Jim Nelson: 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: Crystal LakeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Crystal Lake H.S. D155Age: 54Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: Director at Ernst Young LLPEducation: 1981 Graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a BBA in Marketing and FinanceCivic involvement: Current CHSD155 Board MemberDate: 2003 - PresentChicago Cares Team CaptainDate: 2005-2007 Perspectives Charter School Giving Program Committee MemberDate: 2005-present Religious Education Co-TeacherDate: 1998-1999 Youth Basketball/Soccer CoachDate: 1992-1996Elected offices held: District 155 Board 2003 - presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Rather than focus on specific issues, I will outline three reasons why I wish to continue to serve on the CHSD 155 Board. I have lived in the district for over 20 years and experienced firsthand the preparation necessary for our youth to be successful in the world beyond high school. I want to continue to ensure that our students obtain a high quality education and are empowered to lead fulfilling and successful lives after high school.Key Issue 2 Second, we are experiencing unprecedented economic challenges, including the state financial crisis and falling property values. If reelected, I will ensure that taxpayers#146; money is spent in a responsible manner and continue to emphasize the Board#146;s commitment to a balanced budget. As a Board member, I am accountable to the community for investments made to support the education of our students. I have served on the Finance Committee for 6 years. Although other local districts have made program cuts or gone to the public for referenda, we have been fortunate enough to improve our facilities and programs while maintaining a balanced budget.Key Issue 3 Third, I am running because continuity of the Board will be critical as the District faces upcoming economic challenges and transitioning personnel. I have had the honor to serve with this Board for the past 8 years and, if reelected, will continue to focus on supporting and guiding the administration. In addition to the economic challenges, we will be filling two vital roles in the District over the next 24 months due to retirements. This year, we will begin a search for a new Chief Financial Officer and a new Superintendent. Reelecting experienced Board members helps ensure that these transitions will go smoothly.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?I am very satisfied with the preparation our children are receiving for their lives beyond high school, be it college, the military or the workforce. We are very proud that our ACT composite scores continue to be well above the state and national averages. We are continuously evaluating our curricula and instructional methods to ensure our students are learning and understanding the subject matter. Two examples of this include offering classes in Mandarin Chinese and pre-engineering courses through Project Lead the Way. We also have instituted Course Learning Teams, which allow teachers who teach similar classes to share ideas and strategies to improve learning. In addition, our extracurricular activities including Science Olympiad, World Language Clubs, W.Y.S.E. Club, Math Team, Speech Team and athletic programs enrich our students#146; lives. Everything we do is focused on our mission, which is to inspire a love for learning, empower the pursuit of personal aspirations and nurture a desire to contribute to the world.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?All publicly funded organizations will continue to face serious budget challenges. We started to take action last year by cutting $2.5 million from this year#146;s budget. Again, we have been fortunate to maintain a balanced budget without compromising the quality of our services or facilities. The District is financially strong and earned a top fiscal ranking from the State for several years running. We understand that the taxpayers trust us to provide quality education to our students while being fiscally responsible and not over spending. We will continue to evaluate our programs and expenses to ensure the District stays financially sound. Since I have been on the Board, we have worked to live within our means while providing an excellent learning environment for our teachers and students. The last referendum was in the mid-1990s to build Prairie Ridge High School. We will pay off that bond obligation in 4 years and will reduce that portion of the tax obligation for taxpayers. I would not support a referendum to increase taxes to operate the District at this 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.Although I do not have teaching experience, I place tremendous value on input from teachers and staff. They are on the frontlines in the classrooms and can provide valuable insight that helps shape the future of the District. Their input can be secured through committee action and communication with administration and department chairs. The RD Committees are a great vehicle to facilitate this input and involve the certified staff in the strategic planning and the shaping of the District for the future. I do not think that listening to the concerns and ideas of our teachers creates bias, rather it provides an open dialogue between the Board, the administration and those working directly with our students.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?In my opinion, the relationship between the Board, administration, certified and non-certified staff needs to be one of trust, mutual respect, open communication and fairness. Again, current economic conditions present significant challenges. CHSD 155 is unique in that many of our administrators and staff are paying taxes and raising their families within the district. Everyone has a stake in the long-term financial health of CHSD 155. All stakeholders are aware of the difficult decisions to be made in order to maintain our standing as one of the top districts in the state. We will work to ensure that all sides are heard and weigh the relative importance of differing demands.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?I would not support any substantial increase in pay to boost a pension benefit for a superintendent or other administrator. Our Superintendent and administrators are very well compensated including contributions into the Teachers Retirement System (TRS).