Judy Degnan: 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: Villa ParkWebsite: Facebook page: Judy Degnan for District 45.Office sought: DuPage District 45 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: 47Family: Married to Bill Degnan with 4 children, 2 at WBHS: Dana and Billy and 2 at Ardmore School: Laine and JamesOccupation: PreSchool Teacher for Villa Park Recreation DistrictEducation: BA in Music with an Education Certificate Type 09 and 10Civic involvement: Head Soccer Coach with Typhoons FC and VPRD, VPYB Baseball and Softball Head Coach, Special Events Coordinator for VPYFB, WBHS Music Booster Treasurer. District 45: District Strategic Planning Committee, District Citizens Advisory Committee, District Middle School Planning Committee, District Social and Emotional Learning Committee, District PTA Council, President: District Music Boosters, President: Ardmore PTA, Chairperson: Great Books, Chairperson: Book Fair at elementary and middle schools, Co-founder: Science Night, Co-founder: Movie Nights, Co-Chair: Talent ShowElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 That District 45 continues to provide our students with a world class education where they can be successful in Middle School, High School, College and the workplace.Key Issue 2 Ensuring that all of our extra-curricular activities, including music, athletics, and clubs remain available and can be expanded for as many of our students to enjoy.Key Issue 3 That District 45 continues to be fiscally responsible. Questions 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?While the School Board will play a very big role in our common core curriculum, it is the ultimate decision of the assistant superintendent for curriculum and the teachers that she works with who are piloting the textbooks for selection in their classroom every day. Many of the textbooks come with large amount of supplementary materials that are very helpful to the staff. As a School Board member I would like to hear what those pilot teachers have to say. My hope is that the school board listens to the teacher recommendations and makes their decision based on what our professionals in the classroom everyday think is best.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?Very satisfied. As a parent with 2 children currently in district and 2 in high school. I have seen first hand that my children are prepared for the next level of education. District 45 needs to continue their strong professional development of teachers, continue upgrading technology in the classrooms and continue to encourage parent involvement. These 3 items are what will continue to keep our district strong.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?Our Superintendent has taking many steps to ensure our district is being fiscally responsible. If cuts need to be made, they should made in places that will least effect our students. While a tax increase would only benefit our district, it's not something I'm considering right now. 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?Our district needs to be competitive with the districts around us. I would need to study surrounding district contracts and work to make our contract competitive with the trend right now. 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?While this has been a common practice in the past, the state is really on the watch for this type of activity. I would not support a pay increase to help boost a pension benefit. Any "extra" money should be going to support our children.