a Board makes could have a potential litigation exposure.  That should be considered whenever making an important decision, and I can’t help but feel that the current Board has not stopped to consider the consequences of their actions before making decisions.

NJ: My strengths include structural organizational development & management of complex business and clinical systems; management of professional employees, contractors, and administrative staff; I will use these skills to keep the group dynamic professional, efficient, and productive.

SK: I have a wealth of experience in many areas of the educational environment including: school administration, successful grant writing, instructional technology, classroom, negotiations, staff development, district and building level decision making committees, team leader, department chair, curriculum supervisor, and the ability to view school issues, firsthand, from multiple perspectives.  I was the recipient of former Congressman Lipinski’s Educator of the Year award and Phi Delta Kappa’s Educator of the Year award (Homewood/Flossmoor Chapter.)  I would use these skills and experience for the betterment of the children of Orland Park and the community.  Being an educator is my life’s passion.  I am hoping, with voter support, to continue to contribute and volunteer my expertise in education to the community.

MM: I am a communicator, which is my undergraduate minor, and my master’s degree.  You do not learn that in college, though.  You need it to be a part of your personality.  In the past, I have always been in the role of leader, so I am use to speaking up.  I have served on many school committees (curriculum development, textbook adoption, state standards, RTI) so I bring a lot of knowledge in educational areas of need.  I also served ten years as Teacher Union President, and while some pessimists may look at that as a negative, I see it as a positive.  I had to deal with a large spectrum of people who had different needs and try to satisfy all of them, so compromise is critical.  I also gained a tremendous amount of experience in collective bargaining always focusing on the board’s position to understand where the final compromise would be.  I have worked with many great board members and studied their qualities that made them exceptional board members.

Independence of Thoughts and Actions

•             As a school board member, from whom will you seek advice or input in weighing key decisions?

LB: I will work with my fellow board members, the administration and staff of the district to seek advice when needed.  Additionally the Illinois School Board Association as well as other professional organizations are great resources for information and advice.  I continue to read current educational books and literature.  I will listen to the stakeholders of the district.

MB: As a board member, I listen to all of the information presented, complete my own research and listen to data provided by administration, our legal team, the different staff and community members that will be impacted by those decisions.

MC: Fellow board members – always.  Community groups, parents and employees/staff whenever appropriate.

NJ: Teachers-Administrators-Parents-Fellow Board Members-Wife-Pastor

SK: I would work collaboratively with any groups that are involved or interested in the education of our children. (i.e. board members, administrators, staff, parent and community groups, etc.) I would research current issues and use information and research obtained from professionally oriented organizations/journals like the Illinois Association of School Boards, Educational Leadership, The Kappan, and various curricular organizations.  Decisions would be based on research and data-driven, not based on a personal agenda or bias.

MM: As a board we need to listen to the superintendent and her recommendations based on her conversations with members of her central administration, administrators, and staff.  Parents should communicate their concerns through their building administrators, which should follow the hierarchy back to the superintendent.  That is where District 135 has failed.  Communication is the key!  If parents are not getting satisfaction with administrators, then parents and taxpayers should utilize the public time before board meetings to voice their concerns.  Having a board in place that will truly listen is important.  It is essential that we stick to the proper channels.  If not, nothing will get resolved.  I feel that I have connected with many people in the past few months and I am aware of key issues.  I research things very carefully so that I can make a good decision. 

•             Whose interests should matter in the governance of a school district?  In what ways should they matter? 

LB: Personal agendas have no business in the governance of a school district.  It is unreasonable that board members bring personal agendas to the table.  This causes wasteful practices (diverting time and money) for these causes.  We have over 5000 students to educate; this is the job of the board.  The interests of the tax payers to run a fiscally responsible district should be at the forefront.  The majority of us do not have children currently in school.  Add to that fact that there are a growing number of retirees on fixed incomes in the district who worry about taxes.  The district must maintain the high standards that add to property value, while being very conservative with spending.

