Chelsea D. Schopper: 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: Candidate did not respondWebsite: NoOffice sought: College of Lake CountyAge: 31Family: Husband George, daughter Payton, son Aaron (and baby Ally on the way).Occupation: Special Education TeacherEducation: National Louis University; Wheeling, IL.; Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in the Foster G. McGaw Graduate School of the National College of Education December 2006, Major Sequence: M.A.T in Special Education; Illinois State University; Normal, IL., Bachelor of Science in the College of Applied Science and Technology May 2001, Major Sequence: Health Education, Community; College of Lake County; Grayslake, IL, Attended both credit and non-credit courses including Continuing Education CoursesCivic involvement: Illinois State University Student Ambassador (year 2000-2001), Volunteer Special Friends Sunday School Teacher and speaker at The Chapel, Illinois Special Olympics volunteer, Member (and former Secretary) of the Lake County Young Republicans, Member of the Grant Township Republican Club, Precinct Committeeman (2006-present), Chairperson for the Grant Township Lincoln Day Dinner, Secretary of the Lake County Republican Central Committee (2007-present), Volunteer for many local and state wide political campaigns, Member of the Lake County Federation of Teachers (AFT). Bill Brady for Governor-Lake County Parade/Event coordinator; Precinct Committeemen; Voter registrar Elected offices held: precinct committeemen (appointed)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I believe that every person in our county deserves the opportunity to receive a quality education at an affordable price.Key Issue 2 I believe that all taxpayer supported organizations including educational institutions has a duty to be fiscally responsible.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respondQuestions Answers With enrollment up at my many community colleges, it can be challenging to keep pace as far as available classroom/lab space, the number of qualified teachers and available course work options. How would you manage that?CLC's enrollment is currently at one of its highest points which has been a great thing for CLC. Unlike many community colleges, CLC has been able to expand outside its main campus of Grayslake. The Lakeshore campus and the Waukegan campus are additional campuses that have been added to help keep up with the growing enrollment pace. CLC is also offering classes in many high schools throughout the county. Teacher positions have been and may be continue to increase with the increase of enrollment which will also help the increase of employment in our county. The future may also support the opening of an additional campus (possibly in the Northwest portion of the county) if the need is warranted to serve the people of Lake County.In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice equates into an educational benefit?As a previous student of CLC, I can personally assure anyone that the quality of education at CLC is outstanding. CLC has a fantastic reputation to make sure that the highest level of education is provided and I intend to keep the high standards of education that CLC already adheres to. Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?No, CLC's current economic status is doing well without a tax increaseCommunity colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?The research team at CLC is continually doing needs assessments to research services that the college should be providing. As a board of trustee member, I would use the data found with this research to support services that are needed to serve our community. If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the park board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.My husband George and I were both born and raised in Lake County, and are proud to be raising our children here as well. We feel that it is our duty, as citizens of Lake County, to take an active part in all aspects of life in Lake County, giving back to the community that has given so much to us. My experiences in both business and education have afforded me the opportunity to develop the skills, passions and drive necessary to successfully serve the people of Lake County as a member of the College of Lake County Board of Trustees.