Susie Kopacz: 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: HampshireWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Community Unit D300Age: 57Family: Married for 34 years to Gary. 3 daughters, 1 grandsonOccupation: Future Executive Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics. Small Business owner in Kane County for 30 years. Trainer for over 300 sales force women and current personal customer base of 300 people.Education: BS in History; Illinois State University 1975Certified K-12 teacher in Illinois, Iowa and NebraskaCivic involvement: Member of Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce; Board Member of Women in Business, NKCCElected offices held: Former BOE District 300, 2003-2007, Vice President of D300 BOE 2005-07Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 FINANCES - All school districts in Illinois are operating under financial constraints due to our state's budget crisis. Living within our budgeted means is a necessity. However, focusing on the needs of students must take priority when making cuts and adjustments to the district's budget.Key Issue 2 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT - I look forward to working with District 300 administration and faculty to ensure that not only are NCLB (No Child Left Behind) levels met but that each school attain the highest levels of achievement possible. My vision is for all students to achieve to their highest potential and prepare them for a successful life as an adult.Key Issue 3 FUTURE FOCUSED - Times are changing and so is the way students learn and what they need to know for the future. Making sure our District is on the cutting edge of technology, business and life skills should be a focus for the Board of Education and D300 Administration.Questions Answers What prompted you to run for the D300 board? If you're a newcomer, how will you make a difference? If you're an incumbent, how have you made a difference?I served on the D300 BOE from 2003-2007. I came into the position when the district was crawling out of a huge debt and in my four year tenure, saw the district erase the debt completely. Now, due to the State of Illinois' budget deficits, we are facing debt again not due to our own doing. I chose to not run for re-election in 2007 due to being the sole care-giver for my elderly parents. Now that they are deceased, and my children in college or married, my time is more free to pursue election again. I am passionate about education having been a teacher myself. My experience as a teacher gives me valuable insight to the needs of students and teachers alike. However, having been a successful small business owner for 30 years, I feel I bring experiences and knowledge to the Board from that perspective - including the hiring of employees and the skills needed in today's workforce. In addition to those experiences, I am a taxpayer. I understand the concerns citizens have in District 300 of higher tax bills. As everyone faces financial concerns during this recession, it is important for Board members to keep an open mind to the citizens of District 300 and their financial concerns and expectations for a District that not only is fiscally sound and debt free, but able to provide excellence in education to all students.With significant budget cuts already made and more on the horizon, how do you propose the district maintain teaching standards? Please be specific.Good teachers have an underlying moral value of helping students achieve. Whether they have the resources or not, teachers will work to ensure a student's success, of that I have no doubt. But I also know the District 300 Administration, especially the curriculum department is committed to meeting state standards and more. I look forward to working with the administration to use creativity and manpower to meet goals of excellence. Education WILL take place, no matter what. Doing without gives teachers the opportunity to be creative with their time and talents and I have no doubt they will NOT let the students fail. With those values and the Administration's pursuit of a quality education, I believe the students in District 300 will still be provided academic excellence.If various unions fail to meet a list of concessions to save the district about $5.2 million, administrators warn cuts would hurt students. What is your approach to contract talks?I have experience with contract negotiations in District 300 previously. I firmly believe that the union leaders are in agreement that concessions will be agreed upon. My approach is to meet with union leaders as equals working towards a common goal where both sides will agree and the solution fairly and quickly reached.Should the district continue to provide programs that receive funding from the state, but are not mandatory? If so, which ones?I do not have at hand a list of non-mandatory programs that are funded by the State. Therefore I would be remiss in expressing an opinion or specifics. However every program should be considered as to the effectiveness and necessity in its providing needed curriculum to students. Careful consideration must be made in choosing programs with the concerns being equal of student achievement and financial budget constraints.What changes can the new superintendent make to ensure the best educational opportunities for students in District 300?I look forward to the leadership that will be provided by Mr.Bregy. I have witnessed his work ethic and his passion for students and believe he is well suited for his new position as superintendent. I believe he will surround himself with a core group of administrators that are like minded in their pursuit of excellence. The changes he proposes I am sure will focus on the necessary details of running a district that faces financial restraints and at the same time keep the central focus on student achievement. I say this with confidence as I have personally witnessed Mr. Bregy's past successes within the district.