Odie Pahl: 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: WaukeganWebsite: no.Office sought: Gurnee District 56 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: 50+, really necessary?Family: Husband Mike, Daughters Stacy and Shannon, Granddaughters Olivia and MarisaOccupation: Retired school secretaryEducation: Two classes shy of my BS in Psychology, trying to finish up this spring through University of Phoenix. AA from College of Lake CountyCivic involvement: Volunteer Elected offices held: None.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I have no issues. I am very interested in serving on the board to be a facilitator between parents, residents, teachers, and administration to keep D56 a strong and viable school district. I do not see myself as a silent participator, but an active learner of the process. I want to be a voice and help bring the best educational tools and resources, while being a steward for financial responsibility, and enriching the educational experience of our students. Each child deserves the best opportunities we have to offerKey Issue 2 see aboveKey Issue 3 see aboveQuestions 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 very much like the shift to common core standards. I believe it is a better way for teachers and the students to assess their progress and to really learn the skills presented. The State of IL dictates what the students need to learn, hence the direction toward common core standards. However, how the curriculum is addressed and then effectively used is the responsibility of the administration in each district through the teachers' implementation. The board of education through the superintendent sets the tone and hires the staff necessary to succeed. Trusting and keeping an eye on the progress as it unfolds are several of the responsibilities of the board. Stepping in only if those goals are not met, while being aware of how effective the standards are in the education of our students. 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?Having a long history in D56 as stated in my bio, I have seen the district grow and change in the almost 35 years I have lived here. It is why we stayed in this area as our children grew up. I believe this district very much prepares the students for their futures. No district is perfect, but the nurturing education I have seen is as close as it gets. D56 has strong partnerships with the community, high school, and other feeder schools into Warren Township High School. There is even a Taste of College program for eighth graders who may be the first children in their families to graduate from college. Giving them an idea what lies ahead after high school. The world is changing very quickly and D56 has consistently changed with it. Technology, teachers, and learning space are all areas of strength in all four buildings.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?As most districts, budget isssues are a constant concern in D56. I am proud as a taxpayer and parent that this district has always worked diligently to give the best education for my dollar. I believe this district has done the best it could for the students, parents, and teachers. They should only cut if absolutely necessary and to think of the students' best interests first. I think in these economic times, a tax increase should be avoided if at all possible. However, I would support an increase before I would vote to cut any programs that would mpact the education of our children. They are my top priority and I believe D56's, as well.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?As any employee, the teachers and staff in D56 should look forward to an increase in pay or benefits if possible. In D56, there are many amazing teachers who give 110% each day in time and resources and would continue to do that even if they were not given increases. In fact, they have.Teachers are providing an important service to our children that just "anyone" can do.They are not caregivers, they are educators. They are true professionals dedicated to their jobs, but they are jobs and they should be compensated appropriately. What other professions are asked time and time again to sacrifice their income?If the money is there, they should be compensated with annual increases in pay and benefits. If the district is hurting, the teachers in D56 talk it out with the administration and usually come up with a satisfactory conclusion. I feel both administration and staff compromise to continue the learning process for our children.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 have to learn more about this subject, but I can respond in general. I am not convinced that this is a good practice. However, I do know this is a common practice in the business world and education. I do believe if it is going to be the accepted norm in business as CEOs prepare to retire that it should be allowed as the superintendent or administrator retires from a district. Both are in charge of a large organization with lots of responsibility.In education, the superintendent is paid by the state through the taxpayers, but in business the CEO or upper management is paid by the company and is held accountable to the shareholders.. I am not sure I feel comfortable with anyone padding pensions. Yet, that is how it is done.Unfortunately, it is the average worker who could best appreciate a boost to increase pensions, but that is a whole other topic for discussion. They are lucky to keep a pension viable until retirement.