Brenda Murphy: 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: Des PlainesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Des Plaines Elementary D62Age: 48Family: married, two childrenOccupation: librarian, substitute teacherEducation: Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Spanish, University of Illinois, 1984Master of Science in Library and Information Science, University of Illinois, 1985Certificate in Professional Accounting#151;CPA Preparation, Oakton Community College, 2004Civic involvement: Des Plaines Kiwanis Board of DirectorsFirst United Methodist Church of Des Plaines: Treasurer, Trustee, Church Council, Finance CommitteeElected offices held: Board of Education, CCSD 62, Des Plaines, 1999-presentLow Incidence Cooperative Agreement (LICA) Board of Control, 2005-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The school district must continue to provide a quality education for all students at a reasonable cost.Key Issue 2 Implementation of the master planning process for continuous improvement in teaching and learning is proceeding well. I would be an asset in seeing the process through to completion.Key Issue 3 The Board of Education is responsible for maintaining the financial stability of the district. We must ensure that district finances are well-managed and effectively used to support the education programs for students.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your district is preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?Public schools are in the business of continually improving teaching and learning. We can always learn more, so I will never be satisfied with where we are today. I support the changes that the community requested through our master planning process. For example, the technology infusion priority will help prepare our students for success in the 21st century.What budget issues will the district have to confront? What measures do you support to address them? If cuts are needed, be specific about programs and expenses that should be reduced or eliminated. Do you support any tax increases for local schools?The board must continue to be careful stewards of the community's resources. We must monitor expenses to ensure the continued financial stability of the district. Des Plaines is a wonderful community that values quality education. Because of the importance residents place on education, they have been willing to provide the necessary financial support.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.The presence of a variety of points of view is important for the board as it works to make the best possible decisions. My work as a substitute teacher in a neighboring district provides helpful insights. However, a board solely composed of educators would not include the appropriate diversity of thought to adequately represent the community.As contract talks come up with various employee groups, what posture should the board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?The board represents the community during contract talks with employee groups. The board should work with employees to reach a reasonable agreement that reflects current economic reality and provides long-term financial security for the school district.If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?Such an increase could trigger significant monetary penalties to the Teacher's Retirement System. I would not support an increase that would result in the payment of penalties.