Robert L. Cabeen: 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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: GenevaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Geneva Unit D304Age: 65Family: Married, two children, one grandchildOccupation: Retired airline pilot 37 years with United Airlines. The captain was responsible for the flight and oversaw a crew of 18.Education: BS from the University of Illinois, 1969, major in educationCivic involvement: I have served on and been president of the board of the Elgin choral Union (Community chorus). I have been president of the board of trustees of Baker Methodist Church. I have also been president of the board of my former Homeowners associationElected offices held: noneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I want to maintain the high quaility of our schools and keep taxes in from going any higherKey Issue 2 Maintain a quality classroom enviroment without too much testing. Nobody ever made a chicken fatter by weighing it.Key Issue 3 I want to be sure we are using our school buildings to the best advantageQuestions Answers How satisfied are you that your district is 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?While I do feel the class size is getting close to maximuns I think our teachers are doing a good job of educating our kids.What budget issues will the district have to confront? What measures do you support to address them? If cuts are needed, be specific about programs and expenses that should be reduced or eliminated. Do you support any tax increases for local schools?While I am not currently in favor of any tax increase, the reduction of revenues from falling home values will stress the school district greatly. This will require an agile board who will look outside the box for solutions. Future planes for a swimming pool and a large auditorium clearly were overstepping current reality and should be shelved.Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.The teachers union doesn't endorse board candidates so that question is moot. I do think that experienced teachers bring a wealth of background that can lead to more effective classrooms and better outcomes. As a part of my degree I student taught and enjoyed the give and take of the classroom.As contract talks come up with various employee groups, what posture should the board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?In this time of flat inflation it would seem reasonable to have contractes flat also. It is the job of the district to ask for the contract they need, if there is less money everyone will have to pull together to make things work.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. This practice has been abused is very costly to the district and state