Judith McConnell: Candidate Profile

Back to St. Charles Unit District 303 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: St. CharlesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: St. Charles Unit District 303 School Board Age: 72Family: Son Stephen, elementary teacher in Sacramento CA (m. Erika); Daughter Elizabeth, real estate broker Coldwell Banker in Naperville IL (m. Daren Gretz) Grandsons Calum Jack, Granddaughter Elle.Occupation: Writer/Editor - mostly retired.Education: Northwestern University: Major, Political Science; Minors - Writing, History and BusinessCivic involvement: D303 School Board Member Committeeman SC Pct.19 Tea Party Patriots since inception Gold Coast - 42nd Ward Office Manager 2000 presidential campaign; member of CRWN (Chicago Republican Women's Network); Fourth Presbyterian Church tutoring program librarian; PR Chair IWOC (Independent Writer's of Chicago)two years, member five years; Glenview - Fundraising Chair Little LeagueElected offices held: D303 School Board: Chair, Policy, co-chair Community Relations; previously co-chair Learning TeachingQuestions 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?Not satisfied. We need to focus our effort more toward academic education and less on costly and time consuming areas that distract from what our children need to know. For example, a child who can read, write and do math will have all the self esteem he or she will ever need.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.Many. The district must budget. Cuts are necessary especially in that our demographics indicate a lower student population requiring less overall expense. Any program that does not directly teach academics becomes even more unnecessary. How can any voter support property tax increases when homeowners are struggling simply to stay in their homes?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?No.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?As contract negotiations with employee groups/unions it is the obligation of the Board to truly educate our students while keeping the plight of our taxpayers well in mind. I believe our dedicated employees might want to consider offering some concession knowing that the district will be required to cut its budget. Today's economy is not promising.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. Why?What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Fighting Common Core and PARCC testing. Both of which are deleterious to the ability of our children to learn, and what they ought to be learning about the genuine history of America and its exceptionlism.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Texas Senator Ted CruzWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?HonestyIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Looking into a book store window and seeing my best seller. Still plan to.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History - still learning and loving it.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Believe in God and in yourselves.