Lynn Schroetter: 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: WaukeganWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Gurnee District 56 School Board Age: 42Family: Chris - Husband Ethan - Son Morgan - Daughter Logan - Son Dylan - SonOccupation: University Relations Program ManagerEducation: BA, Columbia College of MOCivic 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?Overall, I believe our district does a good job in preparing our students for the next stage. We have strong academic, art and community service type programs. I believe that there is a need to improve the curriculum and outreach to students in Math and Science (as evidenced in our test scores.) STEM education is a critical need in the U.S., and I would like to see partnerships with the district and community to develop engagement and excitement for 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.As with all other districts, our district budget faces challenges due to the instability of state payments and other potential tax cuts that will impact our education programs. Our district has found solutions so far within our own budgets, with other districts on sharing expenses and other cost saving ideas. Until we know the full impact of changes in Illinois, it is hard to know what the result to the district would be, however at this time, I would not support a tax increase.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 not employed by the district. My husband is in the lunchroom at our children's school in D56.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?We must all be open to discussion or changes in order to ensure long-term financial stability. Many public employees in the U.S. have had to look at increasing medical costs, taxes etc. It is important that IF we were to ask district employees for concessions, that it would be based on data, financial need, parity with other districts and overall that we would only do so if necessary. Without this, we would risk losing existing staff and the best future teacher pipeline.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?Pay increases should be appropriately aligned to performance, and in line with other employees of the district. They should not be artificially inflated for a retirement package. I would not support an increase to boost pension benefits as outlined.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?In addition to the priority areas outlined, it is important to me that we ensure the necessary funding and opportunities for the most fragile and at risk students in the district.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Malala Yousafzai. Against the most horrible of circumstances, she inspires a world, and especially a generation of young ladies.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The biggest lesson I learned as a child, from my mom, was to help others and to be responsible.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Nothing. Everything happens for a reason, leading you the best place. If anything, I'd love to spend more time with family members we've lost.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Although it wasn't a "class" - I loved library time. It encouraged my love for reading and gaining knowledge, which helps me even today.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always believe in yourself.