MB: All stakeholders should have a say in the governance of the school district.  Those interests should be weighed carefully and should be researched to make sure they address the best practices in education and are in alignment with school law.

MC: Students, taxpayers and employees.  The students should be the primary concern as the major purpose of a school district is to educate our children.  The taxpayers, because they have voted in the Board members, who promise to represent the taxpayers to the best of their abilities.  And the employees, because one of the Board’s functions is to hire necessary personnel and set their salaries.

NJ: The children.  Excellence in education and utmost safety.

SK: The children and community needs should matter most in the governance of a school district. Objectivity in all matters, not personal bias, should guide the governance of a school district. The district should be financially sound and fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.

 

MM: The interests of the entire community, students, parents, and taxpayers should matter in the governance of a school district.  Students, because it is their education that is being directly effected.  Parents because they form a vital role in the educational system, and we need to keep the interests and needs of their children in the forefront.  And, the taxpayers need to know that we are using their money in a professional manner.

•             With what civic, business, or advocate groups do you have connections?  What about their agendas appeal to you?  

LB: I am not involved with any groups at this time.  However my candidacy is supported by the Orland Council of Educators.

MB: I have connections with the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Illinois, a brain tumor support group for patients and their families, being a brain tumor survivor myself it is important to help patients and their families through this difficult time in their lives.  I support the music programs because research shows that students who participate in those programs score anywhere from 10-15% higher on standardized tests.  I also support our PFE because of all of the benefits they bring to our students.  I am currently a member of the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association and support their mission for promoting quality education for all students.

MC: Civic – Orland Park Lions Club:  While internationally they focus mostly on vision & hearing impairment, the Orland Park Lions Club has helped anyone in need in the community; Orland Park Cub Scout Pack 383 and Boy Scout Troop 383:  These organizations really do a magnificent job of teaching their scouts to become productive members of society.  Through food drives, park clean-ups and a myriad of other service projects, patriotism, faith and service to those in need, as well as stewardship of our natural resources are taught to young scouts from 1st grade on.  Gail Blummer of the Orland Park Veterans’ Commission refers to our scouts as her “Little Patriots”.  Business — Southwest Bar Association:  This organization helps the court system run more efficiently by providing experienced in-court attorneys for litigants that need them, and provides pro-bono representation to those with limited resources.

NJ: If you are making your voting decision based on my “connections”, I am not the candidate for you, as I choose not to name those relationships.  The only agenda that should matter is improving the educational experience for children and ensuring their safety.

SK: I do not have any connections with any civic or business groups, but am a member of the retirees’ council of the local AFT/IFT.  I am interested in the information obtained regarding legislation at the state level and best practices in education for all of our children.

MM: The school systems and the village government need to stay in tune with each other and work closely together.  These two powerful groups make a village what it is.  A great school system is invaluable to the village in making it an attractive place for future families to settle.  Also, when our current economic crisis lessens once again the schools will have an impact on the housing market.  I like the idea of an intergovernmental agreement because the duplication of services only costs the taxpayers more money for the same service.  Schools and sports’ fields should be used by the public when not in use by the schools.  Why should they lie idle when they can be utilized by village activities and organizations?  Also, the village is equipped to maintain those sports fields saving the school district money, which can be used in educational programs.  We must return to this agreement.

•             In your view, what is the role of the teachers’ association/union in this district? 

LB: The teacher’s union is in place to negotiate the contracts for the employees and to assure that the contracts are upheld by the district.  I believe that when employees are treated fairly and by following the contract, the influence of the union is supportive.  It is only when the board is unfamiliar with the contract or administration does not follow the contract that problems arise.  The union assures that the working conditions of employees (and by association the learning conditions for children) are maintained.

MB: The role of the teacher’s association is to ensure fair working conditions and wages for its members.  It has the obligation to make sure that its members receive proper representation and due process if necessary.

MC: The same as any other labor organization – to represent its members before the District Administration to negotiate contracts for its members and to enforce the terms of those contracts when needed.

NJ: To represent the teacher(s) as a collective voice in matters of negotiation.

