Charles W. Williams: Candidate Profile

Back to Arlington Heights District 25 School Board 4-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:BioQA Bio City: Arlington HeightsWebsite: NoneOffice sought: Arlington Heights District 25 School Board 4-year terms Age: 70Family: Wife, daughter, sonOccupation: RetiredEducation: BA History, MS ED in Counseling, MS ED in Special EducationCivic involvement: District 25 School Board for 24 yearsElected offices held: President District 25 SB, VP District 25 School Board, Representative to NSSEO School BoardQuestions Answers How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately 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?I am very satisfied with the direction and curriculuum in District 25. The staff, Administration work closely together to provide the best education for the studentsWhat budgetary issues will your district have to confront during the next four years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, be specific about programs and expenses that should be considered for reduction or elimination. On the income side, do you support any tax increases for local schools? Again, be specific.With declining support from the state and federal govt. it is imperative that we use our resources carefully balancing income with expenses. I do not see a need for any tax increase for the forseeable future.Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?I am a retired High School counseor since 2003 from Dist. 211. My daughter-in-law is employed by the district.As contract talks come up with various school employee groups -- teachers, support staff, etc. -- what posture should the school board take? 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?We believe, as I do, that all salaries should be based on CPI which balances income with expenses. My belief is that costs should be balanced with income which is based on CPI.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 I would not support a substantial increase in salary to boost pension benefits. We pay our administrators so that we do not have to follow that path.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am concerned that state monies will be cut even further and that legislators will vote to take money from this area and send it downstate (Senate Bill 16). It that occurs than the district will need to look at what education we will be able to provide.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Angela MerkelWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Tell the truthIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Save more money for retirementWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History classes because it is what I like reading about and doing re-enacting.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Telling the truth means you never have to worry about what you told others.