I was at the forum last night but could not stay for the 208.
Did anyone else see the 208 candidates?
Any comments?
I just received these statements from last night from two of the candidates.
Interesting.
This is from Mary Stimming "Centorcelli"
Thank you to the sponsors and organizers of this event. Thank you also to everyone here tonight—members of the audience, my fellow candidates. I’m Mary Centorcelli Stimming.
I’m tempted to say that I consider “one of the greatest accomplishments in District 96 over the past 5 years” accepting the last, and “most spirited,” of my four children for kindergarten last week. But, instead, I’m going with the 2007 creation of the position of a Director of Special Education. Establishing a post dedicated to meeting the needs of the children in our community shows that our district values the complete well-being of all our children.
This holistic and inclusive view of child development is one I value, and would use to evaluate District policies, processes, personnel, and spending. Along with intellectual coherence and practicality, these values determine what I consider to be the “the top three issues facing the District.”
First, Increased Oversight. I have attended nearly every Board of Education meeting for the past three years and my conviction of the need for increased oversight has only grown. By increased oversight I mean a fundamental change in the decision-making process. Decision making needs to be more deliberative, more transparent and better communicated at every stage. The Board is an elected body entrusted with public funds and as such it must provide, and should want to provide, a thorough accounting for how and why decisions are made. A more transparent process will ensure that issues, such as the current enrollment situation, are tackled in an atmosphere of public trust and confidence.
My background and education have given me expertise in the research, evaluation and communication of complex bodies of information. After earning my doctorate in theology from The University of Chicago, I spent nine years as a professor of theology and remain active in my field. I know how to ask questions and pursue lines of thought. I am not afraid to voice my opinion, or to change my mind if the facts call for it. As a member of the Board of Education, I would establish higher expectations at all stages of the decision-making process.
Second, the District needs to Set Priorities and Align Initiatives Accordingly. Over the past five years, the district has implemented a large number of initiatives; some quite ambitious. Some spring from goals set by the Long-Range Steering Committee, others have emerged along the way (for example, the shift to a Middle School model at Hauser—my other choice for greatest accomplishment). It’s time to pause, determine what is working well and what requires revision or reconsideration, and let the system absorb the changes.
Clear priorities are even more critical given the economic climate. The 2004 referendum, which I worked to pass as a member of the committee, has left us in good shape, but we remain vulnerable to commercial property tax refunds (PTAB [Property Tax Appeal Board]: it was a 2M refund that triggered the referendum) and variations in the Consumer Price Index, which affect the district’s ability to increase its levy (4.1% in 2007; .1% in 2008—the District can only levy the lesser of CPI or 5%). In order to be generous to those programs we value, our budget must be efficient.
Third, given the foundation we have established, District 96 should aspire to the Higher Academic Standards of the most accomplished private schools, such as the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools or The Latin School. Our curriculum should be broadened to include foreign language at the elementary level as was recommended by the Long-Range Steering Committee. This is critical to our children’s futures. A comprehensive world literature curriculum is needed. And as a member of the 2004-07 Social Studies Curriculum Review Committee I know it is an acknowledged fact that history is a weak point in our curriculum, despite the improvements we implemented. At Dominican University, I served on the committee assigned to revise our liberal arts curriculum. I believe I have the experience to bring to this vital task.
In conclusion, how to assure voters that I will represent the District’s best interests and not just those of my home schools—in my case, next year these will are Hauser (6th and 7th grade) and Ames (K and 2nd). These connections are my personal ties to “real life” in the district, but my background demonstrates my commitment to improving the entire district.
I have served on three district committees: the 2004 Referendum Committee, the 2004-07 Social Studies Curriculum Review Committee, and currently, the Communication Committee. I have attended nearly every Board of Education meeting for the past three years. I am one of the founders of Network 96, a parent group organized with the express purpose of promoting cross-district conversation.
My social network spans the entire range of District 96—parents and non-parents alike. When our 84-year old neighbor eats dinner with us once a week she never tires of reminding me that she too has a stake in my children’s education—a stake that is broader than her property value; it is the future of our community and the next generation.
I ask for your vote on April 7th to be a member of the Board of Education because I am committed to critical thought, sound fiscal management, a strengthened academic core, and a board responsive to all residents of District 96.