SK: These are difficult times for all educators, we have a bad economy at the very same time that we need to have transformative change in our schools to help all kids become the problem solvers and the thinkers of the future.  It is the role of the teacher’s union to work collaboratively with administration and the Board of Education on the creation of collectively bargained agreements that are upheld by all parties.  Board members and staff should understand the tenets of any and all contracts made with the board.  Problems will arise if there is a lack of understanding of the contract.  The teachers’ association should work with the board to come to agreement on the interpretation of contract language and that due process rights are not violated.

MM: I served as a union president for ten years in District 140.  It is very important that there be a good relationship between the Union President and Superintendent.  Many issues are dealt with at that level before they become an issue.  The union is there to make sure working conditions for teachers are in line with the collective bargaining agreement, and not violated.  If something occurs that violates the agreement, a union member can file a grievance according to the procedures in the contract.  You always hope it never reaches that stage because that is where emotions enter into the picture.  In rare cases these can lead to lawsuits, which hurts everyone.

•             Describe your view of the roles of the school board and the superintendent.  What is the ideal relationship between these two offices? 

LB: The school hires the superintendent and works with him/her to assure the highest standards for the district.  In cooperation and with full communication the superintendent and administration sets the path for student achievement through curriculum, instructional best practices and assessment.  Further the school board provides the needed guidance on the direction the district should be heading.  The school board should be responsive to the needs and input of all the community members whether they have children in the schools or not. 

From the district web site (www.orland135.org):

What is the Board of Education’s role? 

• Adopt goals and policies that meet state requirements and reflect community needs;

• Provide the resources necessary to pursue its goals according to its policies; and

• Monitor district performance to see that results are consistent with goals and policies.

The school board hires the superintendent who oversees the day to day operations of the district.  The board should allow the superintendent (and all administrators and teacher and staff) to do the jobs they have been hired to do. 

MB: The role of the school board is to hire a superintendent and to set policy, the superintendent is then to run the district.  The two should work together to ensure a quality education for the students.

MC: In my view, the Board should hire the Superintendent and let her be the captain of the ship.  She should run the district.  Of course, the Board sets policy and can counsel the Superintendent, but the Board should not be overbearing or shouldn’t micro-manage the day-to-day affairs of the District.

NJ: The roles and ideal relationship is that of synergism and professional accord.

SK: One of the Board of Education’s responsibility is to hire a competent, experienced superintendent to manage the school district and all of its departments.  The relationship should be open and honest to ensure the soundness of the decision making process.  It is also the role of the Board to evaluate the performance of the superintendent.  I would suggest the creation of a performance-based rubric for evaluation of the superintendent that would include caveats that would absolve the taxpayers from continuing to pay the superintendent’s salary should they resign, are dismissed, or fail to live up to the board’s expectations based on the established rubric.

MM: The board is the policymaking part of a school district.  The superintendent oversees all aspects of the district making sure everyone is doing his/her job, and no one is interfering with someone else’s responsibilities.  The superintendent reports back to the board and reports the positive aspects and potential problem issues that need addressing.  An ideal school board allows a superintendent to do their job with no restraints.  This has not happened in our district.

•             If a parent or a principal comes to you regarding, for example, a maintenance issue at a particular campus or a situation involving a particular teacher, how do you see your role as a school board member in resolving that issue? 

LB: The role of the board member is to bring the issue to the attention of superintendent who in turn would speak to the principal.  The board should not be involved in the day to day operations of the district.    That being said, I would follow up to make sure the needs were addressed and communicated.

MB: The proper procedure is to direct them to the proper party to address their concern.  If it is maintenance you address it at that campus to make sure they are aware of the situation, if it’s not addressed then you move it up the chain of command.  The same for a situation with a teacher, first you talk to the teacher. If the situation is not resolved then you go to the principal and up the chain of command.

MC: To be a conduit – to make sure that issue or complaint gets to the appropriate person and to make sure it’s addressed – not to handle it myself.

