KIMBERLY TAGLIA: 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: VILLA PARKWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Taglia-for-District-45-School-Board/1538311406445484Office sought: DuPage District 45 School Board Age: 41Family: I am married to Robert for 15 years. We have 3 children who attend North and Jefferson schools in District 45. My oldest Jacob is 12 and he is in 6th grade at Jefferson, Gabriella is 10 and is in 4th grade and Benjamin is 5 and in Kindergarten at North School.Occupation: Office ManagerEducation: 1991 Graduate of East Leyden H.S. in Franklin Park. Degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University.Civic involvement: North School PTA Jefferson School PTA Past Crossing guard for Villa Park Police Dept. Boy Scouts of America Committee Chair/Treasurer Member of St.Paul Lutheran ChurchElected 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 am satisfied right now about my kids being prepared for each stage in school.I only have one child who has gone from elementary to Middle School. But I do believe and have heard that other students are getting the adequate education to be fully prepared for the next stage in school and work. I am not sure I agree about the Common Core Standards in Math. As a parent and having children in grade school, the math teaching method is very difficult to understand and should be reevaluated.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.Fighting the legislation to take funding away from our schools is my first priority. Our schools are very well managed and operate very responsibly with the budget constraints we have. I do not support a tax increase, we simply can't afford that old answer any longer. Families are struggling.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?NOAs 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?The district should provide cost of living increases for its employees. They should be fair and reasonable. We must attract and maintain our valuable teachers and staff. They are the ones who provide the resources and education for our children.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 the increase, due to the fact that they are retiring. Their pension is fully funded already and I don't feel they should get a boost in pay when their work is near the end. This only contributes to our massive debt/pension disaster created by Springfield.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am very passionate about the education of our children. They are the future.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Mayor Deborah BullwinkelWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be honest , be considerate of others.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spend more time with my Grandpa.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English. I love talking with people.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be Honest,work hard and Never give up, Do your best and always be Positive!