Jill Dolan: Candidate Profile

Back to Maine Township High School District 207 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: Park RidgeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Maine Township High School District 207 School Board Age: 49Family: I have lived in Park Ridge for 12 years with my Husband, Patrick and 2 children, Sara and Ryan, who are currently students at Maine South High School.Occupation: Self-Employed (Small Business Owner)Education: Bachelor of Theater Arts - NIU Associates Theater Arts - CODCivic involvement: I have been involved with Field Elementary and Emerson Middle School Fundraisers. I have worked closely with other parents in the V-show for 6 years, Field School's largest annual fundraiser, raising $10s of Thousands every year. Other involvement includes Field Follies for 7 years and Emerson V-show for 5 years.Elected offices held: Board of Directors - Republican Women of Park Ridge (3 Yrs) Chairman, Social MediaQuestions 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 proud that our District offers many programs academically and in the arts. The after school clubs also play a large role in future guidance and decision-making. I feel our District does as much as they are allowed to avoid a one size fits all curriculum. I have seen many kids find their niche, once they reach High School. The work study program is a great thing, allowing the students to earn a paycheck outside the school, while having a Director/teacher to guide them through their work study.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.I cannot support any tax increases at this time, as we need to draw a line somewhere. We have residents who were born here, raised here, and would like to continue to live here, without being forced out of their homes by skyrocketing property taxes. With the current deficit of $1.3M, how can a budget such as that be passed without intense scrutiny? Between State Funding and local levy, plus exorbitant school fees placed on the students and their families, there must be a better way to run the budget. With a proper balanced budget, there would be no reason for any cuts at all. I spent over 10 years in the private sector, composing budgets. Specifically production costs with bids from contractors, incorporating that with the extra costs of other companies involved to finish a full broadcast from conception to air. Budgets may be time consuming, but its definitely not rocket science. We need to do what's best for our teachers and students, while looking out for our community.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?NoAs 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 must look at this issue on an individual basis. I do not believe in a straight, across the board, decisions when it comes to these expenditures. Successful businesses don't work that way, unless they want to see themselves bankrupt within a year. So why would it be any different, when applied to District employees? These issues need to be decided on a case by case basis.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 don't see the need to boost pay, while the IL Pension Fund, in all 5 systems, is already running a $100B deficit. Why give a last minute "substantial" increase only to ensure a larger pension without merit? Current TRS, 'taxpayer funded' Pensions, already include at least 3% yearly pay increases. While on this subject, I see the need for a more simplified pension contribution system with transparency, that does not make the taxpayer's heads spin.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The Common Core Standardized Curriculum. We all must address this with Parents, Students and Teachers together. We need to hear more from the ones who are on the front lines. So far, it is Not working. Not in Any State in Any way. That is the reason there are 4 States who never adopted the CC program. 9 States have now Opted Out, and currently 4 States are actively considering withdrawing, with more seriously considering, but not yet announcing their plans to withdraw. We Must allow the Teachers to Teach, without the Federal Government looking over their shoulders. This is hurting our children, expecting them to learn in a one size fits all environment. For example, trying to solve a 1 step problem in 20 steps. We all need to put ourselves exactly where our teachers and our children are standing right now. Is this the proper way to learn, with anxiety and frustration? Of course not. Our children are not responding in a positive way to these new methods. Its past time to revisit these 'so-called' standards, before it gets any worse. I am available to answer any questions at any time in regard to this extremely important issue.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.One of the most inspiring leaders of our time is Israel's PM, Benjamin Netanyahu. For his bravery and dedication to his people.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?There is no room for laziness. We were all working at a very early age.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I am satisfied with the roads I have traveled. I don't need a "do-over" with any event.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorites were History and Social Studies. My teachers taught the importance of Geography, the differences in our societies and about American exceptionalism.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?A good work ethic, along with honesty, will take you anywhere you want to go.