Mucia A. Burke: Candidate Profile

Back to Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 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: SchaumburgWebsite: WWW.MuciaBurke.comOffice sought: Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 School Board Age: 43Family: Jim Burke -Husband Alec Burke-Son Brian Burke-Son Mucia Marie Burke -DaughterOccupation: Stay at Home MomEducation: Bachelor of Science Physical Education Concentration Exercise Science Minor in NutritionCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Vice President of District 211 School BoardQuestions Answers How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately preparing students for the next stage in their lives? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?I believe that District 211 does an excellent job preparing students for life after high school. The academic rigor and variety of coursework offered to students is extensive. The goal is for all students to graduate from high school being career and/or college ready. The district's ACT composite score is above the national average, the number of students taking advancement placement classes is on the rise, and students attending higher education institutions after graduation is increasing. Opportunities for improvement always exist in any organization. The continued integration of technology in the district is vital to provide training for educators in order to maximize the potential for student learning utilizing iPads.Is the current collective bargaining agreement with teachers a good deal for the district? If yes, explain, where you see the district benefitting. If no, be specific about what you don't like and how it should be renegotiated the next time.The current Collective Bargaining Agreement is positive for District 211. Efficiencies relative to salaries, health care premiums, shared savings, and early retirement options are reflected in this Agreement.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.District 211 and the current Board of Education has initiated conversations with regard to a five-year strategic plan. The process is currently in the planning stages with the objective being to capture the pertinent items from our existing strategic plan, as well as input from internal and external stakeholders. It is my belief that this type of plan will provide the insights necessary to assist with the budget planning process. There are two unknown factors at this point that the district should be cognizant of, the first being the possibility of the pension shift from the State of Illinois onto school districts and the second being the School Funding Reform (Formally known as Senate Bill 16). I believe that it is crucial to be proactive with these two items. The possibility of that expense could cause a significant burden on the district and taxing body. Although, these two expenses may not be rolled out immediately when it happens the district should be prepared so that it does not have a direct impact on district. Adequate and equitable funding from the State is necessary to provide relief to taxpayers. Property taxes are the number one revenue source for District 211, with proper planning and budgeting the district can spend responsibly. I am a proponent of identifying ways by which to maintain our current effective programs while reviewing and addressing inefficiencies within our schools to control cost to the taxing body.Are all the high schools in District 211 treated equally, in your opinion? Explain why or why not, or where you think discrepancies lie.I believe that all the schools in the District 211 are treated equally. The curriculum is the same across all five high schools. In terms of capital improvements, district wide needs assessments are conducted in order to identify the needs and develop priorities for each building.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 have no affiliation.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As a candidate it is important to be an advocate for the community and students of the district. In addition I would be fiscally responsible, transparent and fair to all stakeholders.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bill and Melinda Gates the reason is that the work they do with their foundation is a team effort and their mission inspires me.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?At home I learned a strong work ethic. Specifically, I was taught to perform to the best of my ability at all times.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?No do over, every step in my life led me where I am today. I would not risk possibility of my life without my family.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Anatomy: it helps me understand how things function and gives me the ability to probe for a better understanding of interrelated topics.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Whatever you choose do in life love it, be happy and do it to the best of your ability.