Adam Bauske: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Adam Bauske

City: Hoffman Estates, IL

Office sought: CCSD15 School Board

Age: 36

Family: Married to Liz Bauske for 13 years and have two children. Our son is 8 years old, and attends 2nd grade at Thomas Jefferson, and our 5 year old daughter is in Kindergarten.

Occupation: Implementation Manager

Education: Bachelor's Degree from University of Illinois in Economics and Masters in Business Administration from Wilmington University.

Civic involvement: Zoning and Planning Commissioner for Hoffman Estates, Assistant Basketball Coach for Hoffman Estates, Assistant Coach for Inverness Soccer league, TJ PTA Executive Board Member and PCEE Chair

Previous elected offices held: None

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? n/a

Website: www.BauskeKhanforD15.wordpress.com

Facebook: BauskeforD15.facebook.com

Twitter: @BauskeforD15

Issue questions

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

I believe one of the biggest issues facing our district is the option of full day kindergarten for all students. There is a great deal of research to indicate that the option for full-day kindergarten would significantly benefit our children throughout elementary school. I truly hope we can find a way to make this a reality over the next few years. Per the Illinois State Board of Education, as of 2017, 79% of kindergarten classes in Illinois were full-day programs. Additionally, research has shown a trend that students attending full-day kindergarten achieve higher achievement in classroom grades and standardized tests. The research has also shown that students attending full-day programs, compared to those attending half-day programs, gained literacy faster and achieved higher reading achievement through third grade, and even into the later elementary grades. Providing the option for full-day kindergarten will address the district's goal of improving student growth and achievement at all of our schools. It will also help our district remain competitive within our region, state, and country. Another important issue facing the district is boundaries. The district currently has the Boundary Task Force that is exploring options and developing a plan to present to the board in the near future. If the boundaries are adjusted, I would like to explore if implementing a full day kindergarten option is feasible with these potential changes. I am personally invested in the success of the District as my children are students in District 15. However, I want to make sure ALL of the children in our community have access to the highest level of education now, and in the future.

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?

In general, I think our district does a great job at preparing students for the next stage in their lives. Our district is comprised of students of varying academic levels and backgrounds, requiring many different programs and approaches to meet the needs of the students. For example, the district provides advanced educational opportunities for students who need additional challenges, and the district provides support for students who need additional resources. I have also observed a progressive focus on STEAM programs that will assist in adequately preparing our students for the next stage in their lives. I would like to see a continued partnership with feeder High Schools and Harper College to continue to bridge the gap.

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.

The current board has done a good job at managing the budget. The reserves are reviewed regularly and the budget is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the District is fiscally responsible. Two main costs the board will be confronted with are contracts and aging facilities. Both are topics need to be addressed with support of the new superintendent. I believe cuts can be achieved by obtaining competitive bids for projects, and exploring options for state and federal funding as able. As for income into District 15, fiscal responsibility is key. The board should exhaust all options to fund capital and operating expenses, before looking to increase taxes

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, I am not employed by District 15, and I do not have any family members that have been employed by or affiliated with District 15.

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?

I think the school board and employee groups should work together to come to an agreement that works for both parties. During negotiations, both parties need to work together to best meet the needs of the employees within the budgetary needs of the district.

During contract negotiations, all options should be reviewed, and as a board member I would not make a decision without being able to review and weigh each option. I believe the goal of the school board should be to recruit and retain the best employees with least impact to the taxpayers. I also believe transparency with the community, as allowed within negotiation procedures, is a key for any future contracts. Upon reviewing the current salaries within our district, our average is comparable to surrounding communities. Thus, we should be able to recruit and retain talented staff, while maintaining costs.

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 substantial increase prior to retirement that would boost pension benefits. I think this practice puts a burden on taxpayers and the pension funds. Increases should happen over time based on agreements made between the board of education and union members.