Theresa Collins: 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: Park RidgeWebsite: not done yetOffice sought: Maine Township High School District 207 School Board Age: 59Family: Husband of 25 years - Peter Cato Children: Katie Cato- 23 years Maine South grad Julian Hudson - 17 years Maine South JuniorOccupation: Executive Director - Maine Community Youth Assistance FoundationEducation: Postdoctoral Work: Universite Catholique de Louvain, Belgium Ph.D. - Organic Chemistry, University of Vermont B.A. - College of St. Teresa,Winona, MN Majors: Biology and Chemistry Minor: French Many Continuing Education courses in Business and ManagementCivic involvement: Park Ridge Community Health Commission member and Community Liaison - 10 years Mary Seat of Wisdom School Board Girl Scout leader Cub Scout Leader American Chemical Society Chicago Section Secretary and member Des Plaines Ministerial Association Blanket of Dreams Founder - MSW CCW Blankets for the Homeless Maine South and Maine West Volunteer for Hearts for Life Member of Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce Member of Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry Member of Niles Chamber of Commerce Community Relations Committee for Maine West High School Park Ridge Chamber Health Care Forum Chicago Public Schools Adopt a School VolunteerElected offices held: I have never held a publicly elected office.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?In general, I believe that District 207 does a very good job preparing our students for college. However, I also believe that there is always room for improvement. We should be able to increase our rankings among high schools in Illinois on an overall basis. Also, the demand for excellence on our students is rising, from both the universities they are applying to and the employers afterward. Technology will evolve faster than we can teach it and we need to teach our students HOW to learn and be better problem-solvers.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.One of the major issues I think the board will face in the next four years is that all three of the school facilities at Maine East, West and South are aging and in need of capital improvements. The aging infrastructure is something that needs to be repaired but isn't often the first thing taxpayers want to hear. As far as tax increases, I have been a taxpayer in Park Ridge for 23 years so I am very aware of increasing property taxes. I don't want my taxes to go up. But if there is something that needs to go to the public, each issue has to be carefully considered and evaluated before asking for more money from the taxpayers. It must be presented to the public so they understand exactly what they are getting for their money. Too often in public spending, the taxpayers are presented with an issue and then it winds up being way over cost because of poor planning or anticipation of problems that may arise. Talking to the people who are involved with the issue upfront and surveying what possible solutions exist should be a first step before hiring expensive consultants.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?No, I am not employed by the school district and no one in my family is employed by district 207.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?As contracts come up with various school groups, I believe each contract has to be critically analyzed to measure the fairness of the contract and the implications to the taxpayers if significant changes were to be requested. In general, in today's economic climate, I would not be in favor of huge increases in salaries or benefits for any employee group.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?No, I would not support a pay increase to help boost pension benefits. I believe your pension should be based on the total of your years evenly, not weighted with an increase at the end of your earning years.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?It is important to me that any issues facing the schools and potential resolution of those issues have as much community input as possible and that we always consider what's best for all of our children in our schools.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis - he is refreshingly honest and humble. He is breathing a new humanity into the Catholic Church and the world.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My dad had a tremendous work ethic and he inspired me to always work hard, be honest and do your best.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'm not sure I would do anything differently. I've had a great life with incredible experiences and have a wonderful family. I treasure it all.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was science. It taught me how to think analytically and be a great problem solver while still being creative.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be yourself. Share your talents and give back to the world you live in.