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Jim Pye: Candidate Profile

Schaumburg District 54 School Board

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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: Hoffman EstatesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Schaumburg District 54 School Board Age: 57Family: Carole, wife of 27 + yearsAustin, 22Chris, 22Trevor, 20Occupation: Real Estate Director, Caleres Company (Famous Footwear)Education: BSCE, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignMBA, Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Hoffman Estates Plan Commission, 1981-1982Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg Park District coach (baseball, basketball, and soccer)-many yearsElected offices held: U of IL Student/Faculty Senate, 1980-1981Questions 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?"To whom much is given, much is expected"I've been blessed with a wonderful education begun many years ago in district 54, and so have my three sons. I also have a niece that will attend junior high in District 54 this fall. I believe it is important to "give back" with our time, energy, skills, and experiences to our community."Some people see things as they are and ask why. Other see things as they could be, and ask , why not?"I'd like to ask the "why" and "why not" questions.My many years of business experience should be quite beneficial in my service to our district. I love working with our youth, and have done so for over 30 years. I've coached youth baseball, basketball, and soccer for 10 + years. I've taught sunday school for 15 + years. I've been a foster father for 7 years. It is important that we remain within our budget. We welcome diversity. We want to ensure a healthy and safe environment for our students. We want to foster excellent communication between parents and teachersDistrict 54 is the best district in Illinois. Let's keep it that way!What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?We have a saying at my company-"If you can't measure it, you can't manage it."Consistent assessment of academic progress is vital to District 54's mission to "ensuring student success." The district needs to know these results, as well as the schools, the teachers, the parents, and the students.UNESCO has "four pillars of learning; learning to know, learning to do, learning to be, and learning to live together." We need to make sure that District 54 continues to be successful in these areas.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?District 54 has terrific, highly qualified professionals who lead and develop and sustain our program.The board of education is there to oversee these professionals, to ask appropriate questions, and to listen to our parents, community members, teachers, professional staff members, and students.The board provides our educators with accountability partners.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?We have a great district with no debt. We need to keep it that way.Our taxpayers are strapped for cash these days. They do not have the financial capabilities to carry heavier burdens in the future.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 am not running for Congress. I'm running for the District 54 school board.I have strong beliefs in our public school system. It has served our country well through our 2 and half centuries of life. I have experienced that as a student and a father of students in this district. I want to serve our district's families, students, and teachers well.In addition, District 54 has schools of choice. There are many public school options including District 54's first Math and Science Academy, as well as multiple dual-language schools.Let's keep public schools strong and healthy!What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The two most important issues are continuing to maintain our status as the best district in the state, and remaining within budget.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Senior Pastor Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church"â#128;ťhe leads well and inspires many!What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Do what's right, even if it hurts.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would continue to serve others with integrity, ethics, and morality and lead by example.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I love learning. Violin taught me music appreciation. History taught me to learn from our past. Business provided me a career. STEM was foundational.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Make a difference; leave a legacy and make the world a better place.