Jennifer Planson: Candidate Profile
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: WillowbrookWebsite: www.D86pac.orgOffice sought: Candidate did not respond.Age: 46Family: Husband: Craig Children: Haley, Senior Hinsdale Central High School, age 18; Ethan, Sophomore Hinsdale Central High School, age 16Occupation: Stay at HomeEducation: B.S. degree in Sociology from Illinois State University.Civic involvement: Active Member Hinsdale United Methodist Church (HUMC); PADS Coordinator for HUMC; PEO; PTO member; Parent Track Club CoordintorElected offices held: Board President, Gower District 62 Board Vice President, District 62 Policy Committee Member, District 62 Negotiations Committee, District 62 Finance Committee Member, Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Human Resource/Curriculum Committee Member, District 86Questions Answers 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?I believe that District 86 is preparing students for the next step in their lives. Of course as with anything, there is always room for improvement. District 86 offers a wide variety of AP and Honors classes however, the District needs to increase the number of students who are taking an AP or Honors classes for the first time. If the District can encourage and support students to ensure that they are successful, they are more likely to continue to take these types of classes. On the other end of the spectrum, offering our struggling learners with the classes and resources to ensure their growth is just as vital. Specialized instruction, scheduling and resources will greatly enhance their learning environment. Providing a wide variety of services, classes and teachers will guarantee that all students of District 86 will be ready for the next phase in their life.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 for local schools? Again, be specific.District 86 will be facing serious financial constraints in the next several years. Currently, the District has to manage a zero levy and an under levy from the last 2 years and the consequences from those decisions. Working with all employees to ensure maximum use of dollars as well as smart, well thought out expenditure plans (such as financial academic, personnel) must be utilized. I believe that the District can live within its means if the expected revenue received is allowed to be collected. It is important to have a collaborated effort when discussing budget cuts. If cuts occur, they must be "felt" at all levels and it must start at administration Lead by example.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?NoAs 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?First, I believe that contract talks must be a collaborative effort. Working with a union or association to reach a settlement without disruption to the educational process is extremely important. The employee groups must be given accurate financial information as well as time to completely comprehend all aspects of the financial landscape of the district. Once that is accomplished, then an open and honest dialog can take place regarding compensation expectations. In the private sector, employees are paying more for insurance, are responsible for their own retirement and receive minimal raises. The unions/associations should expect the same concessions. The State of Illinois can not continue funding retirements at the current rate, therefore districts should be preparing for a cost shift in funding these retirements. This will obviously impact the district's bottom line. Working together with the union/association to ensure their comprehension of the districts financial outlook is critical to the success of contract negotiations.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 a substantial increase in pay. I am in favor of removing early retirement incentives altogether. We recently negotiated a decrease in the retirement incentive in our teacher contract and will be working towards eliminating it altogether in the next contract. The savings that our district will received over the next two years will be used to directly impact student learning.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Allowing administration the ability to do their job is vital to the success of the district. An informed school board member operates at the "10,000 feet" level. Providing oversight, guidance, goals and objectives to the superintendent which will allow him and his administrative team the ability to achieve these goals in the most effective method. Micromanaging and digging down to support staff levels is not useful board governance. Board members are not experts in school administration and therefore they should trust (but verify) the employees they hire. Restoring trust and mutual respect is essential to the success of District 86. During the most recent contract negotiations, tensions were very high causing hurt feelings and damaged relationships. Opening up the lines of communications, creating an environment of open mindedness that encourages listening and respect will guarantee the district and staff can rebuild a long lasting, mutually beneficial working relationship.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Malala Yousafzai, the 14 year old girl who was shot going to school in Pakistan and now speaks out for education rights for girls.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?When you commit to something you must stick it out to the end.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would spend more time and energy on high school math and science.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Speech class. It gave me confidence in my speaking skills which allowed me to communicate effectively. An essential element in class was developing listening skills.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others like you would like to be treated.