Constantine Ress: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: LincolnwoodWebsite: www.ressfortrustee.comOffice sought: Oakton Community College School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Retired Adjunct ProfessorEducation: Ph.D in Educational Administration and SupervisionCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.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?I have found that good Professors/Instructors are always available when there is a course to be taught. What I am for is to provide an excellent environment for both students and teachers to interact and exchange the world of ideas and concepts that help the individual student grow and develop into a productive member of society.Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?I am retired from Chicago Public Schools and Oakton Community College. No family members employed by the Community College, where I seek the office of Trustee.Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?At the present time, there is no need for a tax increase.Community 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?Oakton Community College does an excellent job in taking care of a diverse community by offering thousands of courses per year. As a Trustee I would collaborate with the President and other Trustees to sustain existing successful programs.What do you think of President Obama's proposal for offering two years of free community college education?I would support the concept of offering two years of free community college education, as long as, it is base on academic performance and achievement.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Academic programs to help students make the transition to a University, or to prepare for a vocation that will improve their career goals. Also, to provide continuing education for growth and development.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Mayor George Van DusenWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My parents taught me to give back to society.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would travel more.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Geography and History - This opened my horizons to the world of cultural diversity.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Read, think , and act wisely