Hal Sloan: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Hal Sloan

City: Grayslake

Office sought: District 127 High School Board Member

Age: 60

Family: Spouse Patty Keefe Sloan, Children: Scott (Catherine), Laura, Kevin

Occupation: Sales

Education: MBA Marketing Roosevelt

Civic involvement: Founder, and President PFLAG Grayslake/Round Lake, (2017-Present) Avon Township Democrats Chairman and Precinct 44 Committee Person (2014-Present)

Previous elected offices held: none

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected?

Website:

Facebook: Hal Sloan for District 127 School Board

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Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your district and how do you intend to address them?

Many residents are strongly concerned about District 127's tax levy. I will monitor the budget for areas where there can be savings as well as explore unconventional non- taxing revenue streams.

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 127 students are well prepared for the next stage of their lives. However, as a board member; I will always be looking for ways to help our students in their future endeavors. Whether in a post secondary school, or in trade or vocational training programs District 127 students must be equipped to handle the future.

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? Be specific.

Again, the tax levy will be a constant issue. Avoiding tax increases will be an ongoing process. On the revenue side of the budget I will be looking for new non-taxing revenue streams, while on the expense side, watching for areas of wasteful spending, and monitoring the efficiency of programs will be a high priority.

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?

No

As 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?

Teachers and the support staff are the front lines of any school district. Barring an unforeseen economic event, I would not look for major contract concessions. Retaining and recruiting excellent teachers and staff with a competitive salary structure is as important as staying within the parameters of the budget. Both require balance and a need to compromise.

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 a pay boost. Our Administrators earn a very nice salary. Those salaries will generate a retirement income that has been earned, and not artificially inflated.