Brian Swanson: 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: BarringtonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wauconda Unit District 118 School Board Age: 61Family: Wife Sue, daughter Dana, son Erik, are all Wauconda School District 118 graduates.Occupation: Inside Sales/Used Equipment ManagerEducation: Associates degree in Mid Management/Marketing from CLCCivic involvement: Wauconda School Board for 14 yearsOriginal member Wauconda Triathlon committee Founder and Vice President Bulldog Nation FoundationRace Volunteer Turkey Trot and Bunny HopElected offices held: School Board MemberQuestions 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 re-election to the School Board to continue building on our past accomplishments, and provide future opportunities for student excellence. I have no specific issue or agenda, except to represent the community and do what's best for the kids.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?The evaluation of student progress is a moving target that is constantly changing. Our district does our best to stay on top of what is required, and what is best for our students.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 School Board should not micromanage the administration. We have experts managing the curriculum department, and they are educated and up to date on current standards.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 budget is the most challenging part of being on the board. Future challenges that we will face are state driven. If cuts are required, I believe they should take place in non learning areas of the district. The preservation of classroom educational opportunities is and should always be our number one priority. I believe that any tax increase must be left to the voters of the district.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?We have seen mixed results in other states, and I would be concerned with the effects on public education. I would need to see how the state of Illinois would implement the program.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The issue that is most important to me is that we continue to offer great educational programs and opportunities for District 118. We need to continue to promote retail and industrial growth in our community so that our tax base increases. The increase in the tax base will provide tax relief for existing home owners.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I can't think of one leader that inspires me.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Do what you say, and always be on time.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I am very content with my life, and don't require any do-overs.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Marketing was my favorite subject, and it helped me with my sales career accomplishments.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Write down long and short term goals, and review yearly. This is a barometer for success.