Jeffrey Kellenberger: 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: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Central Unit District 301 School Board (4-year Terms)Age: 48Family: Married. 3 children plus a niece and nephew who have lived with us for seven years.Occupation: Real Estate Broker/Community Association ManagerEducation: Graduate, Realtor InstituteCivic involvement: Past Commisioner, City of Elgin Human Relations Commission Past President Elgin Board of Realtors Past President Apostolic Christain Resthaven Board of Directors Past President Realtor Association of the Fox ValleyElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoneCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continued quality education of the students in the districtKey Issue 2 I want to be part of the process to set financial and general policies in the districtKey Issue 3 The district will grow again once the housing market increases. I want to be part of the planning process for future growth.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?I think the Board should play a role in approving the curriculum that is recommended by the staff. This should include feedback from teachers, administration and parents so the best decisions can be made pertaining to the students educational needs. I am not an advocate to change for the sake of change.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?I do feel the district prepares our students for the future. As a parent of students that have passed from elementary through high school in 301 I feel the district does prepare our students for the next stage of their eductaional life. We have a high rate of students that attend college. I know 4 of the graduates in my household have or are presently attending college and were well prepared.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?I believe every business, including government needs to always be sure we are spending wisely to get the best return (in this case the students education). At the present time I do not have any cuts in mind. I look forward to being a part of the future budget planning and will always keep in mind we need to be conserative with the money entrusted to us by the taxpayers.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 that every employee deserves a fair living wage, however each of us in a tough economy needs to be willing to help defray the high cost of insurance or other benefits. I do think the various groups will need to consider making concessions to help with the state pension crisis, it cannot be completely on the backs of the taxpayer. I have a daughter and friends who are educators and I know they work very hard so I understand their side as well, but if we all come together and create a solution I hope it can be a benefit for all.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?The superintendant or other employees should negotiate their value while employed. This would include their salary and benefits. Each person in our society should be making their own retirement plans in addition to what plan is offered by the employer. There should never be any "golden parachute" given.