NJ:  Though I would certainly listen and empathize with the parent or principal, I would defer to protocols required to be adhered to by Board members for district issues to be addressed.  Alternatively, common sense, for me, would trump protocols for a child’s safety.

SK: School board members should not act an individual.  The role of a school board member is to create and institute district policies and to hire a superintendent.  An individual school board member cannot make a binding decision alone. A school board member should not become involved in the day-to-day operation of the school or the school district.  I would refer the concern to the appropriate party and follow up to make sure that the concern was properly addressed in a reasonable time frame.

MM: If a parent or principal comes to the board with an issue, they have not properly followed the hierarchy of the district.  Parents should report an issue to their principal, who then will inform the superintendent.  The superintendent’s job is to report the issue to the board.  The board will assist in resolving the issue.  If these links are being blocked at any level, the parent does have the right to address the board at the beginning of the meeting so that they are aware of the issue.  The board will also make informed decisions in situations where complaints have been purposely blocked in that hierarchy and deal with the breakdown in communications.

•             What are your views on open data and transparency of information?  What kinds of school district information should be made public?

LB: It is important to be transparent with general data and information on finances and how the district is managing funding.  Transparency issues should be logical and not divert resources just to be transparent.  I would make sure that citizens that had questions would have answers in a timely manner.

MB: The district should be transparent with all information that it can provide and there is some information that’s protected by law that should not be disclosed regarding personnel files.  Financial statements, teacher salaries and benefits are all available to the public and posted on either the district or the Illinois State Board of Education website.

MC:  I’m a huge proponent of transparency.  My view is everything should be public unless there is a compelling reason for it not to be.  Obviously, students have privacy rights.  Certain personnel issues and all litigation issues need to be classified, but if there’s not a good reason otherwise, it should be disclosed.

NJ: Open data and transparency, in theory, is a good idea, depending on the information it being used to share.  Careful safeguards must be in place to protect privacy.

SK: Curricular changes, finance matters, human resource practices, transportation information, special education general information and building goals and initiatives should be available to the public.  Specific information regarding children and sensitive issues should be kept private.

MM: Personnel decisions are made in closed session to avoid potential litigation and lawsuits.  Every taxpayer has a right to view documents such as technology plans, contracts, and financial records by filling out a FOIA form with the district.  They cannot be denied.  Our district did not receive a superior rating on transparency, but if elected I will work hard on achieving that rating.

•             What specific steps would you take as a school board member to improve transparency and make school district information more widely available? 

LB: I believe the district is very transparent at this time.   The information that can’t be transparent are specifics about children and other sensitive issues. 

MB: We have been working on transparency along with help from several government agencies. We have had an audit completed to see where there are areas for improvement in our transparency of records and information.  We have followed their recommendations and have been making corrections as needed to attain the highest rating possible for transparency, it’s a work in progress and we are not quite there yet.

MC: I know the Village of Orland Park recently received a 100% perfect rating on governmental transparency.  I would look at what steps they’ve taken and try to reach equivalent transparency.

NJ: teacher salaries – administrator salaries – budgets – board voting record – anonymous test scores

SK: I believe that the school district does a very good job of informing the public via its website and other means of communication to inform those willing to know what is going on in the school district.  I would continue the current practices.

MM: Making sure that our district is denying the taxpayers their right to the documents and reports that can be viewed.  If elected, I will make sure that this is done.  Then I will educate the taxpayers on how to go about viewing these reports.  Many are not aware of how to do this and what they can see.  I would educate them in that process.

•             How will you communicate your work to your constituents? 

LB:  I will be open and responsive to the parents, taxpayers and staff.  The board should be welcoming and responsive as a whole and not as individual members.

MB: I make sure I am visible in the public by attending different events throughout the district during the year and speaking with people.  I make sure to talk to members of the different organizations and share information with them.

MC: Approachability & meeting with community groups.

NJ: I like Twitter

SK: I will be open and transparent to the community members and staff. The Board of Education should act responsively to concerns of the community as a whole and communicate via print and media avenues.

