Joanne Haldeman: 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: LisleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lisle Unit District 202 School Board Age: 44Family: Spouse - Travis Haldeman Children - Trent (Grade 12) Taryn (Grade 10) Tessa (Grade 8) Tayden (Grade 6)Occupation: StudentEducation: -B.S Mathematics, Benedictine University, May 1992 -Illinois Secondary Mathematics Teaching LicenseCivic involvement: -President Lisle High School Home and School Organization -Chair Laps for Lions fundraiser at Lisle Junior High -Co-Chair Team Trivia Tournament fundraiser at Lisle High School -Past committee member Lisle Elementary Clothing Sale fundraiser -Past board member of Meadows Swim ClubElected offices held: NoneQuestions 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?I am extremely satisfied with the job that the school district is doing in preparing my children for the next stage in their lives. My children have moved from school to school with relative ease. When academic and social issues have occurred, the school district addressed my concerns promptly, calling in any administrators and teachers that could offer assistance. My oldest son has been accepted into the college of his choice, so I look forward to observing his education in action at college. While I believe strongly in the education of Lisle 202, there have been new challenges presented due to the addition of the Core Curriculum and PARCC testing. The school is clearly taking an active role in implementing the necessary changes. I think that we may be able to utilize some of the strategies taken by neighboring school districts, as it is difficult to implement sweeping changes in such a small school district.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.Lisle District 202 is fortunate in regards to budgetary issues as our leaders have always followed a conservative budgetary policy. Perhaps the biggest budgetary issue facing the district is the aging of our elementary facilities. I look forward to the results of the forward-thinking Vision 202 community engagement programs. I believe that the community has a fantastic and perhaps unprecedented opportunity to share in a community wide vision for the future of Lisle District 202. Due to the conservative nature of the Lisle school district budget, I don't believe that cuts or tax increases are necessary. The Vision 202 results will allow the voters to discuss the viability of various options regarding the aging facilities. I don't believe that any tax increases will be necessary as the school district is close to retiring debt.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 currently a substitute lunchroom supervisor at Schiesher Elementary School. I worked in the lunchroom for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years. I left that position to accept a substitute teaching position for a math teacher's maternity leave coverage at Downers Grove South High School. I have completed that coverage. None of my direct family works for Lisle CUSD 202.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?Not being privy to contract negotiations in the past, I believe that the school board has taken an appropriate cooperative posture during contract talks. These resulting agreements allow for raises to commiserate with experience and level of education. The district has no reason to ask for concessions from its employees at this time. The teachers and administrators provide exemplary commitment to the students, families, and schools in general. Adjustments to individually bargained and collectively bargained agreements should allow for necessary increases in the future.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?I would not support a substantial increase in pay for a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement to help boost pension benefits. Pension benefits are intended to be based on the annual pay of the individual. It is not a wise use of taxpayer dollars to artificially inflate that pay so as to increase pension benefits.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The most important issue is to maintain the high level of academic excellence that the community has come to expect from Lisle CUSD 202.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Malala Yousafzai.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I am one of twelve kids, so the biggest lesson was how to share.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would try to get my Mom's cancer diagnosed sooner.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was math. I got my undergraduate degree in mathematics and secondary education, which led to my job in retirement plans.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Smile. It makes you feel better.