Al Hitzke: 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: MundeleinWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Mundelein High School District 120 School Board Age: 65Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Sr. Sec. Services supervisor Chicago CubsEducation: SIU CarbondaleCivic involvement: Youth advisor St. Andrew Lutheran D76 former school board member Little league coach/managerElected offices held: Pres. / V.P. , board member Diamond lake dist. 76 Board member Mundelein H. S. D120Questions 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?Very satisfied that we have progressed in a positive direction in preparing our students. A program called AVID was started a few years back and has been quite successful. We have students that give there time to mentor and provide assistance for other students who may need help in subject areas. I believe that we look out for all students and there success. If you look at the dollar amount in scholarships and the range of schools that our graduates are accepted to or attending it is quite impressive.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.Over the next few years, budgetary issues will most likely be dependent on how the stat legislature and Gov. Rauner proceed with school funding. If the way that funding is provided changes and school districts loose money we will need to make adjustments if necessary. I believe we are in good shape at present so that IF there were adjustments needed, they would be minimal.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?Not applicableAs 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?Candidate did not respond.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?Candidate did not respond.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We currently have a new superintendent in place, finishing his first year. It is important to me to continue on to be a support to him as he continues on with his job. He has done a great job over this first year and I see good things in our future. We are also beginning a building project in the s Spring to add new classrooms and modern labs. I wish to see this through as we continue to focus on making the educational experience for our community the best it can be.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Fairness, discipline and acceptance.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Being a better, more focused student.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?American historyIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be proud of what you make of yourself, it may be the most important thing you do.