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Ellen Knautz: Candidate Profile

Batavia Unit District 101 School Board

Back to Batavia Unit District 101 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: BataviaWebsite: www.ek4boe.comOffice sought: Batavia Unit District 101 School Board Age: 44Family: My husband, Keith and I have three boys: Justin is a sophomore at Batavia High, Nathan is in 8th grade at Rotolo Middle School and Brandon is in 4th grade at H.C. Storm Elementary.Occupation: Stay-at-home ParentEducation: BA in Music at Luther College in Decorah, IowaCivic involvement: I've volunteered in the elementary school classroom and assisted rehearsals in the middle school orchestra. I've also volunteered for various PTO activities including co-chairing the HC Storm Fun Fair. My favorite volunteer experience was chairing the HC Storm Playground Committee. We involved many stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, administrators) to replace old playground equipment. I was also a board member for Batavia Youth Football for 6 years. During that time I managed the BYF website and helped organize teams and schedules. I have also been involved in music at church including directing children's choirs, youth strings and youth praise band.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.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?Ten years ago, my husband and I moved our family to Batavia in part due to the reputation of the school district. Over the years we have been pleased with our children's public education and its preparation for the next stage in their lives. In recent years, however, I have become concerned with the rate of change occurring in our district at all academic levels due to Common Core and the increased emphasis on standardized testing. I have heard from many parents who voice a similar concern. Change in the classroom due to government mandates is unavoidable. Change in the classroom due to innovation allows a district to improve and grow. However, the rate in which that change is implemented must be evaluated against the best interests of the student. It is my hope that when BPS101 implements changes in the classroom, it is done more thoughtfully and methodically which allows teachers to seamlessly integrate the change with minimal disruption to student learning.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.I am comfortable with the current financial position of BPS101. The recent expiration of the TIF associated with the Aurora outlet mall increased income from property taxes. The district's management of its bonds over the years has resulted in interest savings. Necessary capital improvements for the district over the next five years are fiscally manageable. However, a portion of the district's income comes from the State. And if legislation passes that reduces that portion, BPS101 will need to scrutinize finances in order to adjust. I would advocate reducing expenses before increasing taxes. I would prioritize cutting expenses not directly related to classroom learning such as marketing and other administrative costs. On the income side, I can empathize with those citizens who are frustrated by the school district tax levy that is imposed at the maximum allowed each year. Recently, I reviewed my property tax bills. In 2007, my house was assessed at a fair cash value of $234,666. That value then increased by $25,000. As with many homeowners, the value of my home dropped and we feel lucky that the value in the current year is $235,170. Yet while my current house value is essentially the same as the value in 2007, my school district taxes have increased from $3,370 to $4500 - an increase of $1200. I understand tax payers' frustration when they look at their property tax bills which is why we must exercise due diligence in district spending before we can justify an increase in taxes.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?There is no one in my family including myself who is or has been employed by any Illinois school district.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?School district personnelâ#128;#148;teachers, support staff and administratorsâ#128;#148;are a district's largest annual investment in giving our children a quality education. As such, school boards must manage this investment wisely in order to get the best returns on our goal of delivering a quality education. A school board also has a fiscal responsibility to spend within its means. Most taxpayers have been employees who want their employer to treat them with respect and reflect their value to the organization through meaningful compensation and benefits. I imagine that expectation is no different from a school district employee. If elected, I would see my role as a school board member balancing the value of our district's largest asset (personnel) with the fiscal responsibility to spend within our means.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 the practice of substantially increasing a near-retiring administrator's salary to boost pension benefits.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Communication and community input within a school district is an important factor to me as a candidate for BPS101 Board of Education. Parents and tax payers have a vested interest in the quality of education provided by the district. Teachers and support staff are entrusted to deliver a quality education to our children on a daily basis. Administrators manage policy and develop procedures to enable the delivery of a quality education. By demonstrating to the entire community the importance of its input, the school board will gain a valuable asset when it makes decisions regarding education and finances. Effective communication and community input will also ensure that items that must be put on the ballot for voter approval will indeed have a chance of passing. If elected, I look forward to being part of a school board that continually strives for increased communication and increased community input.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I value people who can achieve results while maintaining respect for subordinates and opponents. I consider one who possesses that quality an inspirational leader.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The biggest lesson I learned at home growing up is that perseverance and hard work can result in great accomplishments.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?When I think of my response to this question, I realize that my do-over might result in an outcome less desirable in the long run.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject in college was Choral Conducting Methods. It taught me how to direct people toward a common goal with confidence.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?My advice: "Be true to yourself while being respectful of others" or "Life isn't as simple as advice in 25 words or less!"