District 95 School Board Hopefuls Get to the Issues

The four candidates seeking to serve on the Community Unit District 95 school board had a second chance to field questions from residents during a PTO-sponsored candidates forum Tuesday night in the cafeteria at Middle School South. Several weeks ago, the candidates, running in the Tuesday, April 5, Consolidated Election, did the same at Middle School North.

Jim Burke, Doug Golberg and Tony Pietro are incumbents, and Chris Wallace is running for the first time. Sandy Smith served as the evening’s moderator. There are three seats on the school board up for election.

Following are their answers to the questions posed at the forum. 

How Have Each of the Candidates Educated Themselves on Education?

Pietro said that for his first three years of undergraduate school, his major was in education, and that while it isn't his vocation, he feels very connected to it.

Goldberg talked about a website that he was recently looking at as a personal example of his ongoing education.

“There’s a number of great websites online that allow us to continually educate ourselves,” he said.

Wallace talked about his masters degree in healthcare administration as well as his work experience in the health care industry as reasons that he’s qualified to serve on the board.

Burke said he’s kept abreast of school issues particular to the district.

“I’ve continually tried to educate myself on school issues,” he said.

Does Technology Improve Education?

 “Unlike the other candidates, I’m not as convinced about what technology  in school has or hasn't accompished,” said Wallace. He said he was in agreement with narrowing the ratio of approximately four students for every one computer in the district. Wallace suggested that some sort of study might be conducted to gage the positive effects of technology on students.

“I’ve seen how technology has created advancements in the business world,” said Burke. “I don’t need to see statistics to know what technology can do to help students.”

Pietro cited Blackberries, computers and laptops as ways technology has made most people’s jobs easier.

“If those things were taken away from you, how would you be able to do your job?” Pietro also talked about the differences in today’s students.

“They’re wired differently. They have all of these technological advancements at their disposal.”

“There’s no doubt that technology can deliver education more effectively,” said Goldberg. He cautioned that technology is only part of the equation.

“It’s also very important that teachers effectively use technology.”

Now That it's Closed, What Should Be Done With Charles Quentin School?

 All four candidates agreed that the property should be sold by the district.

“Clearly it’s something that we would like to dispose of,” said Goldberg.

“It’s not going to be used anytime soon. I would think that whoever buys the property will raze the facility and build something else.”

“I would think that you sell it and use the money for different purposes in the district,” said Wallace.

Due to the Economy, the Performing Arts Center Fees Have Increased Significantly. The Facility has Reportedly Not Been Used For the Last Two Summers. How Can the Facility Be Better Used?

Goldberg explained that the district did a survey of what other districts facilities are charging, and adjusted the fees accordingly.

“If it’s true that the center is being underutilized and not being used in the summer, then we need to look into that,” he said.

Burke also mentioned the process by which the fees were increased. He asked if staff is available during the summer.

“We should look into why the PAC (Performing Arts Center) isn’t being used in the summer, if that’s true,” said Pietro. “I had no idea that was the case.”

Wallace contested the claim that PAC hasn’t been used for the last several summers.

“All three of my kids are enrolled in music programs, and they used the facility for band practice,” he said.

Student Drug Testing

All four candidates said they are in favor of drug testing. Burke emphasized that drug testing should be used to help students.

“It’s not to punish a student for doing drugs. It should be used as a way for a student to get help,” he said.

Pietro cited the recent parents survey in which close to 75% of the respondents said they are in favor.

“I am against testing in middle schools,” he said.

Goldberg cautioned that there is much controversy about how to implement drug testing.

“We’re going to have to figure out how to roll out the program,” he said.

Wallace reviwed the options of either conducting urine or hair sample tests.

How Will Declining Property Values Affect Revenue Generated for Schools?

Goldberg explained that, in spite of declining property values, the district hasn't been in any danger of implementing a levy.

“We still have quite a bit of head room,” he said. “Even if home values drop another 10 or 15 percent, possibly even 20 percent.”

Burke, Pietro and Wallace agreed that Golberg had summed up the situation accurately.

“I think we must proceed cautiously,” said Pietro.

ISATS Versus Other Key Performance Indicators

Pietro said that working towards getting students enrolled into math and science honors classes by their junior years should be another way of evaluating their academic accomplishments.

“MAP testing is another good way of evaluating students,” he said.

“SAT’s are only good at showing how a student will perform in his freshman year at college,” said Goldberg. “We spend too many calories on tests. A student’s GPA is extremely important.”

Wallace said each school should set up goals for students at the beginning of the year.

“Then you can chart their progress as the school year goes on,” he said.

Burke agreed with Goldberg that there is too much emphasis on testing.

“I do think MAP testing is helpful, and grades should be looked at as well.”

Building a New Football Stadium

While all candidates agreed that a new, larger stadium would be nice, the current economic climate puts this plan on the back burner.

“Athletic fields would have to be considered a second tier priority,” said Goldberg. Fundraising efforts might be a viable route.

Wallace said that with too many other things on the table right now, most likely fundraising would be the only route that makes sense.

Burke jokingly complained that whenever he attends a Lake Zurich Bears game, he is unable to get a seat.

“More bleachers are needed,” he said. “I don’t see anything happening on that front for several years, though,” he said.

Pietro said he’d love to see a new stadium. He cited a recent study that indicated from a structural standpoint a new athletic field will be needed in the next few years.

“I think that the board is open to suggestions about finding ways to raise the money,” he said.

Reassigning Staff Versus Cutting Staff

All four candidates said that they favor reassigning staff.

“The district has done good job in reassigning,” said Goldberg.

“School enrollment can decrease for a while and then increase,” said Wallace.

Burke said that while he’s in favor of reassigning, he wouldn’t condone it if there was no reason to justify it.

“You have to watch your bottom line,” he said.

Pietro said in any instance, he’s in favor of reassigning.

District Improvements

Goldberg said that he would like to see the seven-year review cycle of schools shortened.

“It’s much too long,” he said. “Too much happens every seven years.”

Wallace talked about greater transparency on the board.

“You can have the minutes of a board meeting transcribed and e-mailed with very little time or effort.”

Burke lauded Isaac Fox Elementary School being named one of the state’s 10 best elementary schools, as well as the excellence in many of the athletic programs.

“Our cheerleading program finished best in the state, our football team was almost best in the state, our color guard team was just named best in the state,” he said. Burke said that technology is the area where there is a need for improvement.

Pietro also gave District 95 high marks.

“Our finances are in order, we don’t owe any money,” he said. “When me and my family moved here from Schaumburg seven years ago, one of the things that attracted us to this area was the schools."