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Kevin Rath: Candidate Profile

Glen Ellyn District 41 School Board

Back to Glen Ellyn District 41 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: Glen EllynWebsite: ClarkBuchholzRath.comOffice sought: Glen Ellyn District 41 School Board Age: 47Family: Wife, Jennifer Son, Sean Daughter, KatharineOccupation: ITEducation: BA, Northern Illinois University AA, College of DuPageCivic involvement: District 41 Anti-Bullying Task Force (2010-2011)Elected offices held: BSA - Cub Scout Pack 52 Co-den leader (2010-2015) and Pack Treasurer (2013-2015)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?Having grown up in the district, I believe I received an excellent, well-rounded education from the D41 teachers of my time. They were passionate and cared about each and every student. Since then, the times and our demographics have changed. We have a much larger lower income base which requires more resources coupled with a data and test driven culture. Teachers need more autonomy in the classroom to focus on what's best long-term for students, versus meeting short-term mandates. I would like to see more fidelity and accountability in all decisions and changes that are made.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 death of Senate Bill 16 (school funding formula) is only a temporary relief for suburban districts like us. The legislature will need to work with the new governor to come up with a better method for distributing General State Aid (GSA) than what we saw with SB16. The recent incurrence of $7 million in debt for the phase 1 construction at the elementary schools will impact curriculum and services decisions the district provides going forward. As it is now, nothing should be off the table if and when it comes to cuts. However, it should begin with a top-down approach. We should also be looking at our services and vendors to be sure we are getting the best value. Phase 2 of the facilities plan will involve a referendum and be hard to sell to the D41 community. I'd like to see the board work toward alternatives that will still accomplish the goal of removing portables in a timely manner and have a minimum impact to school activities.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.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?I would like to see the board do their homework in comparing our benefits with other districts. Taking a radical approach into contract talks in the name of saving money will only hurt negotiations. We walk a fine line in terms of being good stewards for the taxpayers and recognizing the hard work and dedication of our district employees.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?Absolutely not. A superintendent or high level administrator is already compensated at a much higher level than the average teacher. One person should not benefit off the backs of thousands.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am running as a slate together with Stephanie Clark and Kurt Buchholz. Our background, experience and involvement in D41 provide a strong leadership team that will bring more accountability, fiscal responsibility and transparency to the Board. We are ready to listen and willing to make positive changes in D41. We believe Board decisions should be data driven, child focused, and taxpayer accountable. Our goals: - We will be accountable and approachable to all stakeholders in D41. - We will make proactive and smart decisions and measure our results in a timely manner. - We will be fiscally responsible with your money. - We will work to increase transparency.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always tell the truthIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would spend more time with my dad. He passed away when I was 16.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English. I think it helped to shape my writing, creativity, and critical thinking.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Don't stop asking questions - even if you're comfortable with the answer.