Teresa Witt: Candidate Profile

Back to Kaneland Unit District 302 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: Sugar GroveWebsite: wittforkaneland.wordpress.comOffice sought: Kaneland Unit District 302 School Board Age: 50Family: My family consists of my husband, Scott, and our 3 children: Elliot, a junior at Knox College; Ethan, a freshman at MIT; and Erica, a sophomore at Kaneland High School. We also have a 10 year old golden retriever named Winnie.Occupation: Library ParaprofessionalEducation: Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications from Kansas State UniversityCivic involvement: I currently serve on the Kaneland School Board as the vice president. I was appointed to the board in 2010, and elected to a 4 year term in 2011. Prior to serving on the board, I volunteered on the District 302 Finance Advisory Committee, and as the PR Director for the Kaneland referendum committee.Elected offices held: Kaneland School Board Member 2010-presentQuestions 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?In the 4+ years I have served on the Kaneland School Board, there has been significant improvement in the level of rigor at the high school. Students now have more program choices, including additional Advanced Placement classes and practical learning opportunities through the Fox Valley Career Center. Introductory Spanish classes were added at the middle school to better prepare students for high school. These are all positive steps forward. In addition, improvements to technology infrastructure and progress in 21st Century learning opportunities are preparing students for college and beyond. Despite the forward progress, continued work is needed. Enhancements to the STEM curriculum and additional hands-on experiential learning opportunities should be explored. While curricular and programmatic advancements are important, we also must continue to educate the whole student, and not ignore their social and emotional needs.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.Most Illinois schools are facing grave budgetary issues. The uncertain future of state funding, changes to state pensions, and the inability of the state to meet its financial obligation to schools threaten to make the situation worse. We must strive to provide the best educational opportunities to students while living within these tight restraints. I do not support any tax increase at this time, but also do not support creating an environment where our students will be short-changed through indiscriminate cuts. The Kaneland school district has cut 7 million dollars over the last 5 years. Any additional cuts would result in severe reduction in core programs that directly affect students, and would jeopardize their future.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?All groups involved in collective bargaining should approach negotiations in a spirit of cooperation. Utilizing interest based bargaining techniques can often yield creative solutions to problems and challenges, and can help to forge common ground. Increases to salary and benefits need to be carefully weighed against potential revenues. Employees need to be fairly compensated for the important work they do within those constraints.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. Increases of this type create an undue burden for taxpayers and add to the pension problems at the state level.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?It is of utmost importance to provide for the educational needs of students while also protecting the current and future financial health of the district. In doing so it is vital to maintain a broad focus, and not pursue a singular goal above all others. Communities with strong school systems see many rewards including higher home values, a strong employment base, and students who are active and engaged. We must not lose sight of the fact that we are educating the next generation of leaders. As a school board member, my purpose has always been to make student focused decisions while maintaining fiscal responsibility.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Elizabeth WarrenWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Treat people the way you would like to be treated.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'm happy with things the way they are.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English - It taught me critical thinking skills and how to communicate effectively.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Don't be afraid to take risks to find what makes you truly happy.