Mardell Schumacher: 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: Elk Grove Vil.Website: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: NoneFacebook: NoneOffice sought: Elk Grove Township District 59 School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: MarriedTwo childrenTwo grandchildrenOccupation: Retired Teacher, Retired Merchandising ManagerEducation: BA Cornell CollegeCivic involvement: Vice Pres. EGV All American City CommitteeOrganizer/President EGV JayceettesOrganizer/4 year President Grove PTOPast President, Presidents' CouncilVolunteer Teacher D59 1st Preschool, Project 444Awarded D59 Citizen of YearCo-chaired 1st D59 Discipline/Safety CommitteeDevoted D59 Board Member/30 yearsD59 Board Past Pres./Vice Pres/SecyActive member many D59 committeesElected offices held: D59 President,Vice Pres., SecretaryQuestions 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?Education has always been important in my life from the time I was a student at Schurz H.S.in Chicago and won the city's first annual scholarship given to one graduate from each high school in Chicago. It enabled me to further my education at Cornell College in Iowa which further led to mybecoming a teacher in Skokie for 14 years. I loved teaching and am still in touch with some of my original students. I was very involved in the D59 schools when my children were in attendance, and my interest in the district just kept moving to new experiences and finally to being on the D59 board. I take my responsibilities very seriously and spend a great deal of time reading educational journals and preparing for meetings, attending meetings and conferences, and visiting our schools to see first hand what is happening. I always push for what is best for all students, I fully support our wonderful staff, and I am very aware that it is our taxpayers who support all that we do. I hope to continue my serviceon the D59 school board.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?Since the change to "Common Core", education has changed a lot. The PARCC test does not appear to be easily implemented, but it is required. The continued inclusion of technology into education has made for other changes. Even the report cards and student-led conferences are a work in progress.Collaboration and cooperation among students in their common learning is the new standard. Only time will tell how this works out.Unfortunately, some things are mandated, and some of the tried and true approaches from the pastare overlooked in the name of progress.Do you support moving forward with relocation of the district's administration center in Elk Grove Village, despite the project's rising costs?I voted to build the new ad center on our property in EGV because itwas easier to sell the two properties in AH and make some money for the new building. Also, it put the two properties in AH back on the tax roles. However, the anticipated cost has nearly doubled. I have been quite vocal in trying to cut costs on the design of the building while still maintaining a functional, efficient, and attractive building.Despite a few minor changes, I havebeen unable to gain sufficient support from other board members or administration to make more cuts. Community members, staff, and retirees have encouraged meto keep trying to help the taxpayers. Although we will not have to go out for referendum for the new administration center, I am fiscally prudent when it comes to using "public money". The project went out for bids in January. I am still hopeful we can rein in the costs.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 do not support a tax increase and have always sought to keep our levy as low as possible. The district has a balanced budget and at present, it has a substantial fund balance. This was not always the case. This enables us to pay for the new construction without asking taxpayers for any more money, and it gives us a necessary reserve for emergencies. If the state of IL does not fund the Teachers' Pension Fund, this expense may well become the responsibility of the school district, and D59 is in better shape to handle fiscal emergencies than many other districts.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?A Public School System belongs to the Public who funds it with their property taxes. District 59 provides the best possible services to all our students beginning with our Early Childhood Center which is a big help to those in Special Ed and those who are at risk and need extra help to be prepared for entrance into kindergarten. Those who choose to use Federal/State vouchers to have their children attend private schools will miss out on all the wonderful things D59 has to offer and will deprive other taxpayers of their support.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?All issues concerning education are important to me. I study each issue thoroughly and listen to everyone who can help me to learn and understand the changing educational landscape. I ask frequent questions, share my thoughts, and consistently support our staff and District 59. It is my pleasure to serve the community.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My parents taught me to ALWAYS DO MY BEST.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I can't always predict what will happen in my life, so I accept what I have and try to make the best of it.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I always liked studying English and still find it fascinating.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always Do Your Best and Look on the Bright Side of Life. Life is shorter than you think.