I haven't seen much on this subject beyond the item in the Landmark, which gave one of the candidates a mere one line it's article on the candidates. So I would like to post here some relevant information on my neighbor who I believe will make a positive commitment and impact if elected. I urge you to consider voting for Michael O'Brien. I took this material from his campaign folder.
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
District 96 is in a very enviable situation financially. State agencies rate the financial health of this school district as excellent. Recent reports to the current board by Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Lamberson show that this district is in very good shape to the year 2018 and beyond. We need to a responsible school board when it comes to financial management.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU AS A VOTER?
-Michael O’Brien will vote NO on any and all tax increases.
-Having solid reserves does not mean that we should go out and look for “new” financial needs. Why not practice fiscal restraint now instead of spending ourselves down a path that leads back to the voting public to raise taxes? My goal would be to work with school board members, Dr. Lamberson and Riverside residents to spend and save wisely.
-Over the next four years capital budgeting projects at District 96 will become a major issue. The task before the next board will be to manage this process without impacting the overall financial well being of District 96. This means input from the public, teachers, principals, Dr. Lamberson and school board members will all have to be taken into account as to what is priority and what is not. We need to hold contractors accountable to their proposals and find ways to avoid costly over runs. How this process is handled and managed is a key issue you must decide who, as a school board member, will represent your interests.
-My goal, if elected, would be to establish myself as the “fiscal watchdog” of the D96 school board. The reputation I seek would be earned on actions and votes cast while on the board.
CURRICULUM and ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Since 2006 District 96 students have averaged 90% or better in meeting or exceeding
ISAT testing standards (SOURCE: Illinois Interactive Report Card). If you need to see more data that shows you how well this district is doing in many areas please go to the district web site: http://www.district96.org and click on: About District 96 and “District Dashboard.” Faculty, Staff, Superintendent, School Board, Students and Parents are to be commended for their outstanding job and dedication. This district is getting great results while spending less per student when benchmarked to school districts that have been awarded The Bright Red Apple by School Search. What kind of curriculum development and academic achievement initiatives do you the voter want? Some input and feedback I have heard:
Mathematics: When students are not reading at grade level this district will utilize reading specialists to work with children to bring reading skills up to grade level and beyond. Does District 96 need to employ the same type of strategy for Mathematics when it comes to students who are not performing at grade level or above?
Honors Program/QUEST: Many parents want a better program than the current QUEST program. District 96 provides help and assistance to students not performing at grade level what about students who need more challenging academic enrichment? We need to look at similar school districts as District 96 and solicit input from the D96 community on how to build a better honors program.
Technology: Our district has specific curriculum guidelines for each grade level. A missing component is technology. Should we integrate specific technology requirements into each grade level or should we develop a separate technology curriculum that emphasizes core competencies?
Library/Information: Access to information is more decentralized than ever. This trend shows no signs of abating. Our library seems to operate on a basis as a central location for information. Is the current library set up the best way to serve our children to find information from trusted sources?
The above issues are just a sample of the ideas and concerns many voters have. As an elected board member I would actively seek out opinions and ideas on how to implement these ideas to your satisfaction.
HIRING NEXT SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Jonathan Lamberson will be retiring within the next three years.
This means that the three individuals you elect on April 5th will be involved in the selection of a new superintendent. We need a board member who can:
-Work with fellow school board members to develop a plan for this process.
-Develop hiring criteria to find qualified candidates for the District based on experience, background and vision he or she has for our high quality district.
-From beginning to end seek input from the entire District 96 community: The public, Parent Teacher Organizations, and D96 Teachers and Principals.
My candidacy for a seat on the District 96 school board has been based on seeking out ideas, input and opinions from all stakeholders of District 96. As a family we chose to live in Riverside for the same reasons as you did: quality of life and a very good school district. I believe we owe it to our children and to ourselves to give us the best school district we possibly can. When we strive for this we all win. We continue on our quest to be a high achieving school district. Collaborating with citizens that want to be a part of this process is a job I take very seriously.
Whether you agree with all, some, or none of the issues set forth in my candidacy I welcome your questions and ideas. Please fell free to call me at 708-442-7441 or email me at obrienford96@hotmail.com.
ABOUT SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE MICHAEL OBRIEN:
Michael O’Brien grew up in Glen Ellyn and graduated from Millikin University with a degree in Education. Mr. O’Brien lived and worked in Cincinnati, Ohio before moving back into the Chicago area. Michael O’Brien brings a business background as a candidate for School District 96. Having worked for Motorola and Thomson Michael brings experience in budgeting, management and sales to the School Board. Michael currently works for Cengage Learning a leader in the college education market. His wife Margaret is employed at School District 96. The O’Brien’s have two sons: Connor in fifth grade at Central School and Jack who will attend Kindergarten next year. Michael has coached several Riverside Recreation teams and organized a Riverside 4 year old T-ball league last year.