Evelyn Schneider: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: GenevaWebsite: www.eveschneider.comOffice sought: Geneva Unit District 304 School Board Age: 47Family: I live with my husband, our 2 children and our dog in Geneva. We have lived in Geneva since March of 2000. We moved to Geneva after extensive research on schools and the community.Occupation: School CounselorEducation: *Bachelor of Arts Degree in the Teaching of Spanish from University of Illinois at Chicago - 1989 *Master of Arts Degree in School Counseling from Concordia University in River Forest - 1994 *Additional 45 hours of education in various subjectsCivic involvement: Mother/Wife Former Volunteer - Little League Assistant Coach Former Soccer Team Mom Pro-Bono College/Career Planning Strong Supporter of our Nation's Military and Law Enforcement Active Member of our Church Member of Illinois Association of College Admissions CounselorsElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately 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?As a Unit District, Geneva CUSD 304, prepares students as they transition from one school to the next. Programs are in place to welcome new students and for those students moving from one grade level to the next. Neighborhood elementary schools are where kids meet each other from just down the block to several blocks away. From there, our middle schools divide our numbers in half; each half getting a mirrored physical building with equal access and education. At the high school level, students are brought all together for their final 4 years. Geneva student statistics are remarkable, well above the average in test scores, college entrance and employment. Our students are producing at every level and every new milestone. Students not only learn letters and numbers, but how to be productive members of society that give back to their community. Our students become natural leaders in the world and incorporate teamwork. At this time I see no need for any changes. I am open to new ideas and approaches to benefit students new to Geneva, for those who transition from one building to another, and our students heading to college and to the world of work.What budgetary issues will your district have to confront during the next four years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, be specific about programs and expenses that should be considered for reduction or elimination. On the income side, do you support any tax increases for local schools? Again, be specific.Federal and state cuts make it problematic for schools to be funded. We must find creative ways how to use the money we have while maintaining a quality education. It's no secret that staff compensation and wages utilize a substantial bulk of resources; however we must place the best teachers in the classroom and keep them for our students to be the best learners and to have the most opportunities available as they enter a new life beyond the walls of our schools. This entails providing appropriate professional development and the necessary training to keep expectation of teachers and students far ahead of the curve. Our support staff and administration will have to be second to none to continue what Geneva has educationally. I moved to Geneva because of the great schools. At this time I see no need for cuts. Our community is in the forefront for education and living. As far as tax increases, I would support minor increases if it means that Geneva can uphold its balance of being the best school district and having a supportive community in which to live. No one 'wants' to pay more money in taxes for schools or otherwise. What I hear the most is how to balance an exceptional education while our community is a great place in which to live. It is integral for Geneva to be a place where others want buy a house; where businesses thrive; where we raise our children and where we want to retire.Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?I am employed as a School Counselor at Glenbard High School District 87. I have been at Glenbard East since Fall of 1995. I began my education career in 1989 as a Spanish Teacher at Oak Park River Forest High School. A school board would only flourish if a current member of the education world is elected. I have worked in four school districts, none of which had a current teacher elected to the Board of Education. The complexities of the world of education deserve a voice. That missing voice is me. No member of my direct family is employed by Geneva CUSD 304.As contract talks come up with various school employee groups -- teachers, support staff, etc. -- what posture should the school board take? 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?I would like to maintain the quality of education that Geneva has come to know. Having competitive wages will help attract and keep great teachers, administrators and support staff. Our students will thrive. If our schools are less than adequate, our children might not do as well. This would then bring down the cost of our homes. Businesses might decide to go elsewhere. A scary scenario for all in Geneva. Contract negotiations take on many topics. The ones we hear about the most deal with salary and benefits. Public education tends to be fair game for everyone to give their input because taxpayers' dollars are contributing to schools. I am a fiscally responsible citizen and educator who understands the nuances of contract negotiations. At this time, I would like to maintain the costs as they are spelled out in the current contracts. In times of financial difficulty, we all have to carry the load together. This can be done with conversations, by getting the right people at the table at the same time and having those tough discussions.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?The Superintendent and other District Administrators are the educational and business leaders of our school system. The ability to earn increases and what benefits are allowed should strictly follow what the law states. I will follow the procedures determined by law and contracts while being fiscally responsible. Resources and dollars ought to be used to help student and by having great leaders, our students will benefit.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?All students deserve a safe place in which to be educated. Students learn differently today than they have even 5 years ago. I would like to make sure that the 'new' faces of our students are recognized. Teachers need time and professional development to service all students. Our students must be 21st Century Learners. Technology shall be infused in the classroom - appropriately. I understand the challenges that education has with technology. I also understand the benefits to a great education with technology. Pension talks become heated discussions these days. While we are awaiting to see what the courts and lawmakers decide, let's make sure Geneva continues to have a plan. Expectations on education have changed drastically in the past year and persist and expand. The lingo of teacher evaluation, curriculum, PERA, PARRC, assessments - formative and summative, etc., are challenges to educators and taxpayers alike. I live these acronyms each and every day. I will be able to communicate in a way that others can understand. Community outreach and professional development are imperative for our schools to be the best and the public to better understand education issues and topics. School funding remains a major topic of conversation. Senate Bill 16 and fluctations in the CPI make it difficult to plan funding. We will monitor our lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels and we must be aware and prepare for how these will impact our schools.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Vets who are stable or are wounded physically or emotionally. I applaud their service to our great nation. I work hard daily because of them.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?As a daughter of immigrant parents who didn't have a high school education or speak English, I learned there is no success without education.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Learning how to say no earlier. I am an educator and teacher-leader who is very involved. I would have spent more time with family.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I became a Spanish Teacher because my teachers inspired me. I then started my own business training law enforcement to speak Spanish and stay safe.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be a lifelong learner! Everything you do today will impact the future - positively or negatively - so make good choices. Education will help you.