Marchell Norris: 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: Round LakeWebsite: http://www.NorrisForSchoolBoard.comOffice sought: Grayslake Elementary D46Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: I come from a family with two sisters and one brother. All of the men in my family served proudly in the U.S Military. I am the mother of one daughter that currently attends 5th grade at Park School.Occupation: Private Business Owner (Outside of District 46)Education: BS Business DePaul University Chicago IllinoisMBA University of Notre Dame South Bend IndianaCivic involvement: Church VolunteerCASA VolunteerElected offices held: N/AHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Implementing policies that ensure school district #46 is held financially accountable to the taxpayers of Grayslake, while maintaining the quality of education within our schools.Key Issue 2 Transparency of all business related for which taxpayer money is used. It is my belief that this is a requirement in order for financial accountability to be effective. At all times we must remember that we are stewards of the money provided by the taxpayers, therefore school districts must be set up to provide access to any and all information that allow the taxpayers to review how their money is being spent, and make decisions regarding changes they would like to see made. Key Issue 3 Ethical decision making is my third campaign issue, because I believe without policies in place that not only direct but require school boards, and administrators to follow the will of the people, the system will not work effectively. Ethical decisions are not a function of how 7 people on a school board ""feel"", ethical decisions are calibrated against how well they align with the the policies that are in place.Questions Answers How should the district approach the next teachers union contract talks? Would you be willing to pursue salary cuts or freezes? Explain your answer.The district should approach the next teacher#146;s union talks with an open mind and the realization that we are all in this together. We all want what is best for the children in the long term. Therefore, I believe it is essential that we be able to tackle all issues to ensure that we can protect the long term viability of the schools in our district.Transparency has been an issue at District 46. How do you believe the district is doing with conducting the public#146;s business? Any suggestions for improvements?I strongly believe that at all times individuals in public office need to remember that they are stewards of the taxpayer#146;s money. Therefore, it is incumbent upon any individual in public office to be prepared to explain, justify or defend decisions that are made and clearly communicate how they 1) align with current policy or 2) are part of a recommendation for a change in policy. My recommendation to District 46 is to adopt a policy of transparency to ensure that at all times, the taxpayers are aware of and agree with how their their tax dollars are being spent.How do you view the relationship with South Carolina-based consultant Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Inc., which has given awards the district has promoted and hosted conventions that staffers have attended in warm-weather locations in December?I believe that often times perception is just as important as the facts surrounding an issue, therefore it is imperative that we as a district not allow ourselves to fall into a situation that would appear to be inappropriate and at all times make decisions about meeting locations, etc separate from decisions made about consultancy agreements.When a consulting company lands a high dollar from the contract front eh district and then later hosts meetings in warm weather locations like Myrtle Beach or Disney it can have the perception of impropriety. This is why states like Massachusetts completely outlawed this type relationship between physicians and medical device and drug companies, to ensure that patient health was the only reason that doctors were prescribing and not be invited to posh warm weather locations to ""discuss issues"".What steps, if any, should the district take in response to an audit late last year that found the need for tighter controls on student activity funds?The district should create a policy that puts tighter controls on student activity funds. It is highly inappropriate for the district to require money from hard working taxpayers, many of whom, took on extra shifts or additional work to ensure that their child could afford to participate in extracurricular activities, to only later be told that the funds were unaccounted for. When this issue made headlines it was saddening because this type behavior is disrespectful to the parents, the students and not indicative of the capabilities of the high caliber teachers, staff and administrators that we have in District 46.Do you think the names of individuals who are the subject of personnel action in an open meeting should appear on the agenda for the meeting? Why or why not? Currently the district omits the names of such individuals.Ultimately it is the taxpayer#146;s dollars that are funding any personnel decision and I believe that all issues which are funded by taxpayer dollars should be completely open for taxpayers to review and comment. this would include new hire positions. Grayslake constituents should know who is being hired in the district. Their role, their qualifications as well as their background, should all be open for review. In addition, there is a direct relationship between the success of the child in school and parental involvement. Parents need to know who could be interacting with and around their child. If a person is the subject of personnel action parents have a right to know the nature of the action. Parents need to know the specific details of what is happening at their child's school at all times, they must have access to information that will allow them to make informed decisions about what is in the best interest of their child.