David Patterson: 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: Island LakeWebsite: nonneTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: David PattersonOffice sought: Wauconda Unit District 118 School Board Age: 67Family: wife: Debbieson: Brian5 grand kidsOccupation: Retired U.S. Navy 1989 Retired Teacher 2010Education: A.S. in BusinessCivic involvement: Member Wauconda H.S. Band Boosters, Bull Dog Nation, Bulldog Boosters, VFW, American, Legion, Disabled Veterans of America Coached NJROTC Rife Team, Color Guard and Drill Team at Wheeling High, U.S. Coast Guard Aux.Elected offices held: CUSD Dist 118Questions 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 feel there is still a lot more that can be done. I want to see an upgrade to our early child care program, and I would like to see to all day kindergarten.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 have been a board member for just under four years. Each year Dist 118 staff and teachers have improved the way they measure student progress at all grade levels. I have faith that our teachers and staff are doing their jobs. I do not see a need a this time for changes.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?The board should have a limited role. I trust the educators at Dist. 118. They are the professionals.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 as a board must be careful of all spending. Any tax increases must approved by the voters. Fee increases are limited to help offset cost of providing needed programs and services.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?District 118 is a small school district. School choice would be limited. If the State or Congress approves a voucher system, the loss of funding would be hard on all public schools not only District 118.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We must see to that all students, teachers, and staff feel safe. To do this, we must train staff and teachers with latest, most up-to-date methods available. All buildings need to be inspected. A plan made to upgrade buildings as needed.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Senator John McCainWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be kind.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I am happy with my life choices.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?U.S. History. By learning from the past, you hopefully will not make the same mistakes.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be careful what you wish for.