Bill Robertson: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: PalatineWebsite: http://www.electrobertson.comOffice sought: Palatine-Schaumburg H.S. D211Age: 30Family: I was born in Barrington, Illinois, and am single with a majority of family who was raised in Barrington.Occupation: Assistant Principal (non-union position), Jefferson High School, Rockford Public Schools #205Education: Master of Arts, Concordia University ChicagoMaster of Arts, Rockford CollegeBachelor of Science, Western Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Board Member, Village of Palatine Zoning Board of AppealsBoard Member, The Bridge Youth and Family Services Board of DirectorsHuman Resources Committee, The Bridge Youth and Family Services Board of DirectorsFundraising Chair, Palatine Township Republican OrganizationElected offices held: N/AHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Create Financial TransparencyWe need to be aware of how we are spending our money. We must create accountability by bringing transparency to District finances. By taking actions such as posting the District checkbook online, the community can be actively involved in ensuring their money is being spent wisely. With the participation of the community, we can make certain we are allocating our finances towards resources that most benefit student instruction and learning.Key Issue 2 Foster Academic Progress and Improve Test ScoresOur schools are not making Adequate Yearly Progress. We must improve our reading and math scores in order to perform up to the Illinois State Board of Education standards. To accomplish this, we have to support our school experts and develop a systematic plan to increase reading and literacy instruction in our schools. This will increase PSAE test scores in order to make AYP.Key Issue 3 Involve Parents and the Community to Create Life-Long LearnersThe single most important factor that determines student success is the teacher, which is why we must provide them with the training and materials they need to perform their duties, and then hold them accountable for student achievement. However, we must also involve parents, members of the community, and other stakeholders in the educational process. Our goal is to ensure our high school graduates become life-long learners.Questions Answers Evaluate how the District 211 has used the money from the 2005 tax-hike referendum.The money allocated from the 2005 referendum has allowed the district to continue to operate with maintaining existing programs within our schools. The current year budget also reflects 4 million dollars in budget reductions. I believe that we need to be aware of how we are spending our money, and better inform the community of district expenditures by publishing the detailed checkbook ledger online.What steps must District 211 take to further bolster its reputation as one of the best high school district in the state?Our schools are not making Adequate Yearly Progress. We must improve our test scores in order to exceed the Illinois State Board of Education standards. We also need to create life-long learners who have a genuine interest in learning. I intend to solicit and encourage public input and involvement in the educational process.How well does the district spread resources and funding among its five schools? Is there equality or do things need to change? Cite examples, if you can.It is my understanding that the same formulas are utilized district-wide for staffing, budget allocations, and various other resources. There is also a standard curriculum for all schools within the district. I believe that all resources should be spread equally among all schools in the District.If elected, you will participate in negotiating the next teacher contract. What should change, if anything, in the next contract, and how well does Dist. 211 balance the need to retain top teaching talent with fiscal responsibility?I am motivated by what is best for the students. We need to retain the highest quality teachers, but must maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency all at the same time.Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.Experience in the field of education is extremely beneficial. The familiarity with educational procedures and practices will prove to be an asset to the Board. I work in the education field as a high school assistant principal (non-union position) due to my passion for education; I am also an advocate for what is best for our youth and the community. To me, what#146;s important is that I am focused on providing our youth with the best possible education, creating life-long learners, and being a wise steward with the public#146;s money in the process. I am grateful for anyone willing to entrust me with their support, but my decisions on every matter will focus solely on what is best for our school district and our youth.