April Dislers: 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: RoselleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Keeneyville District 20 School Board Age: 40Family: Married to Andris Dislers for 11 years and have two children Lukas (9) and Emma (7) who both attend Waterbury Elementary School in RoselleOccupation: Associate Director of Quality and Advocacy providing services to people with disabilitiesEducation: MA in Health Psychology from National-Louis University received in 2001Civic involvement: Assist with my children's school class activities, parties and PTO run events. I also organize and facilitate an annual fundraising event sponsored in name of my daughter who has severe intellectual and physical disabilities.Elected offices held: noneQuestions 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?The schools are providing adequate information for students and families while organizing their next steps. I want to ensure that schools can continue to provide each student with the highest quality of education and measure their achievements through utilization of a current and progressive curriculum. Faculty should be provided the tools necessary so they are equipped to assist students both academically and emotionally in their preparation for the next stage which will enhance the transition.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.If faced with budget issues over the next four years, I would challenge the board to identify creative measures to meet the budget constraints without reducing programming that is available to our students. It is important we continue to provide our students with resources that will assist their ability to succeed in the future. Collectively, the board will have to weigh the options available and determine what is best for the students as it is our responsibility to provide them with an excellent education.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?Successful negotiations are the result of collaborative and cooperative efforts amongst all parties. The school board should review the details and discuss proposals while incorporating information and facts from the community, administration and teachers based on the current economic status of the community and financial stability of the school district. Board members shall assist to ensure that contracts are fair and responsible in the decision making process as well as identify ways to recognize the value of our teachers.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?I do not support a substantial increase in pay for a superintendent or an administrator nearing retirement to help boost their pension benefits. Fair compensation is awarded to those positions held. My belief as a potential elected representative of the community is that utilization of tax payer dollars for these means is irresponsible.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I want to ensure members of District 20 can prepare all students with the necessary tools to enter today's competitive world. By working together, we build a strong and diverse community for the children which begins with joint efforts and consistent communication from home and the schools.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I find that inspiration comes from family, friends, coworkers and strangers. My family inspires me with their strength and courage on a daily basis.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?That life will continue to teach me lessons each day, grow from the experience and learn from the mistake.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To understand the value of patience at an earlier age.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Psychology, as it has helped me to better understand people and be an active listener.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Harry S Truman: "The best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and advise them to do it."