Kathy A. Powell: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: http://www.vote125for125.orgOffice sought: Stevenson H.S. D125Age: 49Family: Married to husband Jim. Together we have 8 children and are expecting our first grandchild in May.Occupation: Practice AdministratorEducation: Attended Ravenswood Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago, ILCivic involvement: Actively provide support to various organizations that provide social services and outreach within the community.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal Responsibility-Reduce spending in non-critical areas.-Keep taxes aligned with declining enrollment.-Govern the practice of approving annual maximum tax levies.Key Issue 2 Excellence in Education-Promote critical thinking skills in every area of study.-Recruit and retain the best teachers.-Achieve Blue Ribbon Status again.Key Issue 3 Fresh Leadership-Bring new perspective and transparency to the board.-Elevate educational experience for ALL students.-Partner with parents in the educational process.Questions Answers Stevenson High has an ethnically diverse campus. Does it do enough to connect with kids from other racial or cultural backgrounds or to reach students and families who don#146;t speak English as their primary language? If not, cite programs you#146;d recommend.It appears that SHS is reaching these families but there maybe opportunities to extend that reach. For instance, offering English as a second language for interested families through PREP.Should the district pursue mergers or partnerships with other districts to save money? Provide examples.It's fiscally responsible to explore potential opportunities and partnerships for efficiencies and cost containment. In the private sector consolidation continues to be a means for further growth and development. This principal should definitely be considered for application across school districts.Some residents have questioned district finances and taxes homeowners pay to Stevenson. Do you agree with the way finances have been run? Please explain.In recent years we have seen an increase with Stevenson's budget while student enrollment continues to decline. Based on the substantial surplus maintained by the district the current decision to abate the taxes is questionable, and the practice of passing maximum annual tax levies is unsustainable.How involved should the board and parents be in choosing reading materials for students? Should parents be able to veto books assigned to students? Please explain.The school board has the ultimate authority to approve proposed curriculum. Board members also have a responsibility to parents, students and taxpayers to set education goals, the selection of textbooks, instructional material and courses of instruction through policy. Parents should have a voice in the selection of reading materials. By listening to parents concerns the board is better equipped to weigh various factors to address differences on perspectives regarding content. The Statesman battled questions over perceived censorship. Should high-school journalists have the same First Amendment rights as professionals? Explain your opinion.First Amendment rights should be protected, however, the decision of the board to provide additional oversight was prudent based upon the controversy the Statesman had generated. As in mainstream journalism, it is important to present the facts and to take into account other points of view. Students are there to learn, gain experience and apply appropriate discretion.