Jennifer Haack: 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: WadsworthWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Woodland District 50 School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Paul (husband)Jack (11)Grant (7)Occupation: School AdministratorEducation: Masters Degree in Educational AdministrationCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers School finances seem to be a problem. What do you see as the main cause of financial difficulties and what solutions would you offer if elected?There can be many causes for budget difficulties within a school district. Some of those issues are within a school district's control while others are not. If elected, I would want to take a closer look at both revenues and expenditures. Upon a deeper review and after conversations with other board members and the district's leaders about the district's finances, I would be able to identify some potential solutions.As you know, state funding follows Woodland students whose parents elect to send them to Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake - a longtime bone of contention. Do you see that as a problem? Please explain.The way that Prairie Crossing Charter school is currently funded has placed a financial burden on the school district. Therefore, from a financial perspective the funding formula does create an issue for Woodland District 50.With enrollment declining to 5,882 from 6,549 in 2012, per the state's report card, how to you view the district's staffing levels. Are there too many employees and what should be done? Please elaborate.Without a deeper look at the district's finances and programming, I am unable to determine if the staffing levels within the district are in line with enrollment. Further investigation would be needed to make an educated decision on this topic.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?Given the fact that a school district has limited ways to increase revenue in the face of rising educational and operational costs, one must take a careful look at non-traditional ways to increase revenue and decrease expenditures. This should be done in a way that has the least impact on students and the quality of education provided by the school 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?If Congress or the state approve a voucher system, the most effective way for a school district to respond is to ensure that they are providing the highest quality education possible that best prepares children for their future. By doing so, parents can feel confident that their children are receiving a quality education within the public school system.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Student achievementFiscal responsibilitySafety and securityPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Sir Ken RobinsonWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be kind to others.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have taken Spanish in high school.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Mathematics. It helped me develop a strong base in data analysis.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be happy with who you are.