James Stoltman: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: James Stoltman

Office sought: Bensenville district 2 school board seat 4 year term

Age: ​41

Family: Single dad, father to three. ages 10-12-26. One Daughter in W.A. Johnson and one daughter in Blackhawk Jr High. Son graduated from Fenton and a past BSD2 Student

Occupation: I.T. At Elgin Community College

Education: Some college

Civic involvement: ​PTA member for 5 years and always volunteer at school and events when asked or allowed.

Previous elected offices held: S.S.E.C.A. union board member at Elgin Community College for 2 years

Incumbent? No

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Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your district and how do you intend to address them?

I've heard things about the culture and climate of the schools. I would like to have a healthy relationship with the teachers and staff to create a cohesive working environment whose goals are to do what is best for the students.

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?

Overall, District 2's ELA and Math proficiency is below the state's proficiency according to the report card. I would like to know why and how we can raise those levels. Having two daughters in the schools right now, this is a big concern for me.

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? Be specific.

When looking over the school report card, BSD2 has been financially sound.

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

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?

Contracts should be fair to both the district and the teachers. As well as what's is in the best interest of the tax payer.

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 that at this time. Salary increase should reflect the overall economic situation in Illinois.