Robert Fetzner: 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: http://www.RobertFetzner.comOffice sought: Crystal Lake Elementary D47Age: 35Family: I am married to Jessica a teacher in District 155 and have two children Andrew 3 1/2 and Caroline 2Occupation: I am an attorney at Buxton KasperEducation: Bachelor in Secondary Education History Ball State University 1998JD Thomas M. Cooley Law School 2001Civic involvement: Board Member School District 47Volunteer Assistant Coach Crystal Lake Central High School Varsity Boys BasketballElected offices held: Board Member School District 47, 2009-20011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal Responsibility. As a board we have pledged to balance the budget for the 2012-2013 school year. It is my goal to not only balance the budget but also to maintain the current programs for our students.Key Issue 2 Students academic growth and achievement. I will work with our administrators and teachers to continue to focus on these issues.Key Issue 3 Maintain the integrity of our buildings to provide the best learning environment for our students and provide teachers with the best possible resources including technological advances.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?District 47 does an excellent job of preparing students for high school. I will continue to support the elementary and high school districts meeting to discuss what if any areas need improvement for our students success.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?Balancing the budget. I, along with the board, have pledged to balance the budget by fiscal year 2012-2013. As for cuts the District will save salary and benefit costs by not replacing retiring teachers.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 believe that experienced teachers are one of our most valuable resources, and I support them. I would gladly accept union support.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 just negotiated a contract with our teachers, and they were willing, for the good of the school district, to accept some concessions.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?No. A substantial increase in pay does not meet my goal of fiscal responsibility.