David "Dave" Carlin: 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: NapervilleWebsite: www.DaveCarlinforCOD.comOffice sought: College Of DuPage School Board Age: 39Family: I married my wife, Beth, 13 years ago. We have three children Makenna Grace (9), Ellisyn Faith (6) and Wesley Christian (19 months).Occupation: ConsultantEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration Political Science; Augustana College, Rock Island, ILCivic involvement: Emeritus Board Member, College of DuPage Foundation Former Member, Board of Directors; United Way of DuPage West Cook Former Treasurer, Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise Former Treasurer, Naperville Sunrise Foundation Former President, Enclave at Country Lakes Homeowner Association Former Member, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Former Member, Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce In recent years, I've also been active in various school and extra curricular activities with my children and have volunteered for a number of charitable organizations.Elected offices held: Former College of DuPage Trustee (2007-2013)Questions Answers What can the board do to help improve the relationship between the administration and its employees, including full-time faculty members?I believe the Board of Trustees should have a representative of the Board sit in on future contract negotiations. This has not been done in years at College of DuPage contributing to a lack of confidence in the Board of Trustees and fueling distrust between the administration and full-time faculty. In light of Dr. Breuder's recent retirement announcement, the Board of Trustees must also have a transparent and inclusive search process for a new College of DuPage President.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?NoWith enrollment up, what should COD be doing as far as available classroom/lab space, staffing and course work options to keep pace with the growth?The College of DuPage must constantly evaluate its offerings to make sure it is meeting the needs of the community. COD should also expand partnerships with other academic entities, area businesses, and local government bodies to host classes at other facilities throughout District 502.The board recently agreed to keep the college's operating property tax levy flat for this year. Is the college reaching a point where a tax levy increase is needed? If yes, how do you justify it? If no, why do you believe that?The College of DuPage should keep property taxes and tuition flat for the foreseeable future.According to a recent Daily Herald report, COD board members approved more than $26 million in spending over a 16-month period without seeing what they were specifically paying for. That's because of a long-standing board policy that allows administrators to pay bills of less than $15,000 without providing itemized reports. Should that policy be changed? Why or why not?The College of DuPage should post all expenditures online for public review, regardless of the dollar amount (the exception being federal loan disbursements which federal law prohibits the College of DuPage from disclosing).What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I'd like see student success stories and the many other wonderful things happening at College of DuPage in the newspaper rather than the controversies of recent months.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard, always be kind to others and never forget where you came from.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Everything in life happens for a reason. I wouldn't change a thing.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was Social Studies. My early studies led me to work for the US House of Representatives and Illinois State Treasurer's Office.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Live your life serving others.