Kurt Buchholz: 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: Glen EllynWebsite: www.clarkbuchholzrath.comOffice sought: Glen Ellyn District 41 School Board Age: 48Family: Married to Lisa. Three children: Kaila - Sophomore at DePaul University; Kassie - Senior at Glenbard West; Kent - 4th grade at Lincoln.Occupation: Allstate Insurance Agency OwnerEducation: B.A. Marketing, North Central College, 1989.Civic involvement: - Glen Ellyn Park Board Commissioner. - President, Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn. - President, Glen Ellyn Rotary Foundation. - President, Faith Lutheran Church. - President, Rainbow Place Preschool. - Co-Founder, Glen Ellyn Children's Community Resource Center. - YMCA Board Member. - Glen Ellyn Titans basketball coach. - Glen Ellyn Park District soccer and baseball coach.Elected offices held: Glen Ellyn Park Board CommissionerQuestions 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?I did think that D41 was preparing students for the next stage in their lives. D41 still has excellent teachers, but with all the new initiatives D41 has added over the past two years I am concerned about the future as our children have one shot at elementary school. We have yet to see solid data that demonstrates that these new initiatives where several variables have been added (including teacher specialization, multiage, PBL instruction and Spanish) have been adequately vetted or used successfully in other districts for extended periods of time. It seems irresponsible to be innovative for the sake of innovation (without solid data to support the trends) when we were already performing in the top 6% of the state. By the time it is determined if these changes were successful, it could have impacted some student's entire elementary education. I would like to see more accountability in the decisions made. Also, we need more consistency across all elementary schools including class size, curriculum and facilities.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.Budget transparency is of utmost importance. The teachers' contracts are in place and will always be negotiated moving forward. However, we can take a look at efficiencies within the system (i.e., staffing, contracts, outside vendor contracts, money spent during the school day). Even though the district is on fairly solid financial ground, D41 will have to be mindful of the unfunded $7 million debt that the board took on with the additions to the elementary schools and the impact this has to the budget going forward. The Phase 2 facilities plan, as planned by the current board, will involve a referendum. I'd like to take a stronger look at current population trends, current facilities and how efficient the day is begin run to see if there are alternative solutions to our facilities issues.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?My wife, Lisa, is a 1st grade teacher.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 should be doing comparisons to surrounding districts to ensure we stay within a competitive environment. All of this needs to be done within the boundaries of fiscal responsibility. As my wife is a teacher in the district, I would rescuse myself from contract negotiations with the teachers union as well as voting on any said contract.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. Given the current contract of our superintendent, their salary and compensation is more than competitive for running a five school district. The same can be said can be said for the administrative team.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 Kevin Rath. Collectively we have attended every D41 Board of Education meeting for the past two and half years and are up to date on all board business. 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 to accomplish: - 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.Candidate did not respond.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Persevere and stay strong to your convictions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I wouldn't want a do-over because the lessons I have learned in life have helped me make better decisions for the future.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It taught me not to make the same mistakes twice.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always have an out.