Theresa Bashiri-Remetio: 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: Park RidgeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Oakton Community College School Board (2-year Term)Age: 28Family: Married, one son born 12/1/11Occupation: Senior Staff Accountant at Colliers International located in Rosemont, ILEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Economics, Minor in International Business - Elmhurst College 2011 Currently completing a Certified Public Accountant Preparation Certificate - Oakton Community College 2013Civic involvement: Oakton Community College Student Government Association Phi Theta Kappa Member Participates in Student Advisory Council's for the Illinois Board of Higher Educaton and Illinois Community College Board Illinois CPA Society - Student Member, Young Professionals Group ISAC MAP Eligibility Task Force Member - Independent Student Representative 2012Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: no.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Making efforts to ensure that a college education is both accessible and affordable.Key Issue 2 To serve as an advocate for adequate funding for education.Key Issue 3 Continue to support quality efforts by the college for those in the community.Questions Answers With enrollment up at my many community colleges, it can be challenging to keep pace as far as available classroom/lab space, the number of qualified teachers and available course work options. How would you manage that?Work with the administration to ensure that the current situation that provides flexible scheduling both face to face and online delivered with qualified teachers is maintained. Oakton has not only its physical campus sites in Skokie and Des Plaines; it also has online offerings and over 250 sites throughout the district.In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?In my opinion, an Oakton Community College education is the best value for the residents of our district. Especially for those fresh out of high school or still in high school; and for new and returning adults. Oakton is the only postsecondary institution north of I-80 where tuition and fee per credit hour is under $100.Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?Even though the College has been receiving diminishing support from the state, the College is not advocating for an increase in property taxes. I don't think there is a need to justify it because there is no intent to request it.Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?Although I believe the College goes above and beyond to service those in the community and beyond, there is always more work to be done. At present, the college is working on facilitating accessibility and affordability by helping make transitioning or returning easier.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the community college board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.I was on the board as a Student Trustee this past school year in which I have served as a voice for our students. Serving on the MAP Eligibility Task Force, I served as a voice for students throughout the state.