Nicole Beyer: 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: AlgonquinWebsite: electbeyer.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electbeyerOffice sought: Community Unit District 300 School Board Age: 27Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: dental health industryEducation: - BA in Political Science from The George Washington University- Associates in Arts from Elgin Community College Civic involvement: - Assistant Coach for HD Jacobs High School's bowling team - 2014 - present- Election Judge for McHenry County - 2014 - 2017- Former Treasurer of Military Branches United at Elgin Community College (the club's purpose was to provide support for veterans and their family members)Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers With ongoing state funding challenges, suggest ways the district can remain in the black without spending down its surplus, raising taxes or taking on additional debt. If cuts were needed, where would you look to tighten?We need to place a larger focus on the correlation between education dollars and outcome: spending more money does not automatically equate to improved student success. District 300 taxpayers are already experiencing a great financial burden due to the current property tax rate, and increasing it is not a viable option. Too many people are moving simply because they cannot afford their property taxes. Sensible spending is the key to alleviating this situation. I would look to tighten operational spending. One possible way to do this is to consider logistical changes such as the introduction of a four day school week. Integrating technology further into the the learning process can also potentially save money. A spending-on-services-analysis of the district can offer insight into which classes can be restructured to result in reduced spending. Ultimately, we would really need to look at salaries and contracts and go from there. I believe that we can produce a successful district while spending less.Should the district consider cutting ties with its charter school considering the problems with its management and leadership over the last two years?No, I believe the current management team of the charter school has made serious efforts to address many of the issues that have concerned district residents.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?Candidate did not respond.What are some innovative programs the district could undertake, such as its career pathway programs, to set itself apart?The career pathway program is a great idea as is our dual credit program with Elgin Community College. We need to implement programs that create opportunities for all of our students to develop the skills needed to succeed in not just today's work force but also tomorrow's. We need to emphasize three areas of development for all of our students (in addition to the core areas of education): technological skills, interpersonal skills, and problem solving skills.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?I believe school choice should be welcomed in the district and by the board of education. Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and if we are really concerned with seeing all students succeed then we must embrace this fact. If a voucher system, or something similar, is approved then the district will improve. Parents will have more choices which will give students, particularly those that are struggling the most, more opportunities to succeed academically. The schools that have been falling behind in our district will have a greater incentive to improve their performance and to foster a stronger, more accessible learning environment, and if they do not then the parents will be able to choose to send their children elsewhere. School choice essentially holds the system accountable.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Communication and transparency are two issues that I am concerned about. The school board affects the whole community, but a lot of people do not know what is happening. A lot of people assume that the board only affects families with children in the district or they do not understand how their taxes are being spent. I would like to see the information be more accessible and straight forward. Accountability is key.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Appreciate people for who they are, not what they do.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Nothing. All of my experiences have made me who I am today.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Language Arts - it has allowed me to be a strong communicator in everyday and professional situations.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Use every experience to learn and grow.