advertisement

Eileen M. Huston: Candidate Profile

Emmons Elementary D33

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: AntiochWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Emmons Elementary D33Age: 45Family: I am married and the mother of two boys ages 15 and 11. Both of my children attend the local public schools.Occupation: Literacy CoachEducation: BS in Junior High/Middle School Education K-9, Reading/Language Arts, Illinois State University, 1988MA Curriculum and Instruction, National Louis University, 1995Administration Type 75, Lewis University, 1999Civic involvement: National Junior Honor Society LeaderParent Teacher Organization RepresentativeSchool Board MemberElected offices held: I was appointed to Emmons District 33 Board of Education in January of 2010.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 1. Ensure a quality education for all children and provide the necessary skills for the 21st century, preparing students to compete in a global economyKey Issue 2 2. Remain fiscally responsible while continuing to improve curriculum, instruction and opportunities for all learnersKey Issue 3 3. Keep abreast of and comply with state standards, No Child Left Behind and Response to InterventionQuestions 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?I am very satisified with the quality of education District 33 has provided its students. I believe, however, that we can continue to strive for excellence.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?All schools are having to cope with the economic situation and its impact on our students. We will have to continue to be watchful of our budget, conscientious of our spending and informed of changes to state and federal funding for schools.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.Experience in education is valuable because of the insight and understanding the educator has of the running and structure of a school. I have been a teacher, administrator, literacy coach and mentor in a school setting. I believe I can view a school from the perspective of manager and educator.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?I believe the board should work diligently with the employees to provide a fair contract while remaining fiscally responsible.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?The current pension no longer allows a district to offer such increases.