William (Bill) Dussling: 2023 candidate for Township High School District 214 School Board
Bio
Town: Arlington Heights
Age on Election Day: 80
Occupation: Retired
Employer: Retired
Previous offices held: Member District 214 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: I am passionate about education and providing outstanding academic, fine and performing arts, and athletic and activity opportunities for our students. I am running for reelection to ensure the high quality educational experiences our students currently have continues for future generations of students. Our D214 graduates are earning early college credit, engaging in work based learning experiences, and even paid internships while they are in high school. We are saving our students' families thousands of dollars by providing access to college level experiences and college credits while in high school. Anyone who knows me knows I have a passion for the fine and performing arts. Our students, conductors, teachers and coaches are absolutely over the moon outstanding, so I am also running to ensure we continue to offer robust programs across the board.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The school board should review course offerings and curriculum on an annual basis as part of the Academic Handbook approval process. The school board must trust and support our teachers, who are subject area experts, to develop the best instructional practices possible, that align with state standards, to meet the learning targets for the curriculum for our students. This process should also be done in consultation with parents and community members.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: It is imperative that the school board continuously examines the course offerings and curriculum in our district. I'm extremely proud of the expansion of the career pathways programs offered throughout our district and the growth of our dual credit/early college programming. In addition, the recent addition of paid internships for our students is also something of which I'm very proud. We must continue to expand and improve these offerings.
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: As an elected official, it is imperative that I carefully listen and consider the perspective of anyone coming before the board of education or anyone emailing or calling the board of education. It is our job to review the data, the recommendation from the staff, and the perspectives of all members of the school community when making any decision around curriculum and course offerings.
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: The district is currently seeking the input of the staff and community in what they are looking for in our next superintendent. I think we should wait until we hear the voice of the school community prior to making any decision on what we are specifically looking for in our next superintendent. I believe Superintendent Schuler was very successful in working with staff and community partners to elevate the educational experience in D214. It's my hope and expectation that we will find a new superintendent who will take the district to even higher heights of excellence for all students.
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: From the beginning of the pandemic, the district has followed the directives of the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health. If provided with legal-binding directives, it would be my expectation that we would comply. Absent that, I would expect that we would continue our current practice of individual choice. If an individual would like to wear a mask, they can certainly do so, but no one would be compelled to wear a mask.
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: The board of education takes our role of policymaking very seriously. We review every board policy at least once every five years. We examine school code, recommendations from the Illinois Association of School Boards, and input from the school community and the administration prior to making policy decisions. The process can take time, but I believe that spending time developing solid and sound policy that aligns with state regulations and local input serves the district very well.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have the knowledge, experience, energy and passion to voluntarily serve our school community for another term as a school board member. I have supported our NJROTC cadets, our robotics team and our fine and performing arts programs regularly and will continue to be an advocate for all students, regardless of ability or interest. I love being a school board member and I am more than interested in continuing to serve our community in this capacity.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I would like us to do a better job of communicating with incoming students and parents about the opportunities available to them in D214. We have countless activities and opportunities that we offer in D214. I'm just not sure we do enough to communicate those to our incoming students and parents.