Judith Weinstock: 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: Glen EllynWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Glenbard Township High School District 87 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: 61Family: divorced, two children (Both attended Glenbard West)Occupation: retired Glenbard West English and Gifted teacherEducation: Bachelor of Arts in English Education Journalism Master of Education in Educational Administration SupervisionCivic involvement: League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn Weimaraner Club of Northern IllinoisElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The school day needs to be reconfigured or expanded so students have room in their schedules for electives. For example, if a student wishes to participate in the music program for four years, that student will have to take summer school classes in order to meet graduation requirements. High school is probably the last opportunity many students will have to explore art, music, photography, fashion design, child development, etc.Key Issue 2 Fiscal solvency--maintaining a balanced budget with adequate reserves while also funding a comprehensive high school programKey Issue 3 It's important that we attract and employ visionary, competent leaders and talented teachers who are dedicated to the future of the district.Questions Answers Do you support the current district policy allowing physical education waivers for some seniors? Why? Would you support such a policy for juniors, as has been proposed by one board member?PE waivers allow seniors needed flexibility with their schedules. When my son was at West, PE waivers opened up his schedule so that he could take more Advanced Placement courses. He earned many college credits very economically that way. PE waivers would also help students who have no room for electives in their daily schedule. So, yes, I support the expansion of PE waivers to juniors.What are your views on where commencement exercises should take place?This decision should be made by the building principal.What do you think about the shift to the common core standards? How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?We need to ask an important question about the common core standards: What do students lose by being forced to focus so heavily on the limited curricula these standards provide? According to a 2012 article in Kappa Delta Pi Record no empirical evidence exists to show that one curriculum can prepare every student for any career. Students thrive when involved in student-centered, interdisciplinary, problem-based curricula. These standards de-emphasize the importance of other subjects that should be part of a truly comprehensive high school. Creativity, divergent thinking, innovation, musical and artistic talents need to be fostered as well. The current culture of constant testing is counter-productive to developing these important skills and talents.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?Historically, the Glenbard schools have always prepared their students quite well for the challenges they will face post-high school, whether that be college, employment, the military, etc. I hope to continue the analysis of and reflection about educational best practices that has partly contributed to this success.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax increases?Unlike many other school districts in today's economic climate, District 87 is fiscally solvent. It also has an excellent bond rating. Therefore, I see no need to raise taxes or make any cuts at this time.