Sean O'Brien Sullivan: 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: Park RidgeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Maine Township H.S. D207Age: 49Family: Married four children in the school districtOccupation: College Administrator Vice President/CFO/Treasurer of Triton College Community College District 504Education: BS in Political Science minor in Criminal Justice, Illinois State University, 1984Juris Doctorate, IIT - Chicago Kent 1987Civic involvement: Over the past 25 years:Boy scouts; Alpha Phi Omega, Service Fraternity; Jaycees; Rotary and numerous other civic and service organizationsElected offices held: Member, 207 School BoardHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My only campaign issue is students first. When I serve and vote on the Board, I vote with what I think is in the best interest of the students first. That includes all areas of the School District. Hiring, firing, budget, layoffs, programs, sports, facilities etc. I try to balance all of these potentially competing issues against each other and make the decision that I think will help the students in the greatest way possible.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key 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?I don't know that I am fully satisfied with the preparation any school is giving our student's of today. I can tell you that I believe and strive for District 207 to do the best possible job that we can do within the limitations that exist within the district.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 do not support a tax increase that requires a special levy or bond issue, but I do believe that the district must maintain expenditures within the natural level of inflationary costs, including outside economic pressures and the school district's negotiated agreements.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 do believe that experience is a valuable asset when running for any board. Likewise, I believe that a diverse set of Board members, with diverse experiential backgrounds is important for a well functioning Board. I believe that as a board member, I try to serve the interests of all of our constituencies, including faculty. I would hope I deserve the support of the faculty association because I have performed well in my duties as a Board Member.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?As a person with over 15 years experience in negotiating with Unions, I think that you cannot be predisposed toward seeking any singular outcome such as ""concessions"". I do personally believe that in the long term interest of the tax payers and the district, the Board's negotiating team must find the balance between compensation and district income. It simply not all go to salaries nor can it go solely to programs. Two sides working together to find balance is what works.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?Not applicable