James Blockinger: 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: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gurnee District 56 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: 67Family: Married to Johanna Blockinger; three grown children; four grandchildrenOccupation: Retired School Superintendent (Millburn District #24 and Morton Grove District #70)Education: B.A. English/Music, Kent State University; M.ed English/Administration, Kent State University; Ed.D, Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Volunteer for CASA Lambs Farm; Member of Board of Directors for Masonic Learning CenterElected offices held: Gurnee #56 School Board Member (2004 to present)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Maintaing high educational standards for all students in District 56Key Issue 2 For the board and administration of District #56 to continue its excellent job of balancing the budget and being good stewards of tax dollarsKey Issue 3 For the board and administration to continue its excellent job of incorporating technology as a tool for enhanced learningQuestions 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?Common core standards are a given, so District #56 will do its best to comply, while continuing to offer the best educational program for its students. The current curriculum is highly effective, in my opinion, and does not need drastic changes at this time. As mentioned, technology is playing an increasing major role in teaching and learning.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?Constant efforts are made by the board, administration, and instructional staff to prepare students for high school and college. Articulation with the high school and neighboring elementary districts is ongoing and effective. Math and Spanish programs have been upgraded to help prepare students for high school.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 mentioned, the board and administration have been able to balance the budget without cutting programs or staff, and hopefully, this will continue so that no cuts are made in the immediate future. Any tax increases in the future would need to be approved by the entire board based on administrative recommendations. If needed, I would support a tax increase.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 board, administration, and bargaining unit of District $56 have maintained an excellent relationship throughout the recent economic downturn. It is my belief that all decisions regarding concessions or increases will continue to be made in the best interest of the children and staff.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?In regard to pre-retirement increases, I believe that the board should be fair and reasonable. Any administrative increases should be in line with all other district employees.