Kevin Lyons: Candidate Profile

Back to Big Hollow District 38 School Board

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: Round LakeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Big Hollow District 38 School Board Age: 42Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Police OfficerEducation: Bachleor's Degree from NIUCivic involvement: Police Officer, School Board Member, VP of the Grant Jr. Bulldogs, Coach of youth sports in basketball, football and baseball.Elected offices held: Vice President of the Big Hollow School BoardQuestions 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 re-election. I would like the District to continue exploring the best methods for incorporating Technology and Education with the use of 1 to 1 devices as well as the applications which adapt to meet the individual educational needs of 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?I believe the testing done adequately measures the educational growth of our students. The data allows the board members and administrators to evaluate the curriculum integration within and between grade levels, as well as identifying areas where resources or training is needed to enhance the results.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?I believe the BOE is responsible for outlying the goals, strategic and fiscal for the coming school year. The school administration is responsible for implementing this plan as it is not only developed by the BOE but through a series of meetings with stakeholders and community members. Being a part of many of these meetings, technology and the need to align the curriculum within and between grade levels is one of the greatest needs of the district.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?The largest issue facing our district is Financial. The State of IL currently owes BHSD 454K in outstanding reimbursements for categorical programs. When I began as a school board member our District was using TAW in excess of 3 million dollars annually. Through cuts and streamlining of special education and transportation services, our TAW is expected to be about 1.5 million for this school year. My goal for this BOE is to eliminate the need for TAW. I would not support any tax increases until the School District is living within its means. When this happens, I would like to be able to review the effect it is having on the educational needs of the District before exploring any tax 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?I believe this is a Federal or State law issue. As a School Board member, I believe my efforts should be dedicated to increasing the educational benefit to our students and our community.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Fiscal Responsibility. As I stated above, through the hard work of the current Administration and BOE, the District has reduced the reliance on TAW from 3-4 million to an est. 1.5 million this school year. The 1.5 million includes anticipation of the State not completing their categorical fund payments on time. The State is currently behind on payments to BHSD in the amount of 454K.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Aaron Lawler, LCB Chairman. I had the pleasure of working with him during my time at Lake County. His honesty is refreshing.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?That I am responsible for my own actions and whether good or bad there are positive and negative consequences for those actions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I don't have any regrets. I have a family and career I love and couldn't be prouder of.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History/Social Studies. I believe knowing history allows us to but the current events in perspective.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Believe in yourself. No matter what anyone else says or does, you know right and wrong. Treat others how you want to be treated.