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Ann Dingman: Candidate Profile

Grayslake High School District 127 School Board

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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: GrayslakeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Grayslake High School District 127 School Board Age: 53Family: Dave Dingman, husband Mike Dingman, Brian Dingman, Amanda Dingman, childrenOccupation: State Farm Service RepresentativeEducation: Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University awarded May, 1983.Civic involvement: D127 Board of Education (10 1/2 years). Special Education District of Lake County - Governing Board (6 years), Executive Board (4 years). Division Officer - Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Lakes Division (1 year). Member of Reconfiguration and Boundary Committees for GNHS (2002-2003). Friends of Woodland (10 years) - Co-Chairperson of 1999 2000 referenda for education fund construction of Intermediate school.Elected offices held: D127 President (2010 - current) D127 Vice President (2009 - 2010) D127 Secretary (2007 - 2009) Union Negotiations Co-Chairperson (2011 2014) Master School Board Member Designation from IASB (2011-2014)Questions 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 am very satisfied that D127 is more than adequately preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whatever that next stage might be. D127 offers a challenging curriculum for all students including numerous Advanced Placement courses across a variety of subject areas. During the past few years, emphasis has been placed on expanding our AP offerings with the specific intent of attracting new students to AP programs. In addition, Project Lead The Way was recently added to provide for a more rigorous STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum for our students entering those in-demand fields. We consistently have one of the highest number of students in Lake County attending the Technology Campus which is adjacent to the College of Lake County. Programs at the Tech Campus allow students to begin preparing for child care, automotive and culinary careers, to name a few of the offerings. Our district recognizes that not all students follow the same path after high school and we work hard to ensure that all students leave our buildings with the skills they need to reach the goals they have set for themselves. In terms of changes that need to be made, our administration is currently looking into expanding our foreign language program. In addition, our superintendent is exploring the possibility of dual credit courses in conjunction with CLC. This would provide another mechanism by which our students could obtain college credit while utilizing our curriculum.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.District 127 has passed a balanced budget for the past several years. Our business office and our staff adhere to strict cost containment measures throughout the school year to assure that we don't deficit spend. In fact, we often end the fiscal year with slight surpluses. The biggest financial challenges that we will face in the next four years are the same challenges that we faced these past four years - late or reduced payments from the State of Illinois, increases in unfunded state mandates and potential redistribution of education funding resulting from legislation (Senate Bill #1). The last version of education funding reform, had it been passed, would have cost D127 hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Larger class sizes, reduced program offerings, increased fees might be some of the options discussed in order to make up a revenue shortfall of that significance. Certainly any reduction in programs would be made only after soliciting input from our community. Inevitably a tax increase might have to be considered and, again, it would be up to our community to help determine the level of programming they are able to financially support.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?No.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?District 127 just completed negotiations with our union settling a four year contract that allows us to attract and retain quality teachers while, at the same time, be fiscally responsible. The Chicago suburban teacher market is highly competitive. Studies have consistently shown that high quality teachers have the most impact on student learning. Discussions around concessions and changes in employee benefit contributions are always appropriate to have during negotiations. That being said, I am committed to providing D127 students with the best teachers that our community can afford to hire.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 Chicagoland market is also highly competitive in terms of attracting and retaining high quality leadership. Effective leadership is essential to a strong organization. District 127 has been fortunate to have tremendous leadership over the past decade which has elevated student achievement at both of our campuses. High quality financial leadership has the potential to save a district millions of dollars. Unfortunately, the practice of giving larger than normal increases prior to retirement is a standard practice in the Chicagoland area in order to retain talented leaders.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?One additional issue that is important to me is our district's need to hire a new superintendent in two years when our current superintendent retires. It's important for our community that we hire a replacement that provides the same stellar leadership as our current superintendent. Currently, I am the only board member who has participated in a superintendent search - once for D127 and a second time while serving on the Executive Board for SEDOL. The most important decision that a board of education makes is who they hire as their superintendent. Leadership matters and I feel that my experience in this area would be beneficial to the process of interviewing and hiring a new superintendent.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I admire Tammy Duckworth for her service to our country and her ability to overcome the adversities associated with her war injuries.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I was one of six children so I learned how to get along with others and the ability to compromise, when appropriate.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'm not a fan of looking back with regret so I'll pass on the do-over. I'm very happy with the path my life has taken.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite class was Senior English because it was so challenging. It taught me that you appreciate most the things that you work hardest for.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others how you would like to be treated.