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Amy Blazier: Candidate Profile

Crystal Lake High School District 155 School Board

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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: Crystal LakeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Crystal Lake High School District 155 School Board Age: 55Family: Married 35 years to John Blazier two daughters Melissa NatalieOccupation: Pre-School TeacherEducation: McHenry County College Carthage CollegeCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.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?Being a parent of two daughters that have graduated from a District 155 School, I feel that they were given many opportunities for an outstanding education. They both had teachers that went above and beyond to challenge and inspire them to be the best they could be. After reviewing the D155 Mission Statement that reads "For each student, we will inspire a love for learning, empower the pursuit of personal aspirations, and nurture a desire to contribute to the world." I feel satisfied that the schools in our district are meeting the needs of the students. This does not however mean that we can't always strive for a better environment and better teaching strategies to become an even better district. I refer the Daily Readers to the overview of the Districts test scores at: http://ww2.d155.org/pages/districtoverview.aspxWhat 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.Budgetary issues, for taxing bodies are always a challenge. One of those challenges is created by the legislature and their discussion on reducing state aide to school districts like D155 and giving more financial support to downstate districts with weak tax incomes. As an "outsider" it is difficult for me to consider cuts or reduction in programs and services. If I am elected I would not consider this without input from the school district staff and administration and the community.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?Contract negotiations with various employee groups must bargain in good faith and follow ethical guidelines. In discussion of costs and whether they should stay the same or increase , I would say I cannot make a judgement like that without more information and input from all parties involved.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?Some Illinois School Districts have created difficult financial problems by granting "balloon" increases to staff members in the last year prior to retirement. The problem is that it inflates the retirees retirement package and the extra income continues with funds from the Illinois Teachers Retirement System until they are deceased. The concept is pleasant for the retiree but difficult for the Retirement system.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Build stronger relationships between the district and the community it servesPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Malala Yousafzai, activist for female education and youngest Nobel peace prize laureate.She is also known for her Human rights advocacy.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To value family . Also life is bigger than yourself. The real life fulfillment and joy is found in service to others.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would stop worrying about the small stuff!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English class was a spring board for my love of reading. My journey with books continues to encourage and inspire me.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Believe in your own potential and to keep your faith strong.