Krysia Ressler: 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: Green OaksWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Oak Grove District 68 School Board Age: 38Family: I am married to John Ressler and we have two girls, Lilly Ressler (7 years) and Violet Ressler (4 years)Occupation: AttorneyEducation: University of Iowa, Bachelor of Arts in PsychologyJohn Marshall Law School, Juris DoctorCivic involvement: GLSA soccer coachOak Grove Room ParentElected offices held: Illinois State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; Scholarship ChairIllinois State Bar Association; Assembly MemberAssociation of Women Attorneys of Lake County; Board MemberQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?My family moved into the Oak Grove School District, Village of Green Oaks, when I was six years old. I was a student at Oak Grove School from 1st grade to 8th grade. When I graduated Oak Grove School, our graduating class size was 48 students. Oak Grove School teachers prepared me for Libertyville High School as well as my collegiate and law degree.When my husband and I were looking to move, our number one priority was education for our children. Knowing how wonderful Oak Grove School is and the excellent reputation it has, we moved to Green Oaks. Being back in the Oak Grove School District, I want to contribute to the path of keeping Oak Grove School a great place to educate our children. As a mother of a current Oak Grove 1st grader and a preschooler, there is a lack of elementary representation on the School Board. In representing boards as an attorney and also an Oak Grove alum, there is a special understanding to be proactive keeping Oak Grove School a great place to send our children to learn and prepare them for high school and beyond.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?Oak Grove School received the honor of being a 2016 National Blue Ribbon Recipient. The award was only given to a select number of schools in the nation. With this honor, Oak Grove School is recognized for its exemplary performance in education. Within the State of Illinois it is highly ranked in reading, math, and science.The District has recently implemented a new process for measuring student success. As it is in the early stages, I believe that it requires more time to consider the process before it can be determined if it is adequate.How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?The Oak Grove School District is comprised of students, faculty, and residents. The Board of Education is only one component in creating the best environment for the students to learn and strive. It is the duty of the Board of Education to consider everyone's feedback and have an open discussion before adopting a curriculum. Over the years the school district has become diversified and it requires new skills from the board, parents, and teachers as far as listening and understanding the future growth of learning.Any changes to the current curriculum should be made with the support of both teachers and parents because without their backing and input, changes in curriculum will not be effective in achieving the best for the students of Oak Grove School.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?In the current times where the State of Illinois does not have a balanced budget, it is important to watch the budget and plan for what is necessary to make sure the students still have every opportunity to reach their full potential. The school should not reduce its programs. Allowing children to reach their full potential begins in kindergarten. Early education should be a priority for enrichment and growth. I do not support a tax or fee increase.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?Oak Grove is presently at its capacity. The Board of Education would have to look seriously at any laws if and when passed.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?If elected as a school board member, I would strive to keep the communication between teachers, parents, and students open. It is important as a community to listen to everyone and be respectful. I look forward to working with the community to resolve any issues that may arise.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.My father and mother.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be honest and treat everyone with respect.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not take a do-over because I would not be the person I am today without learning from my mistakes.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject in school was psychology. It helped me understand that everyone needs to find a way to work with each other.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Follow your dreams.