Leonard "Lenny" Walker: Candidate Profile

Back to Northwest High School District 214 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: WheelingWebsite: http://supportersofdistrict214.com/Twitter: @LennyBWalkerFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/Supporters-of-District214-1191275187594602/Office sought: Northwest High School District 214 School Board Age: 57Family: Lenny and his wife Karen have been members of the Wheeling community since 1993. They are the proud parents of Jessica, Emily (WHS alumnae), Leo and Olivia (current students), who all attended District 23 schools before Wheeling High School. The Walker children have been active members of the Wildcat community as they balanced AP courses and extracurricular activities. Each of their participation in Fine Arts, foreign language, athletics and the career and technical education department has cultivated the Walker children into young adults who welcome any challenge that comes their way with confidence.Occupation: Senior Executive- Kennicott Brothers CompanyEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Serving as Wheeling High School (WHS) PTO President, Lenny has been instrumental in rebuilding the organization since 2011. During his service he has worked to provide monetary support for a number of student groups and teachers by re-establishing the WHS PTO Mini Grants. Lenny also serves on the board for the WHS Choral League and has played a large role in fundraising for the group to provide scholarships to students for voice lessonsand choir trips as well as reducing the cost of participation to allow more students the opportunity to join. Board member Wholesale Florist Florist Supplier AssociationElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions 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?Our family has lived in the District 214 community for over 23 years. Since 2011, I have served the Wheeling High School Community as PTO president and as a board member of the school's Choral League. I am a proud parent of D214 students and would like the opportunity to serve the entire district. My children and many others are better prepared for the unpredictable future thanks to the education they received through the district's high schools. I want to have all district students receive the same excellent education provided to my children.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?Redefining Ready is an amazingly innovative way to measure students. It was developed and introduced by D214 and is gaining acceptance across the country. It not only takes into account the state mandated standardized test (SAT) but also values other high school experiences (AP and Dual Credit courses and internships. Redefining Ready very clearly describes and outlines what it means to be college and career ready based on extensive research: 2.8 GPA (students who graduate with a 2.8 GPA are more likely to be successful in college), 90% attendance, community service, declared career pathway with coursework in a career pathway. Since we are in the first year of this new district measure I would not change anything. Once we have a couple of years of data to evaluate Redefining Ready we should then decide whether or not it needs to be refined.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?The district has outstanding leadership and highly qualified administrative staff. Over time they have provided a challenging curriculum for students one that fully prepares them to be successful beyond graduation. The high ratings of our schools at the state and national level prove that our curriculum for student education is at the highest level. The board should oversee to ensure the curriculum is appropriate for student success.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?History shows D214 has had balanced operating budgets for 20 years. Operations are cost efficient and the budget is monitored to maintain student education and associated programs at a high level. The last tax referendum was 46 years ago when Buffalo Grove High School was built. I don't foresee an upcoming referendum.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?We have some the best choices for students within our district high schools; I believe students and their families will stay within the district to maximize the educational opportunities in our schools, the extracurricular activities offered and the district's proven ability to prepare students for college and careers.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We have some the best choices for students within our district high schools; I believe students and their families will stay within the district to maximize the educational opportunities in our schools, the extracurricular activities offered and the district's proven ability to prepare students for college and careers.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis inspires me with his acceptance, awareness as he embracing of all people.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?A parent's mission is to create memories and expectations for your children while providing a safe and loving home rich in traditions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I love the fine arts, as a child the family budget didn't include music lessons. My do over - learn to play a musical instrument.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math was and is my favorite subject. One uses math skills each and every day.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always advocate for acceptance and awareness while using your moral compass to guide you.