Carol Larson: 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: HarvardWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Mchenry Commmunity College School Board (6-year Terms)Age: 63Family: Married ( 32 years) to Don larson we have 5 children.Occupation: Retired after 27 yaers of teaching Earth Science Teacher for Dist 200 Woodstock...24 years in that JobEducation: BS. NIU in Education..minor Science Masters in Geography Environmental Studies Northeastern IllinoisCivic involvement: Elected Member of MCC Board for 4 terms, Longtime Member of Harvard Lion's Club,Master Gardener, Member of Lou Marchi BoardElected offices held: Republican Committeeman twice, Mcc Trustee 4 timesHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Offering student success through an outstanding educational facility.Key Issue 2 Offering classes and programs that are sustainable, green and educationally sound while keeping costs reasonable.Key Issue 3 Offering college classes that lead to employment.Questions Answers With enrollment up at my many community colleges, it can be challenging to keep pace as far as available classroom/lab space, the number of qualified teachers and available course work options. How would you manage that?By reviewing the budget feequently to monitor our progress and, with the hope, that we are offering education that is both smart and efficient. With the cooperation of staff, faculty, administration we have become a lean machine. The campus works as a family to provide students with the help they need to complete their chosen course.In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?We have, in place, assessent standards that are solid indicators of progress. Also, individual counselors and tutors are on staff to aid students in their endeavors.Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?We, always, need more money and no one wants to pay more taxes. But, we are looking for creative means of financing through Federal, State competitive grants, donations, bonds and public/ private partnerships. Donations and grant seeking is an ongoing endeavor and the rest we are actively investigating the possibilitiesCommunity colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?We have a full collection of student clubs, sports and opportumities through outreach offices. As a matter of fact, the board just listened to a presentation from our Minority office administration. Student success was highlighted. It is the prersonal outreach that improves retension and academic success.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the community college board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.accomplishments. New computer system, our nursing program, on line program expansion, new buildings, Master Plan, hiring our President Dr. Vicky Smith and our new Sustainability Program expansion. Green saved money, involves the whole campus and saves our planet