Christine Fenne: 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: WheatonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofChristineFenne/Office sought: College Of DuPage School Board Age: 47Family: Craig Fenne, HusbandCarson Fenne, SonKayla Fenne, DaughterOccupation: Sales Account ExecutiveEducation: Glenbard South High School 1987BA in Communications University of Iowa 1992Civic involvement: President, Wheaton Public Library Board 2015-2017Wheaton Public Library Board since 2012Wheaton Leadership Prayer Breakfast CommitteeWheaton Chamber member, Glen Ellyn Chamber memberElected offices held: First time candidate - No other political offices held previouslyQuestions Answers What steps, if any, does the college still need to take to restore trust with the community?The college needs to continue working on the implementation of the 19 recommendations from the Auditor General's Performance Audit. When these issues are resolved, the community will have greater transparency into the college's operations and the board will have more oversight into the college's administration. The town hall meetings throughout November and December were successful in updating the community to current board issues and promoting President, Dr. Ann Rondeau's new administration. The college should continue these types of public relation events and host an annual community coffee or similar event.Do you believe COD is on the right track when it comes to maintaining its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission?Under the leadership of chairwoman, Deanne Mazzochi, the current Board of Trustees has established a well thought out process and organizational structure to regain full accreditation for the College. They are making meaningful progress toward the completion of the Assurance Filing that must be submitted to the Higher Learning Commission in February 2017.From the college's point of view, 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 or fee increases?The current budget assumes no operating grant payments from the State of Illinois. I assume this will continue going forward for future budgets. This means our future operating revenue will be approximately 50% from tuition and 50% from property taxes. The challenge then is to work to get every bit of value out of the dollars that we spend while providing excellent education, promoting the college and working to increase enrollment. I agree with the Board of Trustees recent decision to freeze tuition and property taxes.Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?College of DuPage, District 502, serves a very large geographical area including parts of Will and Cook County. I think the college could best serve outlying areas by partnering with the high schools, business community and industry leaders in those areas where the college can meet a demand. Through survey data, we could find out what student interests are and what employers need for skilled workers. This way the college can impact the community in a positive economic way. Increasing the course offerings online would be another way to extend academic programs to any area. COD should consider partnering with libraries and school districts to expand their classrooms. I want to ensure that there are relevant academic courses in manufacturing, healthcare and technology.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the community college board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.My son just turned twelve and this is a six year commitment. If I have the privilege of serving on the Board of Trustees, I will ensure that the College of DuPage continues a path of improvement and growth so that he might attend COD just like his father did. As president of the Wheaton Public Library Board, I have experience implementing public policy and balanced budgets. I am committed to providing taxpayers with strong oversight, more transparency and fiscal responsibility. I look forward to working together with the other trustees and Dr. Ann Rondeau to restore COD's reputation as the premier education and cultural center in DuPage County.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I want to ensure that the academic programs offered by the College are of the highest quality and relevant to the educational and vocational needs of DuPage County and District 502 taxpayers.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope FrancisWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My dad taught us about investing in stocks and the value of saving for the future.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would go back and marry my husband all over again.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math taught me the problem solving skills I use every day.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?The Golden Rule - Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.