Brian Walker: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Diamond Lake District 76 School Board Age: 42Family: Spouse - Mary Children - Madison and AlexOccupation: Benefits Service ManagerEducation: Illinois State University, Normal Illinois Bachelor of Science, Accounting 1995Civic involvement: Coaching Volunteer for Park District School Board MemberElected offices held: Diamond Lake School District 76 Board MemberQuestions 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?The school district has made improvements in preparing students during the last 2 years. We have implemented the school/district improvement plan after partnering with teachers, administration, and the community. I believe the district will continue the positive student growth. The student growth numbers are continuing to trend up and the district report cards are showing our district is above the state growth averages. During the past few years, we have spent time improving educational materials, support tools, curriculum, financial management, and professional development. We have also begun the implementation of a 1:1 technology initiative to help students prepare for high school and the increasing usage of technology in our day to day lives.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.Our district will be faced with some difficult decisions. We have to continue to invest in programs that will have an impact on our students (curriculum, technology). We have to determine how to address expenditures that are forecasted to exceed revenues significantly. We have three buildings that have potential maintenance issues. Our student population has been slowly declining over the past few years and forecasted to continue to decline. The district will have important contractual decisions to help ensure we are attracting and keeping qualified teachers for our students. For each of these issues and other issues that will be presented in future, I believe we have to look for fair and balanced solutions. My experience is that change is uncomfortable, but necessary to provide both a quality education and a good working environment with community support. As a school board member, I partner with the administration to identify areas that could be modified to provide high quality education to the students and balance financial responsibilities. I do not support tax increases. Districts need to manage resources provided and communicate current and future challenges with the community.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 have never been employed by a school district. No one from my family is, or has been, employed at Diamond Lake School District.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?For District 76, we are actively involved in hiring a new Superintendent and will be entering into contract negotiations with the teachers. For all contracts and employee pay decisions, the school board needs to look at the district's current financial situation, evaluate the estimated revenue and expenses for future years, and partner with staff to look for mutually beneficial solutions. The School Board has a responsibility to balance student, teacher, and community interests. I believe in managing district resources to a balanced budget.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?No, I do not support end of career pay boosts. Your pay should be based on your day to day responsibilities and performance. Employee pay should not be treated differently as they near retirement.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?During my time on the board, I have pushed for more technology and more open communication. Having open and easy access to communication from the board, administration, and teachers is critical to the community. We have made improvements during the past couple of years, but improvements still need to be made. I believe my last 4 years on the board have helped students, staff, and the community. I want to continue to help.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.My father has always inspired me. He was honest, hard working, open minded, and cared about those around him.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Hard work and dedication will provide many opportunities.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I look back to learn from any mistakes and then move forward. I don't have any specific actions or events to change.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math. Math taught me problem solving and to look at issues in smaller parts.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Use school to learn how to research, organize your thoughts, and problem solve. Don't memorize.