Stephanie Incrocci: Candidate Profile

Back to Benjamin District 25 School Board 4-year term

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: Carol StreamWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Benjamin District 25 School Board 4-year term Age: 43Family: Married, 2 children, ages 4 and 12Occupation: Substitute Teacher/Stay at home MomEducation: BA Elementary Education, Trinity Christian CollegeCivic involvement: Benjamin School District 25 volunteer including PTA, classroom and extracurricular help; Friends of DuPage County Animal Care and Control FoundationElected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately 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 believe our district is doing a fantastic job at preparing students for the next stage of their lives. This is proven by the success of students in the high school. Benjamin District 25 students stand out among a large high school population. Not only do they prepare them academically but they also teach them responsibility that will be carried on their entire lives. Benjamin District 25 also offers a variety of extracurricular activities for students to participate. This allows students to explore other areas of interest, learn how to collaborate in groups and feel they are a part of something.What budgetary issues will your district have to confront during the next four years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, be specific about programs and expenses that should be considered for reduction or elimination. On the income side, do you support any tax increases for local schools? Again, be specific.I believe the district does a very nice job of managing the budget. One of the main issues they have been facing is the decreasing enrollment each year. Changes have been made to accommodate this issue without eliminating jobs and without increasing taxes. I believe tax increases should only be done in extreme circumstances and only as a last resort.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 a former employee of CCSD 93 and am currently a daily substitute.As contract talks come up with various school employee groups -- teachers, support staff, etc. -- what posture should the school board take? 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 as contract talks come up, the board should listen to both sides, gather all of the information and make informed decisions. There are many factors which would need to be considered before asking for concessions, or providing increases in pay or benefits. Any future contract talks would be dependent on the economy and issues at that time.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?I would not support a substantial increase on anyone's pay to boost their pension. Pay increases should be based on performance, skills, their track record, etc., while the person is employed.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Benjamin District 25 is a successful, student focused district. The district has continually implemented technology into the curriculum and this year went to the 1:1 model with devices. There have been some growing pains with this new venture, however, the entire staff has committed to making this successful. The technology staff has been effective and proactive with problems presented. I support this district completely and want to be part of its continued success. I want to help keep it great for my children and the future children of Benjamin District 25.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Malala Yousafzai is an inspiration to me for her ability to stand up for herself and fight for the right to an education.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My work ethic. My parents had to work hard for everything they had and they passed that on to me.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I believe the paths I have chosen have made me the person I am today. I have learned lessons from mistakes and made myself better.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I love science! My love for science has made me want to learn more about things either by asking questions or just figuring it out.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always believe in yourself. There will always be challenges you will face but if you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything.