MARTHA MUELLER: Candidate Profile

Back to Glenbard Township High School District 87 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: LOMBARDWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Glenbard Township High School District 87 School Board Age: 53Family: Husband Mark Mueller Artisit/Sports Authority Sales Son Matthew Lytle works Gottlieb Hosp. Daughters Jennie Mae Loyola Univ. Chicago Kimberly U of I ChampaignOccupation: School Bus DriverEducation: Glenbard East Class of 1980 Vocational Training Telephone Company: Construction,Computer,Cable-Fiber OpticCivic involvement: Girl Scout Leader 10 yrs; Lombard Unit Cookie Manager 4 yrs; PTA Volunteering for Madison,Glen Westlake, Glenbard East- Music and Athletic Boosters; Post Prom Events. Lombard Lilac Parade Marshall. Community Emergency Response Team - CERT Team Zulu. ABATE [American Bikers Aimed Toward Education] Toys for Tots and Motorcycle Safety EducationElected offices held: see aboveQuestions 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?Students have so many options but not enough time. With all the required classes they're limited on fitting in elective subjects. They need to experience those interests to give them a better insight to their future goals. Summer school continues to only offer required make up classes. There needs to be more opportunities for elective courses for students who want a well rounded education.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.The Glenbard district has the benefit of already being in the black. Through continued budgeting and careful spending we can stay ahead of the risks. Before cutting any programs that the students benefit from, I would look for where monies could be saved. Before implementing changes, consider the effects of those choices and who will be impacted. Is the cost worth the loss? I am a strong supporter of the arts and sports programs and recognize the positive impact that these programs have on the students and community. If we appreciate and listen to the free knowledge of those who are directly involved with the students we can all benefit.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?No, I am however employed by the present contracted bus company that is utilized for the local schools.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?Communication and flexibility are key to negotiations. Appreciation can foster concessions. Benefits can instill trust. Inflation and costs of living affect all aspects of our lives. If we want to continue to be ranked amongst the best schools in the country then we need to continue to offer the best educators and staff the support they need to help us all reach our goals. We are blessed to have the support of a community that recognizes the benefits to all when our students succeed. Many volunteers and staff have donated their time and money to help save costs.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, because they are already planning to retire based on existing benefits. I'd rather use those funds to share within the pension funds of those still working.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We no longer live in small communities where life is simple. Students today are faced with diversity, advanced technology and limited down time. Violent crimes and drugs are in our neighborhoods. Family structures have changed. Students have more responsibilities put upon them. I want every child to know that they are not alone. I want them to be aware of their surroundings but also safeguarded. The students who choose to misbehave need to be aware that their actions have consequences and address all levels of staff and their peers with nothing but respect. We encourage them to actively participate in extracurricular activities, but along with that comes the responsibility to secure a means to efficiently get them home safe. Cutting thru alleys, housing complexes, and multilane roadways are not safe paths in today's environment. Additional safeguards should be in place to avoid these hazards. No one should ever have to "walk uphill a mile, in the snow" as our parents say they did! As they grow and realize their potential, I want them to know they have options. When the opportunity arose for girls to be allowed to take woodworking and auto shop in high school, my father almost signed the permission slip but was worried that I wouldn't know how to do "woman's work." Luckily, today students have many options to complete all their dreams. Talent is not limited by gender. I'd like to see all students share in the overnight electronic crying baby experience!Please name one current leader who most inspires you."Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela Though he has passed, his ideas still apply today.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You have to take responsibility for your own life. Your parents won't be around forever so you need to learn how to do things independently.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?College Education. My parents were raised to believe that you didn't need a high school diploma and going to college was only for the wealthy.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Numbers are used everywhere, especially in the world of technology. Math helps me balance finances and recognize good discounts while shopping!If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Don't just go through life, grow through life.