Drew Ellis: 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: WheatonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Glen Ellyn District 41 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: 50Family: MarriedOccupation: BankerEducation: Economics Business Finance, Northwestern University, 1984 Masters in Banking, University of Colorado, 2009Civic involvement: Milton Township CERT Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation Partnership for Educational Progress Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Republican Committeeman Civic BettermentElected offices held: Board Member, Glen Ellyn School District #41, 2009-2011 School Board Vice President, Glen Ellyn School District #41, 2011-CurrentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Insuring and providing the district with financial sustainability, while ensuring that each child is provided the best possible academic experience and opportunity to be successful.Key Issue 2 It is my belief that the current Board shares my viewpoint, that all children in the district are entitled to the best possible academic experience. The goal remains tobuild positive collaborative relationships and enable all children to thrive in a changing and increasing global society?. However, I also firmly believe, that as with any organization,there remains room for improvement and growth. This includes, supporting the administration's continuing efforts to create more alignment with our partner district Glenbard Township 87 to update our curriculm.Key Issue 3 Continue to act as a liaison between the members of the community and the school district administration. It is important to balance increasing school innovations with the long standing traditions of educational excellence within this community.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?I think that the National academic common core standard is an upgrade from the state of Illinois standards from 1997 and provicdes the best consistentecy. The standard provides direction on what to teach, but the "how" is up to the districts. The standard helps schools understand what our students need to learn and teachers need to teach in the 21st century learing enviroment. As a Board Member I am supportive of the staff's efforts in implementation of these changes, and alignment to the current curriculm.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?District 41 is working in a proactive manner with the Glenbard Township District 87. After the students graduate from District 41 they go to Glenbard West High School. Our administration and staff have been working with there counterparts at District 87 to better prepare our students for High School. During their meetings, they discuss alignment of curriculum and implementation of the common core.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?At this time District 41 maintains positive fund balances. Some of the risks that the District faces are all related to the general assembly in Springfield. For example, shifting the pension obligation to the local level, cutting general state aid, or categoricals from the State. If either of these take place, the Board would reexamine our current budget and see if any expenses could be reevaluated.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?If the District is under financial duress as a result of the shifting in the pension liability or reduction in General state aid I would be open to the discussion of changing employee benefits and salary schedule.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?No it's the obligation of the Board to do what is in the longterm interest of District 41. Artificially inflating a individual's pension benefit, would not only penalize the district, but also, would not be in the best interest of the Illinois taxpayer.