Laura Rabe: 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: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Central Unit District 301 School Board Age: 46Family: I have been married for 20 years and we have two daughters, 14 and 17. One is currently in 8th grade at CMS and the other is a Junior at CHS. We have lived in District 301 since 1996, and moved here because of the school district. Our entire family is very active in the school district and community.Occupation: Technical Service Marketing Systems SpecialistEducation: B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois.Civic involvement: I have been actively involved in District 301. I started as a Girl Scout Leader for both my daughters. I became involved with the PTO at Prairie View. I was a committee chair for a couple of events for multiple years. I was a PTO officer for two years. I am at the end of my first term on the District 301 School Board. I have served on the DLT committee and am currently an active board member on the District 301 Foundation. I am currently a member of the Alignment Collaborative for Education Governing Board.Elected offices held: Prairie View PTO Vice President Prairie View PTO President School Board President Alignment Collaborative for Education Governing 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?District 301 is currently doing a good job preparing students for college or career. The District Office works closely with all administrators within our district to make sure all students are ready for the next step in life. I believe we need to continue what we are doing, and continue to review the results. If needed, we need to adapt our plan and process if it doesn't appear to be helping our students meet their goals.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.I believe we need to be aware and monitor changes that might affect our budget. District 301 is going through another growth period. We need to make sure we manage our budget as our student population increases. Our current board approved a bond abatement in order to minimize a tax increase for our community. I would like to see the new board continue to review all options when reviewing the budget and any tax increases.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?I believe when discussing contracts the goal is to make sure all parties are treated fairly and we abide to all labor laws.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 would not do this. I do not this is the correct way to compensate employees.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I think we need to focus on preparing our students for college and career. In addition to the education component, we need to help them be prepared for the soft-skills in life. There are many ways to define soft-skills. Two key skills include problem solving techniques and demonstrate perseverance in everything they do. It is also important to have a growth mindset and realize you really can succeed at anything you put your mind too. These soft-skills, along with others, will help them become strong professionals and outstanding citizens.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by any teacher, coach or person who goes out of their way to help somebody else become a better leader.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned how to work well with others. Solutions are always better when you examine different opinions and options.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not want a do-over. If I changed something in my past, I wouldn't be where I am today.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math. Math helps teach you perseverance and this trait has helped me be successful and become the person I am today.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always have a positive, can-do attitude. With a positive attitude, nothing will stop you from what you want to accomplish.