Sonal Amin: 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: Hanover ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Carol Stream Elementary District 93 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: House Wife and volunteer parent at schools for District 93.Education: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected 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 I do not have any campaign issue now.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers 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?I feel that the shift to the Common Core Standards is a good idea. The Illinois Sate Standards were based in specific content information and the Common Core Standards are based in college and career readiness. This shift should help our young people become more successful in college and also more prepared for their future careers. The Illinois State Standards were difficult for parents to understand. The Common Core Standards are specifically written so that the students and parents understand what they must learn. I believe this shift will allow the Common Core Standards to become a communicate tool for all stakeholders to use. I believe that the School Board serves more in an advisory role interns of setting curriculum. The Board must make sure that the Common Core Standards are being met. However, the teachers are the professionals and they know how to best meet those Common Core Standards in the classroom setting.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 moved into District 93 specifically for the schools. I conducted extensive research on the school districts in the area and I am very pleased with the education my three children have obtained while enrolled in District 93 schools. As far as making changes, I am very active in the schools as a PTA Member and also in several District wide committees. I have learned through my involvement that it is not change I am most interested in, but rather the opportunity to become more deeply involved. I love researching and educating myself on how the school system works. I would like to play a bigger roll in the continued success of our District and see how those decision translate into classrooms.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?Candidate did not respond.As contract talks come up with various school employee groups, do you believe the district should ask for concessions from its employees, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?This is a difficult question for me to answer at this time as I do not have a fully disclosed budget to work from. I would need this type of information along with a list of future programs and their projected costs. I believe that I tend to be a person willing to compromise. The District's Mission " Working Together, Nurturing the Potential " mirrors my thoughts on this particular issue. I want our District to provide the best possible education to our kids yet, support the dedicated staff who make this happen everyday.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?Candidate did not respond.