Anna Klimkowicz: Candidate Profile

Back to Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 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: SchaumburgWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married 38 yearsThree Adult children who attended District 54 Schaumburg High SchoolOccupation: Program Manager, Housing Counseling Assistance Transitional Living at Northwest Compass, Inc.Education: MA - Public Administration (Roosevelt Univ.)MA - Human Services (National-Louis Univ.)Licensed Professional CounselorType 75 - School Counseling CertificationAdvanced Substance Abuse Certificate (May 2014 - Oakton Community College)Civic involvement: Chairperson, Schaumburg Peer JuryMember, Hoffman Estates Citizens Police AcademyPrior civic involvement includes:Schaumburg Township Council President and other PTA offices; Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scouts Learning for Life Program advisor; Schaumburg Athletic Association Concession Chair; volunteer at WING's.Elected offices held: Board Secretary -currentDistrict 211 Board Representative on the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization - currently serving as Vice-PresidentResolutions Chairman for the North-Cook Division of the Illinois Association of School BoardsQuestions 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?In 2016 the Board agreed to seek community input for a strategic plan that would help prepare our district and our students for college and career readiness. Since I have been a proponent of a strategic plan for several years I was pleased to see that it came to fruition. A Mission Statement was updated and Value Statements were developed to identify our core principals and to serve as guidance for actions and decisions taken by the Board of Education and Superintendent. I see this as an exciting time and would like to have an opportunity to continue developing the core principals. The perspective that I offer is that of an individual working in the human services field with an understanding of social emotional needs, communication and connectedness. I continue to ask questions at board meetings and encourage open discussion.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?Measuring student success encompasses numerous factors. One of the factors is the benefits of the Professional Learning Community which allows time for staff to meet and discuss progress of students, review formative assessments and articulate how students are succeeding and how teachers are teaching. The key is for all students to be progressing, if one teacher is more successful than another they collaborate as to what instruction works best and can motivate students to learn. Summative assessments then monitor progress of thematic units. Hiring the most qualified staff is vital to student success. Another factor is requiring teachers in each curriculum to be uniform in their grading process.Within the past three years focus has been on challenging and encouraging students to strive for a higher potential through Dual Credit courses and advanced placement courses, also the Harper Promise Program encourages higher education. The advanced rigor of classes is for all students whether they are college bound or career bound.I would continue to support rigorous academic courses for all students and continuous review of programs and practices to ensure student improvement and growth. There needs to be a structured method to evaluate and monitor progress. Students also need to monitor their own progress and learn to advocate for themselves. I would expect reports and presentations to the School Board on student achievement.District 211 became nationally recognized for both its disagreement with the federal government and its subsequent written agreement over the handling of transgender students' locker room access. How would you characterize your own agreement or disagreement with the board's action? What would be your position on the board's future handling of such issues?The federal government agreed with District 211 terms regarding the handling of the transgender students' locker room restricted access. I believe the Board took this very seriously for two of our closed sessions lasted for three hours each. A resolution was reached after much discussion and consideration for all of our students. I supported the restricted access for this student. It is important to note that the federal case was only in regards to this one student. I support the Boards' position in regards to review of each case going forward.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?I am of the belief that fees should not be raised unless justified. For the past several years I have supported keeping the fees stable. At our January Board meeting I agreed on raising the material fee, and bus fee; however, I could not support raising the driver's education fee and the parking fee. Students who are on free or reduced lunch have certain fees waived and I am concerned that the increase in fees cause a burden for the "middle income" families. The ability to meet expenses and continue to have funds available to maintain buildings, capital improvements and to have funds available in case of changing legislation such as pension and state funding should be a priority. Also salaries and health benefit costs must be monitored.Early on I stated that I would not support issuing $10 million in bonds, acknowledging that the district should use existing reserves. We now end the use of bonds."circ;cent;There was no tax increase for the 2015 levy."circ;cent;2016 Tax levy increase was 0.3%. This amount is less than potentially could have been requested."circ;cent;Abatement allowed for a decrease in levy amount."circ;cent;Strategic Plan "â#128;œ Allowed for community involvement and input, future planning of curriculum, staff and finances.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?I believe "Vouchers" take funds away from school districts. I am not in favor of vouchers. Since District 211 schools are well recognized for their curriculum I would suspect that our community students would remain at District 211 schools if a voucher system were in place. School boards needs to demonstrate the value of public education by showing that students are continually learning starting in Kindergarten and progressing through elementary school and leaving high school ready for college or career. Academic rigor, accountability, innovation and financial integrity must be the belief of the Board.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Other issues that are important to me are:"circ;cent;Board members participating in a more active role during contract negotiations."circ;cent;Developing a process that allows the Board to gather information from students on current issues and any concerns or suggestions that they may have."circ;cent;Utilization of the 60 acres to the benefit of students.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dr. Judy Hackett, NSSEO Superintendent, a compassionate, caring and supportive leader for special needs students and young adults.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To always be honest and supportive of family and friends. To welcome friends in the kitchen and prepare food for everyone who visits.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Life offers ups and downs and I believe that you learn from your mistakes. I would not change anything, I feel my life is blessed.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?In grade school it was science, I loved doing experiments. It was interesting seeing the results.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Challenge yourself to be the best person you can be, be honest, open minded, loving, giving and always believe in yourself.