Chris Coughlin: 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: LibertyvilleWebsite: N/ATwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Libertyville District 70 School Board Age: 49Family: Married to my wife Terri and we have three kids in Libertyville schools. One is a special needs kid.Occupation: SalesEducation: B.S. in Journalism from the University of KansasCivic involvement: Volunteered with the following organizations:Libertyville: -Coached kids sports for 7 years.-Feed My Starving Children: 4 years-Indian Guides in Libertyville: 5 years.-Breast Cancer 3-day: 14 years-Landmark Education: 8 years.-Pathways Seminars: 9 yearsElected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?First time. To make an impact in education so that parents and teachers have a voice and make an impact. Education and family life are the foundations of a solid adulthood.I have a special needs child and two other children in D70.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?I think it's adequate but not enough. I'd like to explore grades for 5th graders to better prepare them for middle school.How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?I think we should have some input but not be the drivers of that curriculum. I trust more that we hire the best people to do that.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?Possibly a new subdivision in the area that will affect the number of students in the grade schools. Programs, expenses, taxes and fees I'm willing to look at. Overall I think we are on track and have a strategic plan in place that is appropriate.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?At this time I would have to have more information in order to answer.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Ensure progressive tools for all students.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.The Dali Lama.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Hard work pays off.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Figuring out my purpose earlier in life.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Advertising. Glamour is nothing without hard work behind it.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Stay positive and keep moving forward.