Alva Kreutzer: Candidate Profile

Back to Northwest High School District 214 School Board

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: Elk Grove VillageWebsite: currently in development - coming soonOffice sought: Northwest High School District 214 School Board Age: 62Family: Daniel, husband Kimberly, daughter Eric, sonOccupation: school district administrative assistantEducation: AA Harper collegeCivic involvement: Elk Grove Lions Club (current) Elk Grove Historical Society (current) EGV Community Service Board (12 years)Elected offices held: CCSD 59 4 years THSD D214 16 yearsQuestions 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?District 214 recently has teamed with neighboring D211, D220, and Harper College to create NECSS. The mission is to ensure that every high school and college graduate will have the opportunity to be prepared for 21st century careers and postsecondary readiness/success. The goal is to increase the percentage of students who begin post-secondary without remediation, to leverage resources, and to create pathways that lead to post-secondary credentials. By instilling the College Readiness Standards, we can ensure that our students are not only ready for post secondary schools, but also for full-time employment. D214 creates life long learners so that what a student does after high school - education, military, job - each will have the skills to continue learning. D214 continually reviews the curriculum to ensure we are providing the best education opportunities for all students - gifted, special education, etc. If changes are necessary, teams from all schools collaborate and arrive at solutions that best fit our students.What 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.D214 has been very blessed to have not only a balanced budget for many, many years, but also a reserve. Many districts in Illinois have struggled with budgets and reserves since the implementation of the PTELL (property tax extension limitations laws), enacted in the 1990s. The Board has, over many, many years, told the administration that we want a balanced budget. We, therefore, have not had to address issues regarding cutting programs or going to the voters with a ballot initiative asking for additional funds. It has been over 40 years since D214 asked the voters a ballot question and that was to build Buffalo Grove High School. If Senate Bill 16 were to come to fruition, this would have a major impact on not only D214 but on many Northwest Suburban districts. The loss of state revenue (which would occur if SB 16 were to pass in its present form) would be detrimental to all NW suburban districts. A better solution to SB16 will hopefully be forthcoming. The Affordable Health Care Act has impacted our budget, as well as unfunded mandates, tax incrementing financing (TIFs) districts, Cook Count 6Bs, and the loss of general state aid over many years. D214 has been fortunate to not have to ask for tax increases beyond the levy. If we continue the path we are on, we should be a fiscally sound organization for years to come.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 currently employed by Gower SD 62, Willowbrook, IL, DuPage County. No member of my family works for or has worked for THSD 214.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?D214 has always had good relationships with all negotiated groups. During negotiations, it is best to keep in mind that the goal is a fair and equitable settlement, while maintaining a fiscally responsible posture for the taxpayers. D214 staff is very knowledgeable of the issues (for example, health care) and understand the complexities of negotiations. Everyone strives to reach an agreement that will be both satisfactory to employees, as well as the public. Our bargaining process, Interest Based Bargaining, has worked well for all employee groups. We will continue on the path of good faith bargaining.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?D214 Superintendent or any other administrator (to my knowledge) is not nearing retirement. That being said, I do not support a substantial increase to boost pension benefits.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Where do I begin? On the funding side: unfunded mandates, TIFs, 6Bs, loss of additional state and federal funding, increased students on waivers, the state pension unresolved issue, all contribute to decreased funding for schools. Building/Infrastructure: As our buildings age we are constantly improving learning spaces and being cognizant of creating learning environments that are "GREEN". While Green is the future, it also comes at a price. School buildings are very, very different from 30 years ago. We need to have great learning environments, while budgeting improvements from year to year. Technology: parents want their student to be ready for 21st century technology. As we are all aware, technology is constantly changing. While I agree we should not go out and buy something that is brand new just to have it, D214 has implemented a process where teachers submit proposals, which are then reviewed. Proposals that are chosen must pass the criteria that they enhance student learning, while showing that the technology (e.g. iPad) is put to good use. Staff: As staff ages we also need to be cognizant of acquiring educators who help in the mission of educating children for jobs that haven't been invented yet. As technology continues to explode, students will be entering a job market that in most areas will be different from today. To prepare those students, the board of education needs to be in the forefront of acquiring, as well as retaining, good teachers.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Not considered a leader per se, however always admired Barbara Walters for her ground breaking efforts in a male dominated medium and inspiring women worldwide.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be true to your family. Create time to give back to the community by volunteering your time and talents to those in need.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Delaying college until my adult years. That is why I am so dedicated to high school students continuing their post secondary education immediately after graduation.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. Loved learning about the past, and still love reading history today, which applies to today's situations. Helps in understanding people, societies, nations, and religions.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?To never take life for granted; follow your passion; help people and animals; and to be happy in all life's choices.