MM: By listening to the taxpayers in the district.  They have a right to know, however, there is that hierarchy that I spoke about, that needs to be followed to assure that something is done and communications are written forming a paper trail.  As an individual board member, I can listen to my constituents, but we must remember that all seven members are involved in any issue concerning District 135.  An ideal board works together with equal say in decisions.  We may not all agree, but we all must be informed and have a say.  I would not be opposed to coffees such as the village held recently, with our president of the board and board members available to discuss issues.

•             If you were to send a newsletter, around what three issues or sections would you focus your updates?  

LB:    1.  Technology   2.  Fiscal responsibility by the board (taxes, waste of funds)       3.Planning for the future

MB: One of the sections would have to be continuous financial updates for the district, regarding federal and state funding issues. The second section should be about the upcoming changes to curriculum regarding the Common Core and PARCC assessments.  People need to understand that Language Arts and Math are the only approved Common Core standards at this time. The final science standards won’t be approved until the end of April this year and the Social Studies standards are still currently being worked on.

MC: 1) Finances 2) Curriculum 3) Community

NJ: 1) Budget Updates   2) Employment Updates  3) District Events

SK: I would focus on 1.)Instructional Technology updates and the changes that will impact the students both at home and in school; 2.) Sound strategies and management of long range planning; and, 3.) Fiscal planning and responsibility to the taxpayers of Orland Park schools.

MM: My newsletter would focus on three areas; financial, technological, and curriculum.  These are the three main areas where taxpayers and parents should be most concerned, since they directly impact the children and district as a whole.  I would conclude my newsletter with student accomplishments so that all parents could be aware of what was happening in other parts of the district.  I see our district now divided into three distinct areas.  These area boundaries need to be dissolved so that we can become a united district.

Other Thoughts

•             Is there anything else you would like the community to know as it relates to your desire to serve on the school board? 

LB: I would like the community to know that I am a considerate person, dedicated to education and am aware of the trying times we are in.  I would not spend tax payer money foolishly and would strive to bring the board together to be a functioning group, rather than factions that have various agendas.  I have had children in the district but currently do not, so I represent that group as well as retired people in the community.  There are many people who complain about the current board, but few who are willing and able to volunteer the time and effort to make a difference.  It is time for a change.   I do not have any other political aspirations.  I would just like to serve my community as a dedicated school board member.

MB: I make sure to attend the school board conference every year for the latest updates, trainings and information regarding education. I do not stay in a downtown hotel for the conference; I commute back and forth every year and have for the past 8 years that I have served on the board saving the taxpayers money.  

MC: I’ve been an active volunteer in this community for over 30 years.  School Board member is a volunteer position, but must be filled by election.  If elected, I will do my best to return respect to District 135 and insure it’s a School District we can all be proud of.

NJ: No answer

SK: My prime goal is to provide the best educational experiences to the children while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers, all while avoiding extraneous personal agendas, bias, and needless litigation.  I want the community to know that I have the best interests of the children of Orland Park schools at heart and that I will work tirelessly towards that end. The community has trusted me with our most valuable asset, our children for 22 years.  I would like to continue that trusted relationship in the governance of our schools.

MM: If elected, I can promise the community that they will get a tireless worker with many years of educational experience.  Being retired, I would treat this position as a fulltime job to once again make District 135 a district that will be looked upon as a leader in educational circles.  I will also serve as a fiscally responsible member to all taxpayers in the district.  This change can occur efficiently with the right people in place.

•             Do you have a website, Facebook page, Twitter account, etc. to which you would like us to direct voter inquiries? 

LB: Lberry135@gmail.com

MB: I do not have Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts or a website due to issues with imposters. I can be reached by email at the contact a board member link through the district.

MC:  www.facebook.com/mikecarroll135    mikecarrollfor135@gmail.com

NJ: No answer

SK: Please direct any question, thoughts, or concerns to me at skulak135@gmail.com

MM: My email address is mikemaratea@comcast.net