Taylor Egan: 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: GenevaWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/groups/706999502731769/Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Taylor Egan for Geneva 304 School BoardOffice sought: Geneva Unit District 304 School Board Age: 39Family: I have been married to Jim Egan for 16 years. Before moving to Geneva, we lived in Chicago. We chose Geneva over other Western suburbs for the strong education system, community pride, and small town appeal. Jim and I have two children, Elliot and Oliver. Elliot, a 5th grader, and Oliver, a 2nd grader, attend Mill Creek Elementary School. We have lived in Geneva for 10 years.Occupation: Stay at home momEducation: Bachelor of Arts from DePaul UniversityCivic involvement: Since 2015 I have been involved in Geneva Academic Foundation (Vice-President/Co-President), Geneva Library Foundation (Director), and a member of the Geneva 304 Communication Task Force as the community liaison. I've also served as a school representative for the Geneva Coalition for Youth and acted as Assistant coach for my daughter's Geneva Feeder Basketball Team. Having met many community members during the last election, I became involved in the Geneva Learners group, attending many thought provoking meetings. Having this broad base of experiences has not only expanded my view of our town, but has also given me a well rounded viewpoint.Elected offices held: NoneQuestions 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?This is an easy one for me. I care deeply about the education of our children. I'm passionate about this topic and with my energy and commitment, I believe I can have a positive impact. Being a part of the school board would allow me to bring the perspective of a mom who currently has young kids within the school system. While there are numerous key issues that demand attention and research, I am most focused on the integrity of the classroom. The past five years have brought about rapid change within education. As the speed of change continues, schools must be able to adapt and keep pace. With a steady approach that balances the needs of the classroom with core community values, we can find solutions that improve our student's preparedness. I am an active volunteer within District 304, which has connected me to wonderful people, many of whom have differing views regarding what is best for our schools and community. My exposure to all these viewpoints grounds me in the knowledge that no decision can be taken lightly. If the voting community feels they need a voice, then it is my hope they recognize my commitment and steadfast understanding of their needs.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 like the direction the district is heading. The State of Illinois mandates both PARCC and MAP as standardized tests. It is a forgone conclusion that PARCC will end, leaving just one standardized testing format. This is important because having two causes confusion. Having a standardized testing format is needed, but only as a means to provide another data point to measure progress. For our students to grow the overriding focus does need to be on learning, not just testing. Teachers need a mechanism that allows them to trend growth and adapt lesson plans. Currently, the district's direction is to focus on the growth process. I view this as a positive because student strengths and weaknesses can be identified. Part of this whole system is to get teachers and schools communicating which gives administrators the ability to analyze the district more completely. As the saying goes, you cannot improve what is not measured. Not only is the district's learning based focus working to help our student's, but 30 percent of this ties into the teacher's evaluation. Having our teacher's tied into this process is critical as it helps ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction.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'll answer this in two parts. First, the Board of Education is responsible for ensuring the district meets State of Illinois Standards. The board must work diligently to have the best team of administrators and teachers who will decide on the specific curriculum. Second, within the framework of this role the board of education must be a part of a checks and balances system. The board must understand if the curriculum is meeting the needs of both our students and our community, while adhering to state regulations. Not only does this apply to what is taught but the methodology of teaching. Parents who have young kids are experiencing a lot of change because today's learning is done differently. For example, within the Common Core framework our district teaches Eureka Math. From my research, I know this teaching methodology is working for district students. However, some parents have concerns when it comes to Eureka Math because it is such a departure from their own school years. Here, the board has the opportunity and I would say responsibility to work with those parents. Through active communication and transparency, a lot of hurdles can be overcome. Having direct, local ownership allows for a clear communication process. Lastly, I would suggest that the curriculum selection is but one part. Often there may be more than one right answer. What is undeniable is the training and support that goes along with a particular curriculum ultimately will determine our district's level of success.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?With the district's current debt sitting at approximately $160 million dollars, we know there is work to be done. Currently, the board has a manageable plan to repay that debt and they should be commended for taking the necessary steps to prevent proposing a tax increase. I do support the district's ten year outlook which maintains current tax rates, without increases, while maintaining our high educational standards. Similarly, the seven year safety and maintenance plan roadmaps necessary preventative maintenance and upgrades reasonably. One final spend category that requires attention is our technology budget. Providing students and teachers with the technology that will foster "self-directed, life-long learners" is critical. Our district must make the necessary investments. Again, this can happen without increasing taxes. On the income side there is the looming nature of Senate Bill 16. This Bill puts new formulas in place that provide increased funding for areas with large percentages of at-risk students. To increase their funding, districts like 304 would see a decrease in State funds. According to Geneva's "Comprehensive Annual Financial Report" for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 our annual short fall is estimated at $5 million dollars. Should this become reality, we will need to respond. Taking a macro view of future expenditures balanced against current needs will ensure money is spent wisely and only where necessary. Other major spend categories should also be forced ranked to further ensure we properly identify not only where money is spent, but in what order.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 concept of vouchers is intriguing, but as yet largely undefined as a means of working within an already functioning school district. Currently, 14 States, plus the District of Columbia, have some form of voucher system. Yet, no two programs are exactly alike and the methods of implementation vary greatly. With this in mind, I believe the Board of Education should be diligent in working with State Lawmakers to ensure we are not harmed in the name of progress. I'm all for seeking out creative methods to redefine who we are, but today's voucher system is not yet ready to simply be rolled out. District 304 has a vast majority of parents who have chosen this district in large part of the quality of education. Were a voucher system go into effect we would need to manage the individual schools differently. Monitoring and forecasting enrollment levels would take on new meaning. Voucher proponents often cite how the competitive nature of offering a choice to student will raise the quality of education. Who among us does not already believe we compete? I would suggest we actively compare ourselves to the best in Chicagoland. There is pride here and while vouchers may cause shifts in pocket size clusters, I do not believe simply offering a voucher improves our student's learning opportunities.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?It's important to me that voters know I will not lose sight of the largest district issues like our finances, tax implications or quality of education. With that said, I do have other key issues about which I care deeply. A few years ago, I spent significant time learning about the district's pronounced focus on the social and emotional well-being of our students. I believe our district leadership should be cognizant of societal pressure and not only continue with existing programs, but make sure the programs stay at the forefront of our future planning. Next, the continued development of the 21st century classroom is vitally important to our ability to create the independent students we desire. Lastly, as the appointed community liaison to the District's Communication Task Force, I am proud to be associated with the work this group has done. The transparency and effort that is being put into openly sharing vast amounts of knowledge through social media is awesome. I believe it is increasing the trust tax payers have in our administrators, teachers and elected officials. I am the only non-incumbent running for a seat on the board of education. I view this as a positive because I have what they do not. I have an outlook unweighted by the past and voice in this community that represents that of full time parent. I volunteer, I educate myself and I always find new ways to contribute to this district and community.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Jane Goodall, the iconic preservationist, is a consistent topic of conversation in our house. Favorite Goodall quote: "The greatest danger to our future is apathy."What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The importance of a supportive, loving and stable home to allow a child's natural emotional development to occur at an appropriate pace.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Travel. Experiencing different cultures and people broadens your world view and approach to humanity. This is especially important in today's world and political climate.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. Specifically focusing on the research aspect of historical projects. Now, as then, I use my natural curiosity to research and solve problems.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Encouraging them to have the self-confidence and perseverance it takes to create their own path in life.