Maricela Perez: 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: AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: West Aurora D129Age: 45Family: Married, two childrenOccupation: Nurse PractitionerEducation: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Aurora University, 1988Masters of Science in Nursing, Northern Illinois University, 2004Civic involvement: Y-Me Breast Cancer VolunteerOur Lady of Good Counsel Church Health Ministry VolunteerSchool District 129 Board Member 2009-presentElected offices held: noneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Education for all studentsKey Issue 2 Improve Student LearningKey Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.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?Even thought strides have been made to ease these transitions, we need to continue to work on the transition from middle school to the high school. We need to increase the rigor of academics in all levels.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?I believe that most of our budget problems will be handled as they have been in the past few years that the State has not come through with their payments. Student learning is most important.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.I don't have this experience, but I do value the insight of teachers who are working daily in the classrooms full of 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?We all have to compromise in this economic environment. We all need to work together to come up with a plan that makes the most sense for all.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?Absolutely not. It's not right in any way.