Michael J. Eckhardt, 2 years: 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: Round Lake BeachWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Round Lake Area Unit D116, 2-year termAge: 43Family: Wife, Kimberly son, BenjaminOccupation: Public relations executiveEducation: CCAF (community college of the Air Force) , ACU Abilene Christian University.Civic involvement: School Board Dist 116, Retired USAF, Coach ATYB BaseballElected offices held: School Board Dist 116Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Finance, staying economically viable.Key Issue 2 Class size, to have reasonable class sizes for optimal learningKey Issue 3 Parental / community invovementQuestions 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?satisfied, we have come a long way but we have a long way to go.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?As all districts we need to be concerned about making sure our district is economically stable now and in the future. We have to plan for short comings and be as prepared for unforeseen problems.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.Of course, any input from anyone involved is always welcome. Our teachers / union are there everyday on the frontline with there ear to the ground and our first line of information and intervention.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?Candidate did not respond.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?Candidate did not respond.