Richard Kerns: Candidate Profile

Back to Aurora West Unit District 129 School Board

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: North AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Aurora West Unit District 129 School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Wife, Lisa, of almost 20 years, who is a teacher in the district and 3 children who are in the district.Occupation: Financial AdvisorEducation: BS in Business Management from UICCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.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?1.Rich's family is committed to District 129. During this term, he will have a child at the high school, middle school and elementary school level and his wife is a teacher in the district. He has been very involved in all levels of the district for over 6 years.2.Rich wants to make sure that whether a student goes on to college or straight into a career, they are prepared to compete globally and be successful.3.Rich loves the tradition and the community in West Aurora 129 and wants to see the district continue to improve for all children.4.Rich was Co-Chairman of the WAVE committee to help pass the referendum to bring needed improvements to our schools and wants to see that fully completed.5.Rich has attended over 100 board meetings and school education forums. He understands the board's thorough decision-making process to make sure all sides are heard before a decision is rendered.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 have seen the measurement of success improve over the last couple years as the district has made a concerted effort to look at many data points and tried to zero in on areas for improvement. I like that the administration is trying to consolidate the amount of testing of students and I would like to see that continued. I also want to see more student involvement in their test scores to create personal goals in order to have investment in their own growth.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 that the board should continue in its role in oversight and as a board member I will ask if the curriculum is accomplishing our goals of furthering our students education and preparing them to successfully matriculate through our schools and be adequately prepared for their post secondary education.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 issues we face are by and large a result of a failure at the state level to approve a budget and fair and equitable school funding. Our administration is working closely with the state to try and get something passed and I fully support this. I would do everything possible to preserve our programs and do not support any tax or fee increases.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?As a board member it would be my mission to strengthen West Aurora 129 to such extent that our residents would choose to have their children educated here.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Candidate did not respond.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Candidate did not respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Candidate did not respond.