Greta Hoff: Candidate Profile

Back to Libertyville District 70 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: LIBERTYVILLEWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Libertyville District 70 School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: TeacherEducation: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Master's Degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected 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?My children are products of Libertyville District 70. My husband and I chose this community for the strongly reputed school system. We have not be disappointed. With each transition, from elementary to middle and middle to high school, student expectations are thoughtfully adjusted and appropriately supported to ensure student success. As a parent, an educator and a member of the Strategic Plan Committee, I recognize and value the plans and programs being implemented for the benefit of our children. District 70 always has the 21st child in mind, creating plans that foster optimal development of the whole child.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.Financial issues continue to be of great concern for many school districts, with reductions in state funding and the threat of proposed new legislation that would drastically reduce school funding even further. While no one is able to predict the future, any decisions about spending must always be made with our students' educational best interests and the financial viability of District 70 as the top priorities. Libertyville District 70 continues to receive the Standard and Poor's AAA Bond Rating for their excellent financial standing. I believe this is due to diligent planning and communication between our administration, staff, Board of Education and community. The School Board must ensure that the district continue to be fiscally responsible; however, even in a financially responsible district, additional tax income may be needed to support the high educational standards for which Libertyville has been recognized.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?Currently, I am employed by North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park as a Special Education teacher. Given my background, I am highly in tune with how a school system functions.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?Negotiating is compromising. The most effective negotiations occur when both sides respect each other and keep the student's best interests top priority. When employees feel understood and respected, they are most likely to go above and beyond to maintain excellence. It is to the benefit of the entire community when superior education standards are maintained.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?An assessment of the district finances and evaluation of the administrators needs to be completed prior to awarding these increases. These increases should not put the district in financial jeopardy. When administrators and teachers are paid appropriately, these incentives are not necessary. With this being said, when a district can offer such benefits to administrators and educators, they are more likely to attract the most qualified and talented.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by a principal I worked for. He is the epitome of patience, intelligence, focus and positivity that all need to perform best.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Anything is possible with drive and determination. My parents and teachers encouraged me to reach for goals to achieve more than I ever thought possible.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?If I could start over, I would recognize the endless opportunities life offers and take advantage of each one.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Reading was my favorite subject in school. Through this, all discovery is possible.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Life is all about experience and adventure. Take advantage and create your own unique life story.