Alva J. Kreutzer: 2023 candidate for Township High School District 214 School Board
Bio
Town: Elk Grove Village
Age on Election Day: 70
Occupation: Retired
Employer: None
Previous offices held: Township High School District 214 Board of Education, CCSD 59 Board of Education
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: District 214 (D214) is on the right path in regards for public education. I want to continue with the great programs we have, as well as investigate new initiatives that increase student learning. The next four years are going to be challenging as we hire a new superintendent. I have three goals: 1.) Improve student achievement by shifting resources into curriculum. Learning loss occurred across the country. While Congressional funds are no longer available, we need to research within our current framework by allocating funds toward higher student achievement. 2.) Work with the new superintendent. D214 has had one superintendent for the past almost 18 years. With a new superintendent taking the helm July 1, 2023, it is imperative to work together as a team. 3.) Keep a watchful eye over the budget. D214 has had a balanced budget for 25 years, no referendum in 50 years, and a clean audit for many years. It is imperative that as a board of education member, I want to keep an eye on spending.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The school board macro-manages the district. The superintendent brings to the board of education changes in curriculum. Pilot programs are short term changes to curriculum. The superintendent reviews all pilot programs before implementation. If the pilot is adopted the board of education first reviews the data that shows if the pilot is beneficial to students. Educators, as well as Administrators, are experts in curriculum. Teams across the district gather to discuss proposed changes. It is important for the board of education to collaborate with staff on curriculum changes. Additions/changes/deletions to curriculum are brought before the board on an annual basis to be voted upon. This is the opportunity to ask questions. It is also the opportunity for the public to voice opinions on curriculum changes and/or additions.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Curriculum is continually reviewed by district staff. If an issue arises either from a classroom teacher, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, or the superintendent, teams/committees from around the district discuss the issue before it is brought before the Board of Education. While there is not a particular issue at this time, I am ever mindful of debates occurring in Springfield that would impact curriculum. Changes to the health curriculum, which stalled in the last legislative session, is something that would bring about major curriculum changes. This is why it is imperative to keep up to date on bills being discussed in Springfield.
Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?
A: Board policies are the guidelines that govern a school district. The board adopted a policy manual, sent to us by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), that reflect the laws of the state of Illinois and is adopted to the needs and desires of the community. The board of education receives timely IASB updates and evaluates and adopts as needed. All polices are reviewed by the school attorney, as well as the superintendent, before board of education approval. Policies that are considered unpopular or controversial cannot go against state and/or federal law. If a policy goes against state and/or federal law, I have a duty to report the issue. If on the other hand, constituents believe a policy should be changed or deleted, but does not conflict with state and/or federal law, then the board of education should and must review. If a curricular issue arises it is my responsibility to dig deeper and communicate my findings. If there needs to be changes, I take my concerns to the appropriate staff.
Q: Amid the departure of longtime Superintendent David Schuler, what should the district be looking for in its next superintendent? Do you approve of the general direction of the district under Schuler or do substantive changes need to be made?
A: For the past almost 18 years, Dr. Schuler has led the charge with changes that have D214 a destination public school district. In the course of Dr. Schuler's tenure, he has been the State Superintendent of the Year and the National Superintendent of the year. D214 is a state and nationally recognized district, a lighthouse district, which serves as a model of positive public education change. Under Schuler's tenure, the board has adopted Redefining Ready, which is an initiative that guides students to a successful postsecondary career. Schuler has created great partnerships with Harper, Eastern Illinois University, as well as National Louis, where our students have opportunities not afforded to students in other districts. Yes, I approve the general direction of the district. To that end, the next superintendent should build on the success of Dr. Schuler, while creating other initiatives that give students more opportunities after graduation.
Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?
A: In 2020, the decision to close schools was an edict by Governor Pritzker. Our staff did a phenomenal job in a short period time, in a difficult situation, to deliver the type of opportunities our students need. We learned that changes by the state can occur daily. We must be prepared to make changes, sometimes given 24-hour notice. Should another pandemic occur, we will follow the guidance of the Governor's office, state of Illinois Health Department, as well as Cook County Health, and our local municipalities.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.
A: Setting policy is one of the job descriptions of a school board member. Policy is created by a law passed by either Congress or the State Legislature. The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) policy division, sends sample policies during the year but mostly after a legislative session has ended. Before policy updates are brought before the board of education, attorneys review with the administration. This is to ensure that, one, the policy follows the laws passed, and two, it is tailored toward District 214 (D214).
The board has a schedule to review policies. Before policy updates are brought before the board to be voted upon, the board reviews. It is at this time board members ask questions to clarify any issues. Even before a policy is brought forth, IASB sends updates at the end of each legislative session. By reviewing the legislative update, board members across the state have prior knowledge to possible
upcoming policy changes.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have been and will always be a board member who puts students first. Every student should be given the opportunity to achieve at his/her fullest potential. At every turn, every vote, I put students learning and safety first. I have no hidden agenda. Serving as director of the North Cook Division of Illinois Association of School Boards affords me the opportunity of hearing from board members from across the state as to issues in their division. Having this global (state) perspective I can bring forth a greater understanding of policy, professional development, and court cases, just to name a few. I attend school events, as well as community functions. This is an opportunity to visit with constituents from around the district. I am forever gathering information whether it is curricular, policy, or student achievement. I am always open to listening to residents. This is a characteristic that every board of education member should have. I am that board member.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I am a big proponent of partnerships. We have ongoing partnerships with many businesses through internships. While these are thriving, I want to engage business in a more open discussion about what we can do better together. As everyone knows, businesses pay the lion's share of property taxes. Why not bring business and schools together on how we can help one another? We can start a dialogue with all district Chambers of Commerce with a discussion that will be mutually beneficial to business and schools. Let's see where the discussion takes us.