Neile Litton: 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: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Central Unit District 301 School Board Age: 47Family: Neile E. Litton, born in Chicago, has lived in Elgin for 10+ years. She resides with her two beautiful daughters Hallie, 16, and Olivia, 13, both of whom are very engrossed in local travel softball and school activities. Neile comes from a family of 6 children, unto her late parents, Robert and Constance Tyburski, where they instilled determination, perseverance and dedication to one's dreams. Neile it fulfilling a long-term goal of becoming more engrossed in the 301 school district community by offering her business experience to help provide a better education and future for our children.Occupation: Strategic Account ExecutiveEducation: Associate in Arts, College of DuPage, 1989Bachelors of Arts, Elmhurst College, 1991, and a member of Sigma Tau Delta, English Honor SocietyCivic involvement: Neile Litton and her family have volunteered in the Elgin area through the Elgin Community Network, headed up by Jeff Turner of In The Neighborhood Deli. Neile, her late husband, Bill, and girls have served Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's dinners to the Elgin community for the past 7+ years. Neile also volunteers her time at St. Thomas More Church in Elgin, where she assists with teaching Religious Education to the 8th grade class. Neile also heavily supports her daughters and their involvement in 301 School district activities.Elected offices held: Neile Litton previously sat on the Copper Springs Home Owners Associate Board as Treasurer for two years (circa 2008-2010)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 have chosen to run for office as I was approached to consider a School Board position. It also embarks on a long-term aspiration to become more engrossed in my city, which is a strong and growing community. Additionally, we always come across challenges within our community, our schools in particular, in which I want to offer my time and experience to make this a better place for our children to grow and learn, along with further strengthening the roots of the Elgin/Burlington area.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 want to better understand the goals of the district in the standardized testing that is conducted within the schools to determine its adequacy and efficiency. Not every student learns the same way so it is important to consider variety to ensure a well-rounded approach.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 think it is important to hear from the parents of our children, and the students themselves, in how they best learn in the environment today. I would like to review the school schedule (blocking), education requirements and extracurricular activities and how we can better prepare our children for this ever-changing world.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 301 District was recently approved for funding to expand the high school which is an improvement for the school and ultimately, our children. We need to be cognizant of how tax dollars are spent while keeping the best interest of our children and their education at heart. I do not believe cuts are necessary and I do not support any tax increases at this time.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 role of school choice in our district should be voted upon if change is to be instituted. Also, this should be a decision that should be made at a local level vs. the state level all the while being fiscally responsible. If Congress or the state approve a voucher system it could affect the school district in allowing overcrowding of schools and possibly diminishing the community we chose to live in. When considering a community to ground their roots and raise their children, families heavily look at the school district for its reputation, its strength, scholastic abilities, etc. before settling there.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?It will be important to understand how teacher pensions will be addressed if being considered back in the school district.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.One current leader that inspires me is Oprah Winfrey. She comes from humble beginnings and has proven that it is possible to achieve your goals.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The biggest lesson I learned growing up is that you need to be an advocate for yourself and you have to honor your beliefs.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Live in the moment. We don't know how long we're here on earth and we need to make it a better place while we're here.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was English in which I majored in college. It helped me with business acumen and becoming established in my career/personal life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do what makes you happy and stay strong in your beliefs.