David Shimanek: 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: Wood DaleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Fenton High School District 100 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: 48Family: Married, three children, two FHS alumnus and one currently going to FHSOccupation: Business ManagerEducation: BS Business Administration, Illinois State University 1986 Six Sigma green belt, University of Illinois 2007Civic involvement: National Association for Down Syndrome, prior board member Currently: UPS for Downs FHS Bison BoostersElected offices held: Fenton Community High School District 100 Board Member (currently in 4yr of 1st term)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Student AchievementKey Issue 2 SafetyKey Issue 3 Community involvementQuestions Answers What do you think about the shift to the common core standards? How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?The shift to the common core standards requires everyone (K-12) to realign the curriculum they have in place. In our situation, the board of education has been active in understanding the conversations/actions being taken at our district as well as the K-8 levels. The superintendent and staff have reached out to feeder districts in a collaborative effort for this process. As far as changes to the curriculum, I will leave those recommendations to the professionals we have on staff to present to the board for discussion/action.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?The district has initiated a culture of college/career readiness over the past 2 years. Our superintendent with our curriculum director (along with support from administration and staff) have visual reminders in the halls and have speakers in to discuss different careers with the students. I am satisfied with the start and wanting more in the evolution of the process.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax increases?Each year there are budget issues. Our current budget is at the spending levels of 2004 with income sources limited. Our district has been able to cover the deficits with our excess reserves over the past few years. There is one budget issue open for the following year and that includes the upcoming teacher contract negotiations. I am not in favor of tax increases yet you do not outline what your definition of what specific "tax increases" are being asked of here.As contract talks come up with various school employee groups, 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 the district and the school employee groups should co-create any contract that reflects the economic times, the community and an understanding of the future goals both for the district and the employee group.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?If you're asking, would I vote for a substantial increase to boost a person's pay in retirement, the answer is no.