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Laurie Stone: Candidate Profile

Harper College School Board (6-year Terms)

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: Elk Grove VillageWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Harper College School Board (6-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Single, four children, eight grandchildrenOccupation: Retired Chamber of Commerce ExecutiveEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Trustee, Harper College (2001-Present) Board President, WINGS (current) Board Chair, Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau (2011-12) (Many additional over past 20 years)Elected offices held: Harper College Trustee 2001-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Making sure Harper's next strategic plan focuses on expanded opportunities for lifelong learning with multiple delivery options and a direct connection to successful employment.Key Issue 2 Making sure Harper is adequately funded and has sustainable resources to provide the educational opportunities required by our community.Key Issue 3 Making sure Harper continues to focus on the richness of diversity on campus and throughout 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?The trend in higher education is to look at a variety of course delivery options which should also include distance learning. On-line courses can be blended with classroom experiences that would provide instructor and peer interaction.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?The best way to accomplish this is to make sure there is ongoing dialogue with area employers. We need courses that prepare students for success in the workplace. Harper's Manufacturing Program is an excellent example of this.Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?According to Illinois law, community colleges are to receive 1/3 funding from the State, 1/3 from local property tax, and 1/3 from tuition. The State of Illinois is currently providing 6% instead of 33%. The Harper Board embraces realistic budgets, sound business practices, and expense control.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?Harper has an excellent working relationship with the Superintendents of the feeder districts and together there has been increased focus on services that give students a greater chance of attaining success. I advocate additional and ongoing community outreach that allows us to directly ask the question about additional services.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 served as Harper Board Chair for 6 years and led the process that brought Ken Ender to Harper as its president. I believe my leadership was instrumental in helping the College through its administrative transition. I also brought leadership to both successful referendum efforts and to several union contract settlements.