Linda Coyle: 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: Park RidgeWebsite: www.votecoyle.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Maine Township High School District 207 School Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married with two childrenOccupation: AttorneyEducation: B.A. Degree in Economics from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; J.D. Degree in Law from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.Civic involvement: Member of Maine Township School District 207 Community Advisory Council; Commissioner, City of Park Ridge Planning and Zoning Commission; Member of Park Ridge Police Chief's Advisory Task Force; Treasurer and Member of Park Ridge Community Women.Elected offices held: Commissioner, City of Park Ridge Planning and Zoning CommissionQuestions 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?I am running for Maine Township High School District 207 School Board to bring a strong voice to our local school government, one that represents fiscal discipline and forward thinking. I am long time resident of the District, as well as a community volunteer, lawyer, mom, and member of a close family. I have a daughter who is a Junior at Maine South and a son who will be a Freshman next fall. My combined experiences will enable me to guide the Board and District forward on all issues, including holding our taxes down, promoting efforts to increase student success within budget and making our schools stronger for all residents. My goal is to be responsible to the community and taxpayers while continuing to find ways to provide the highest quality education and opportunities for our students.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?Student Success is measured by many factors. Some of the factors include student G.P.A., difficulty of course-load, standardized test scores, college readiness standardized tests (ACT and SAT), college acceptance rate and college graduation rate. The ultimate goal of the District is to prepare our students for college and/or career. All of the above factors must be analyzed and utilized so that all three high schools in District 207 provide the highest education and opportunity for our students. As a Board member I plan to focus on how ready our students are for college or a post high school career, and what can be done to increase that rate of success. Student success stems from increased opportunities to grow and learn. This can be done by promoting access to AP classes, providing collage and career counseling, and increasing diverse, innovative and rigorous courses.Do you support the district's proposed "Hybrid 4" schedule that would increase classroom time for most classes by 17 minutes each week, though it would cut times for science classes?As a member of the District 207 Community Advisory Council, I have been in many discussions and heard several presentations on the issue of changing the schedule. I have also attended District 207 Board of Education meeting where teachers, students and parents spoke about the proposed new schedule. Above all, the primary factor to consider is how the new schedule will benefit the students. Based on my discussions and research, the students will get more actual classroom instruction, and increased time spent on most subjects without lengthening the school day. The proposed schedule is more efficient than the current schedule with regard to wasted passing period time. There is also cost savings to the District associated with moving to the new schedule. Specifically, the schedule will allow teachers to engage in continuing education classes and development during the school day without the need to hire substitute teachers.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?My mission is to promote efforts to increase student success within the budget. Each taxpayer in the District deserves efficient, responsive and accountable schools. I have reviewed District 207's financial reports, and have noted that the district is financially sound. That said, the financial status of the State of Illinois is very poor, and there is potential for a reduction in funding. There are also capital improvements on the horizon at each of the three schools that are necessary to maintain efficient, safe and up to date facilities so our students can thrive. It is important to diligently plan for these items, always looking to stay within budget. In my view, the current condition of the District does not necessitate cuts or reductions of programs. However, even though the financial condition of the district is sound, it is important that the Board invoke fiscal discipine and long term planning to enhance and increase the monetary health of the District.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?I have seen firsthand that Maine Township High School District 207 is a premier public high school district. I have experienced all that the District schools have to offer as a parent, resident and member of District 207 Community Advisory Council. It is the Board's responsibility to guarantee that all three high schools in District 207 remain top-tier. All three high schools are tremendously diverse with students from a wide range of cultural and economic backgrounds. It should be the objective of the District to consider and embrace these backgrounds while continuing to provide the best possible educational experience for all our students. It is not up to the District to determine school choice for it's students, if a voucher system is implemented, that would come from the state or federal government. It appears unlikely that a voucher system will be mandated in Illinois in the near future. However, it is the Board's role to insure that District 207 schools continue to be the most innovative and provide the best outcomes for it's students.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Each and every student in District 207 deserves the highest quality education possible. This can be achieved by striving for innovative curriculum, forward thinking planning and cutting edge technology. Further, the District needs to hire and cultivate the highest caliber teachers. But it is of the utmost importance to ensure each tax dollar is carefully and vigilantly spent on providing our students with the optimum education. It benefits the students and all District residents to have the strongest possible schools.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Treat everyone with respect.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I woud spend more time enjoying my family and friends.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Reading was my favorite subject because it allowed me to expand my view of the world, and learn of far away places and people.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Live every day to the fullest!