John M Tobin: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Melrose ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Leyden Township H.S. D212Age: 66Family: Married--wife--Nancy---37 years 2 sons---Michael age 35 Jeffrey age 32 (both attended West Leyden) 2 grandsons --Jack age 5 Josh age 3Occupation: Retired from Air Canada---Cargo Sales ManagerEducation: Bachelor of Science , Northern Illinois University. 1972Civic involvement: Was involved in Westdale boys baseballvolunteer for Northlake KiwanisElected offices held: School Board member --District 212Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to support our administrators in providing teachers/students a safe environment conducive for learning.Key Issue 2 Continue to support and encourage our staff to expand the utilization of technology.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your district is preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?We're on the right path by providing choices and guidance. We have community support that provides work experiences for our students as well.What budget issues will the district have to confront? What measures do you support to address them? If cuts are needed, be specific about programs and expenses that should be reduced or eliminated. Do you support any tax increases for local schools?We do not anticipate any programs cut. Because we are fiscally responsible, we do not see any tax increases/referendums.Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.ALL viewpoints are welcome. It provides different perspectives and that is a good thing.As contract talks come up with various employee groups, what posture should the board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?Each group is unique and should be treated as such. Above all, we must be financially responsible to the taxpayers as well as being competitive to hire/retain quality personnel.If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?Reasonable increases should be expected and should mirror their accomplishments.