Melody Saperston: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Melody Saperston
City: North Aurora
Office sought: School Board
Age: 43
Family: Husband, Mark; 2 high schoolchildren; 1 middle schoolchild; 1 elementary schoolchild
Occupation: Program Administrator
Education: Bachelor of Science
Civic involvement: None listed
Previous elected offices held: None listed
Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes, appointed to my position May 2018
Website: None
Facebook: None
Twitter: None
Issue questions
* What are the most important issues facing your district and how do you intend to address them?
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?
Our district is doing a phenomenal job preparing our students for the next step in life after high school, whether it be college bound, career development training or military. For example, the new Weisner Career Center is currently being built which will give students the opportunity for careers in health occupations and manufacturing. Our high school students are challenged with a vast number of AP and honors courses as well as traditional course offerings. The available courses is in addition to the 80+ activities and clubs accessible for students to broaden their horizons.
* 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.
Obviously, the ultimate goal is not to be forced to reduce or eliminate any programs/expenses when making budget cuts. This is something that will have to be addressed as we foresee movement needing to be made while keeping the best interest and safety of our students, teachers and staff at the forefront. Do I support any tax increases? I ask back, what type of tax - income? State? property? and for what purpose? There are too many variables to provide a simple yes or no response.
* 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 I am not employed or retired for a school district, and neither is anyone in my direct family.
* 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?
I believe it is critical for board members to keep a balanced approach in all conversations. The outcome from contract negotiations has a long-term impact on our community.
* 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?
Did not reply.