Positions

On this page you will find my position on school and community-related issues that concern everybody.

Taxes

Prudent financial practices over time have created a situation where District 158 is on very healthy financial ground. At a time when most districts around us are cutting programs and staff due to the economy, District 158 recently approved Tier I hires for next year. This is a testament to our wise budgetary practices. It is important to note that the tax rate in District 158 is one of the lower tax rates in McHenry and Kane Counties.

It is my opinion that as long as money continues to be spent wisely, we will never need to ask the voters for another tax rate increase for educational purposes. I will work hard to ensure that prudent financial practices continue.

Future Building

For the next eight years, high school enrollment will grow substantially because each grade level is larger than the class above it. However, this year's kindergarten class is smaller than this year's 1 st grade class. Future kindergarten numbers must be obtained so we can determine if this year's kindergarten class is an anomaly or the beginning of a shift in student will help the Board determine if a short term solution or a long term building project is in the best interest of students and enrollment numbers. Then the Board/staff can explore options of how best to educate and house students. The community should be surveyed to gauge support for potential solutions. I will not vote for a building project if a short term solution is warranted.

Curriculum

It is very important to me that we not only maintain the quality of educational services we provide to our students, but constantly strive to improve them. As board members, our job does not end with making sure District 158 is an educational leader in McHenry County or even in Illinois. We must strive to make District 158 a world-class school district so that our students are able to compete for jobs in a global economy. These are very difficult times for people in the community and the Board must be sensitive to financial limitations. However, the Board must not let the current economic conditions become an excuse for not continuing to strive for world-class educational opportunities and achievement. The rigor and relevance of our curriculum must continually improve so that our students are always prepared for post high school life, whether that means a four-year college or university, a two-year college, a trades school, or entry to the work force or military.

Teacher Salaries

It is important that District 158 be able to attract and retain quality teachers. However, since my wife is a teacher, I will not be participating in or voting on issues regarding teacher salaries.