Joseph Wein: Candidate Profile

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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: noneOffice sought: Schaumburg District 54 School Board Age: 40Family: Charlene Wein- wife;Peyton Wein - DaughterOccupation: Sales ManagerEducation: BS- Business Management;Minor Economics;Northern Illinois University 2004Civic involvement: Post Commander; VFW Post 2202 Schaumburg; District Commander; VFW District 4; State Community Activities Director;VFW department of IllinoisElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions 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?There is always room for improvement. I believe more efforts could be spent on preparing students for their high school transition.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.That may be determined by the passage of SB16, and the depletion of the district reserves from recent capital expenditures.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?My general position is that as a district employee salary increases it should not be more than , the average wage growth of the residents of District 54. I understand it is necessary to balance the competing interests of maintaining and recruiting outstanding educators and holding the line on property taxes.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 believe it is misusing tax payer dollars.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe that the key to a good school system begins at home with the parents and in our district with the voters. Not with board members or administrators. An engaged community will produce positive results in our schools. I would support increasing community involvement into the decision making process.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Adam KinzingerWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The truth, however painful it may be, is always better in the long-termIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have not left the US ArmyWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History, it helped me understand the decisions that have lead us to where we are today.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Follow your passions and they will lead you to a fulfilled life.