Millie Palmer: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: we are working on the website and should have it shortly.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Mille Kohl PalmerOffice sought: Northwest High School District 214 School Board Age: 50Family: Russel A. Palmer, husbandGeorgianna G. Palmer, daughterJulia K. Palmer, daughterGrant A. Palmer, sonJillian L. Palmer, daughterOccupation: AttorneyEducation: BA, Univ. of FloridaJD, University of FloridaGo Gators!Civic involvement: Rotary Club of Arlington Heights, noon clubRMHS Volunteer, RMHS Athletic Booster, RMHS Football, RMHS Orchesis, RMHS Competitive DanceFriends Advisory Board, NCHMichael J. deZonna Foundation Board MemberAHYAA Cheer Coach (14 years) and Director of CheerElected offices held: None. This is the very first time I have run for any office ever.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?This is my first time running for office. Over the years, I have been impressed by the progress of D214 and by the many programs and opportunities offered to the students. As a parent of current and past students in D214, and a property owner in the school district, I would work to continue the pattern of excellence at individual schools while seeking advancement of the entire school district. I strongly believe that the education my children have received has made them better prepared for life, and better people.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?Like many parents, I know that my child is more than a test score or a number on a page. In District 214, we can be assured that our students are not simply measured in this rudimentary fashion. With the adoption of Redefining Ready, the school district has acknowledged the many varied ways in which students grow, prepare to be valuable parts of society and move to the next phase of their lives. By not only challenging students to push themselves through AP classes, dual credit, and to improve on test scores, but to explore career choices through an internship and or to learn about careers and themselves course work, community service and other clubs and extra-curricular activities, Redefing Ready is geared toward preparing the student as a whole, and not simply as a score. Taking a fluid approach to measuring success makes sense. I believe that this program will grow and change with the opportunities that are discovered and created along the way.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?Curriculum is best left in the hands of the educators. My background is in law. I am a problem solver, a believer in logic and reasoning, and a proponent of letting the experts do their job. The role of the school board should be to advise on policy. I believe that the determination of curriculum should be left to the administration and the teachers.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?As a taxpayer, I am thrilled to know that D214 balances its budget and has done so for the past two decades. This has been achieved without the need for a referendum since the building of Buffalo Grove High School over 45 years ago. As a business owner, I know that operating within a budget is a key to success. Although the future is not known, if predicted by the past I would hope and assume that D214 will continue to operate within budget without resorting to cuts to programs or curriculum and without the need to increases taxes or fees.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?The concept of a voucher program has been discussed in many different forms with different repercussions to the schools involved. High School District 214 is considered to be one of the premier school districts in not just the State of Illinois, but in the nation. It has nationally recognized programs and students. Even if a voucher program were instigated, I believe most of the families in our district would choose to stay here to continue to avail themselves of the many opportunities within the district.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I want to be part of the continued success and excellence of High School District 214. Over my years of having students at Rolling Meadows High School, I have witnessed many changes in the district and have watched the march of excellence. In addition to increased opportunities and out of the box problem solving, the district has become more unified and focused. As a perennial volunteer at RMHS, I have personally seen the unification of students, parents, staff, teachers and the administration. It is important to me that the voices of the people who live, work and study in this district be considered by the board. I hope to be part of this dialog.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Jimmy Carter embodies dedication to family, service to country and community, perseverance and triumph over obstacles. His dedication to his fellow man inspires me.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?There is no substitute for hard work and fair dealings.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I do not like to dwell on the past. I believe you should look ahead not backwards, to learn from mistakes and keep going.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English and Literature. The spoken word and the written word entrance me. As an attorney, developing skills with words is the foundation of my work.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Seek happiness for yourself and others. Remember every day to work hard, be kind and say thank you.