Sol Bahng: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hawthorn District 73 School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Wife - AngelaDaughter - ChloeDaughter - LilaOccupation: Supply Chain ManagementEducation: BS General EngineeringMS Industrial EngineeringUniversity of Illinois - Champaign/UrbanaCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?As a parent and resident I am committed to helping make Vernon Hills schools the best that they can be for all the children in our community. I would like to be an active member who contributes to solutions. I am also particularly invested in ensuring that the needs of all students are addressed, whether they are special need students, English language learners, or gifted students.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?Although it is important that students' progress is measured in many different ways, I believe that thoughtful, data-driven feedback can be useful to teachers, administrators, parents and students and help increase the overall rating and reputation of our district. If possible without taking away from instruction time or adding to students' stress, I think that low-stakes assessment may be beneficial to differentiating and improving instruction.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 believe the school board should work closely with teachers and administrators to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of the district's curriculum and be looking for the best available resources for our students. It is essential that the board is up to date on the latest educational research available so that our students are receiving a balanced and challenging education that is in touch with our changing and diverse community.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?With the upcoming referendum in our April election, it is important that every member of our community is aware of all sides of the issues. We need to balance the immediate educational and physical needs of current students with the wise use of the budget for the future of Vernon Hills. I understand that residents have already invested a great deal into their homes and taxes and that we should carefully weigh those costs. Furthermore, we should be sensitive to those in our community without children directly benefiting from our schools.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?I am supportive of parents' freedom to make personal decisions for their children's education. At the same time, I recognize that the role of a public school board is to fully support the needs of the public school system for all students. While it is important to be aware of federal issues affecting our students' education, I believe the best response for the board of education is to ensure that the public school system is run so effectively that few parents will want alternatives to the public schools.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I feel it is important to speak up for groups of people that do not have a voice in current discussions.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Chuck FeeneyWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Something can be said often, eloquently, and with conviction but still be untrue.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?If I knew then what I know now, I would have tried to save someone's life. It may not have helped, but I would try.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My Consumer Economics class in high school was my favorite. I saw how math, reading, and history can be applied in life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be humble. Your value as a person has nothing to do with fame, possessions, position, or title.