Michael B. Munda: 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: GurneeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Warren Twp. H.S. D121Age: 46Family: Married to wife Cindy for almost 23 yearsDaughter Morgan, 19, student at Michigan State University, 2010 graduate of WTHSSon Mitch, 17, junior at WTHSOccupation: PrincipalLake County Regional Office of Education Alternative ProgramEducation: M.A., Education Administration Supervision, Roosevelt University, 1994B.A., Education, Lakeland College, 1988Civic involvement: Coached High School Athletics in Lake County for over 21 years (football basketball)Former Gurnee Youth Baseball CoachFormer Gurnee Park District Baseball Basketball CoachParishoner of St. Patrick Church, WadsworthGurnee resident for 22 yearsElected offices held: I am currently seated on the Warren Township High School Board.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My main focus will be to keep a balanced operating budget. This has been accomplished consecutively for the past three years and the school district has received state recognition for its financial responsibility.Key Issue 2 Warren is the largest high school district in Lake County and was named by Newsweek Magazine as #147;One of America's Best High Schools"" and is listed in the top 6% of public high schools in the country. The continued development of a rigorous curriculum must not stop here. I will explore new ways to challenge all of our students and give them the best possible academic preparation possible to find their best success.Key Issue 3 Educational research supports that students who get involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to succeed than those who do not participate. Last year at Warren, over 1800 students were involved in athletics and 1700 in various other school sponsored programs. I will continue to support this essential part of the high school experience.Questions Answers Would you be willing to pursue salary cuts or freezes when the next teachers union contract is negotiated? Explain your answer.Contract negotiations will be based on available funds. The Teachers Union and the Board have shown a mutual respect for each other in the past and I believe and will work for this to continue with future contract negotiations.Should rebates on interest paid from Build America Bonds be used to pay down a $24 million loan for construction projects as intended? Explain your answer.It is important to first examine, investigate and understand all financial possibilities. Bonds, loans, interest, rebates, shortfalls, future predictions and other financial aspects are all part of the equation. I will support the best financial option that is in the best interest of our community and district.What are your ideas for the district#146;s future in the way of campuses? For example, should there be one large complex for all students on land the district purchased off Stearns School Road northwest of Gurnee Mills?There are a number of factors that come into play if and when a third campus or complex may need to be constructed. For now, the main focus should remain on our current O#146;Plaine and Almond Campuses.Should the district move forward with a plan to use part or all of its Stearns School Road land for athletic fields, possibly for the public at large, even though an estimated $1 million would be needed in roadwork for access to the property? Explain.I feel it is not economically feasible at this time. The stakeholders in our community and the economy will drive this conversation when the time is appropriate.Districts 121 and 56 combined bus service to save money. What other similar mergers or partnerships should be pursued?This merger has proven to be a successful cost savings venture for both districts. I will continue to support and explore future possible money saving mergers within our school and community.