Russell Page: 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: AntiochWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Grass Lake District 36 School Board Age: 60Family: Married with one son.Occupation: College InstructorEducation: MBA from NIUBA (Cum Laude) from Judson UniversityAAS from Community College of the Air ForceCivic involvement: Recently involved in an effort to promote better academic performance and fiscal responsibility at Grass Lake School. Previously involved in and led charity events benefiting organizations such as the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.Elected offices held: I have never held a public office.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?I am running for the school board for the first time because see a chance for helping to improve the academic situation at Grass lake School. I have become involved in school board meetings due to the high tax rates we as a community are paying to support the school. In that involvement I became aware of the lower performance of the school as compared similar schools that do not possess such a high surplus of funds. I believe that with increased academic performance and sound fiscal responsibility Grass Lake School can attain greater performance for the students and community.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?I am running for the school board for the first time because see a chance for helping to improve the academic situation at Grass lake School. I have become involved in school board meetings due to the high tax rates we as a community are paying to support the school. In that involvement I became aware of the lower performance of the school as compared similar schools that do not possess such a high surplus of funds. I believe that with increased academic performance and sound fiscal responsibility Grass Lake School can attain greater performance for the students and community.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?I feel that as a school board member I can help the school's administrators find the correct path forward. We as a school board should assist by enabling the principle to seek out and implement academic solutions need at the school. To do this we as a board should provide guidance and financial support based upon the blend our diverse and rich backgrounds.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?The issue at the forefront is the pending addition to the school currently moving forward. This approximately $6M effort, already approved, provides additions and modifications considering school security, allocation of classes, bringing all Pre K through 8 into one building. I feel the performance of the contractor(s) hired should be closely monitored to ensure the best return for the taxpayer's money being spent. Beyond the current effort, I feel that we must be careful stewards of the communities many being held in reserve, approximately $6M beyond that being used for the expansion of the school. I also feel that we must support the community by providing for better performance academically and financially without further adding to their tax burden in order to allow the school an excessive savings account.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 Grass Lake School is the sole school in district 36. If parents have the opportunity to choose a private or different school within a reasonable distance, I feel that the relatively small student body could be further reduced. While the student to teacher ratio is extremely low already, academic measurement does not show he levels of performance normally achieved by low student to teacher ratios. I believe that the school's parents and students would deserve to find a better solution to their needs.I believe the school board should determine the path to better performance and enable the administration and staff to implement positive measures towards better support for the students. Let's make Grass Lake School the BEST choice.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The voice of the Grass Lake School Community is of the utmost importance. The community deserves open communication and transparency of plans and actions taken by those elected to office. We must remember who elects us and keep their best interests at heart.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dennis Barsema, an Illinois businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and current instructor at Northern Illinois University who uses his good fortune in the service of others.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To be honest, fair and considerate of others.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?In my careers I traveled extensively. I learned to be "More Present" when at home. I would spend more time with my family!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It has given me a greater understanding of people at home and abroad, how we got here, and the hope of a bright future.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do the Right Thing; At work, at play, with family, with everyone. You will never regret doing the right thing.