Alexandra Bernardi: 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: North BarringtonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Barrington Unit District 220 School Board Age: 42Family: Married for 10 years with 3 wonderful children in the Barrington school district.Occupation: Homemaker and volunteer extraordinaireEducation: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - BA in Drama University Prep. School in Frauenfeld, Switzerland - International Baccalaureate (Economics)Civic involvement: North Barrington Elementary PTO: President 2013 to present, Budget planning Bylaws review committee, School Supplies Chair, Nominating Fundraising Committees (since 2007) Barrington Chinese Immersion Council: Founder President (2012 to present) Presbyterian Church of Barrington: Moderator of Barrington Presbyterian Women (2014-2015), Strategic Planning Committee Member (2010-2011), Moderator of Deacons (2010-2011) and Deacon (2008-2011) St. Michaels Little Angels Preschool Board: President (2012-2013), Board Member (2011-2013)Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.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 believe the Barrington school district continually strives to prepare students for the next phase in their lives as best they can. In recent years there have been improvements for students entering the middle schools from the elementary buildings that has eased the transition from being in one classroom the majority of the day to a more complex schedule of classes, classrooms and teachers at the middle schools. Understanding the social emotional challenges of the latter elementary years and differences in student maturation rates, I think the transition in to BHS (which could be likened to entering a small college setting) can be very daunting. Students leaving the middle schools could benefit from being better equipped for the expectations and the environment that face them at BHS. Going from high school on to college versus employment are two very different paths. In today's society and especially in our affluent community, the college path is often preferred and required by parents, even though not every student is cut out for higher education. BHS offers a wide spectrum of classes and the relationship with Harper College is instrumental in broadening that offering especially on the more vocational side. I believe providing all students with targeted guidance in "path selection" coupled with mentoring during those critical high school years would prepare them more successfully for that next chapter post high school.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.Given the uncertain financial situation that the state of Illinois finds itself in and the more bi-partisan politics that we can expect with the start of Mr. Rauner's term in Springfield, I am certain that there will be some budgetary challenges that our district will need to overcome in the next few years. Whether it be a reduction in state funding overall or a shift in pension funding from the state to the individual districts, both of which would likely be phased in over time, we would need to evaluate where cuts could be made without it impacting the overall quality of students education. There are signs in our community of positive activity in new housing development that could bring additional revenue to the district budget. On the income side, I am not in favor of adding an additional tax burden on our community. I believe that by remaining abreast of developments in Springfield and planning ahead for future cuts will put our district in an advantageous situation in the long run. By being fiscally prudent, maintaining the AAA bond rating and continually working to keep the budget balanced our district will stay on track with its strategic goals and if done correctly we would hope to avoid taking a red pen to programs and/or expenses. I would also be in favor of looking at some energy saving initiatives at the facilities levels to conserve budget.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?Many factors must be considered and play into successful contract negotiations. Much depends on the employee group being discussed, the overall economic situation of our community and the financial health of the school district. Those discussing the issues must take into account the excellent reputation of the school district and the positive impact it has on our community and our real estate values. Our district is highly regarded and attracts a large talent pool. It's imperative the district stay competitive in overall compensation and benefits so as to retain the highest talent levels across all groups: administrators, teachers and support staff to benefit our students and our community.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 am against pension spiking as a practice to boost retirement benefits. Individual situations may vary, but I believe in fair compensation for qualified talent and retirement benefits that match an individual's role and contribution.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?One of my core beliefs is that you must get involved in your community in a positive way to help shape it's future. The role of the school board and its members is to represent the entire community, not just a certain segment - and to advocate for the best possible public education within that district. We are on the cusp of a new era in the way / when where our children learn. The onset of the "one to one" technology initiative in the classrooms is changing how our children learn and how they're being taught. More technology doesn't always mean more dollars. There are instances where the onset of better technology can result in significant cost savings. A few years ago our district and school board published an excellent strategic plan, outlining a vision and roadmap for the future, detailing its strategic values. As a candidate I am in full support of that roadmap. I believe with my international background, my passion for excellence at all levels of education in Barrington 220 and my civic and professional experience I can add real value to the Barrington District 220 school board and help make progress toward those goals.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Elizabeth Warren, for holding a position of significance, and actively voting for both political parties in the name of progress.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always take responsibility for your actions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?My oral history final for my international baccalaureate on the American Revolution.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Voice training for actors in college. It helped me tremendously with public speaking and giving presentations later in life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Listen to your instincts, believe in yourself and follow your dreams.