Joann Coghill: 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: Carol StreamWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheaton Warrenville District 200 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married; 3 children; 1 grandsonOccupation: Keller Williams Realtor Broker/OwnerEducation: Attended University Of DenverCivic involvement: District 200 School Board For 9 Years; Teach Sunday School at Wheaton Bible Church 15 YearsElected offices held: District 200 School Board, 2004-2013Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Balanced BudgetKey Issue 2 Retain and recruit highly qualified teachersKey Issue 3 Ensure all schools are safe, secure and meet the needs of the children attending.Questions Answers What do you think about the shift to the common core standards? How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?The shift to common core standards will unify and create the same education and expectations for all children in the country. It is a huge undertaking but one that will raise the expectations, knowledge and achievements for our children to advance and meet the challenges in the 21st century world. I am amazed and very satisfied with changes our staff has made with input and involvement from our teachers, parents and administrative staff.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?For many years we have discussed and made changes to prepare our students for after they leave District 200. The whole purpose of Common Core is to improve student's education so they are better prepared. I am especially encouraged about out focus to improve the skills and methods to teach English Language Learners and low income students.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax increases?I am insistant that we keep a balanced budget which the Board and Administration are, as well. The main concern for some time has been that Illinois' budget is in terrible condition. We have adjusted and budgeted for their late payments and even not getting paid. The big concern is that they turn over the teacher's pension to the school districts. If that should happen, our current 5 year balanced budget financial projection has allowed for that.As contract talks come up with various school employee groups, do you believe the district should ask for concessions from its employees, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?The school employee groups were extremely cooperative when we had to make significant cuts in all departments and schools a few years ago. They agreed to a freeze on their salaries. I believe if we keep our increases tied to the CPI, we will continue to have a balanced budget. All that said, I strongly believe that we stay competitive with our surrounding districts to retain and attract the best teachers we can. Teachers are the face and contact for our district. They can make or break a parent and student's experience in District 200.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?I don't support a substantial increase when an administrator is nearing retirement. It has encouraged teachers and administrators to retire early. It makes it difficult to budget. We should stay competitive, though, because the leaders of any organization determine the growth and direction.,