Tricia Tillotson: 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: NapervilleWebsite: http://www.tricia204.comOffice sought: Indian Prairie Unit D204Age: 46Family: Married, one childOccupation: Part-time recess supervisor and crossing guard for District 204Education: Limited x-ray license, University of California, 1991Civic involvement: Crone PTSA, South Pointe Swim Team, Holy Spirit Catholic Community, Wheatland Township Republican Organization, GROWElected offices held: Precinct Committeeman for Wheatland Township, Precinct 15, 2010-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 In these economic times our first priority should be fiscal responsibility. We cannot count on money that may/may not come from Springfield. We have to be prepared to operate with what we have right now and continue to be resourceful in conserving and generating funds.Key Issue 2 I will support and promote quality education. 1. I value District 204's practice of not only meeting, but exceeding, academic standards. I will fully support ALL opportunities to promote that practice with existing funds.2. Teachers are essential to quality education. After parents, teachers are the most important educators. Again, I will fully support ALL opportunities to promote/support our teachers within the budget, and without increasing taxes.Key Issue 3 Building trust and increasing communication within the community. This issue includes three of my goals as a board member. 1. As a responsible leader, I have the will to ask the hard, #8220;unpopular#8221; questions in order to gather facts. And if time allows, I will encourage the board to solicit feedback from the community. After thoroughly researching the issues I will put forward solid and thoughtfully-considered solutions to our district's challenges.2. Transparency is #8220;key#8221;, to building trust within the community.3. I will represent our entire community. Many residents do not have children enrolled in our schools, but continue to contribute to the school system through ever-increasing property taxes. They need to be assured that their contributions are well invested.Questions Answers Do you support retaining teacher tenure rules that make it nearly impossible to fire teachers?No, because in other industries if the employee does not meet the standards of the employment; the employment is terminated. There are no guarantees in THE real world.Do you support merit pay for teachers?Yes, of course. If our children do well in school, don't they get better grades and acceptance in better universities? I am not familiar with the policy used to choose candidates for merit increases. It is important, especially in these economic times, that there are clear lines that distinguish #8220;meritorious#8221; work versus doing a good job. If teachers go above and beyond they should be rewarded for their efforts.The district is trying to reconnect with the community and regain its trust through open communication and more transparency. Is that mission being accomplished?Yes and no. Yes the district has increased its efforts to spread information via electronic phone system, Facebook access, website updates and easy access to school board meeting videos. Unfortunately, these methods do not allow for immediate/spontaneous interactions between the community and the district. For example, public comment at the school board meeting follows agenda items that are sometimes pre-determined. Another way to reconnect with the community is to re-instate citizens' committees. Lastly, by posting the school district's checkbook register online it will help with transparency and that builds trust.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?First and foremost, we all have to accept the fact THERE IS NO MONEY IN SPRINGFIELD!!! And no matter how many #8220;Caravans to Springfield#8221; we send, the fact that there is no money is not going to change. All budget issues have to be confronted. It is difficult for me to be specific about cutting programs and expenses without more information. As you will recall, my second campaign issue is to support/promote quality education within the budget. With the projected $8 million surplus, the district could send a message by returning it to the taxpayers, which might be around $200 per household. Also, public sector employees should pay the same amount out of pockets as those in the private sector for their health insurance. I ABSOLUTELY DO NOT SUPPORT ANY TAX INCREASE!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?Overall, I personally think that we get a good result; however, it comes at an extremely high cost. The people are being crushed by high property taxes and lower home values. I believe that it is a disservice to our children if the district does not model living within its means the way our households do.