James Ekeberg: 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: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine District 15 School Board Age: 68Family: Kathy, wifeDaughters, Lea, Erin and JamieSon, JeffOccupation: Retired family physicianEducation: B.S. University of Illinois M.D. St. Louis University School of MedicineCivic involvement: 35 yearvolunteer as sideline physician for the football teamBridge Youth and Family Services board memberFormer park district and Little League coachElected offices held: Vice President 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?We have been fortunate to form a great team with the board and Dr. Thompson's administrative leaders. We work well together for all the children in our district.What was your position on the district's proposal to build two new schools, which failed in the November election? Why? How should the district address its facilities needs over the next two years? Would you support another referendum, and if so, how do you think a plan can be developed that would pass?16 months of work by the district and community members felt the referendum would solve many of our district problems, all day kindergarten, increased PreK space, alignment of our schools with the high school children would attend, building 2 new schools and removing our oldest facility from the district and cooperation with the park district to improve our community. I supported putting it before the voters. We have formed a new community committee to determine how to receive community input before moving forward.As contract talks come up with other employee groups, do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect costs to stay about the same, or provide increases in pay and benefits? If you are an incumbent, why did you support the 10-year teacher contract? If you are a newcomer, what's your view of the contract? Would you support similar length contracts for other employee groups? Why or why not.Bargaining requires respect and compromise from all parties. I favored the 10 year agreement because labor costs are projected to increase only 0.92% a year over the life of the contract. Our costs are down this year. The contract also allows the teacher to take their retirement incentive only in the year they become elligable. I believe a 10 year contract length is ok if it benefits the district.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 believe our greatest challenge is funding to maintain our aging facilities. I believe the state legislature must address the issue of how education is funded in Illinois. Currently we follow the laws as written and the current board hopes to be able to bring forward a flat tax for the next year.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?When you take your oath of office you agree to follow the laws of the state of Illinois. What ever changes come I believe the district will review, adjust and move forward.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?This is a nonpartisan election. Your email to us thanked us for our public service. I believe we are public servants and not politicians. Five candidates have been slated by the Palatine Township Republicans. I believe partisan politics is not working very well in Illinois. There is a reason these elections are nonpartisan. We are working to make our schools and our community better. We are not serving to tie up our schools or community with a political agenda.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Honesty is the best policy.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?A broader college educationWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Doctors become lif long learners because is always advancing. Learning how to study was most important.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Find a career that becomes your passion. Work will be a lot more enjoyable.