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Elizabeth Speros: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Elizabeth Speros

City: Crystal Lake

Office sought: MCC Trustee, 2-year seat

Age: 58

Family: Married, one daughter

Occupation: Early career Technical Editor for two Aerospace/Defense Contractors - Secret Clearance

Education: B.A. in Journalism, University of Central Florida

Civic involvement: Current: Election Judge since 2013, Crystal Lake Food Pantry Volunteer since 2003 and a contributor to its 2016-2018 Building Capital Campaign, Church's Director of our Kids Hope USA mentoring partnership with local elementary school. Previous: Faith Committee Member for the Family Violence Coordinating Council 22nd Judicial Circuit from 2009 to 2014, and Church's Meals on Wheels Chairperson from 2004 to 2010.

Previous elected offices held: Public - none; Community - Church Council Member and from previous term Financial Secretary, Neighborhood HOA Treasurer

Incumbent? No.

Facebook: Yes

Twitter: Yes

Issue questions

Describe your vision for the primary role of a community college.

The primary role of a community college is to be an affordable and accessible gateway to better jobs with higher earnings; a transition hub because of work fluidity and life changes; an open-door for second chances; and as a quality educational institution with learning, dialogue and diversity at its core. Community colleges are essential in reducing skyrocketing student loan burdens. Alarming debt amounts combined with the high cost of living mean some young adults are postponing major milestones like getting married, starting families or buying their first homes. As a trustee candidate for McHenry County College, my hope is residents additionally consider the critical role an open-door philosophy has in altering lives. Finally, since a college is a business accountable to taxpayers, it has an equal fiduciary responsibility to conduct its operations in a fiscally stable manner.

How well is your community college fulfilling that role? What changes, if any, need to be made?

A main question is always retention rates for pivotal or vulnerable students and how to reach them. An example of what MCC has done well was to have identified math as a stumbling block for certain students to finishing college and its then development of a co-requisite math course, approved by the state, to create a pathway to student success. I also like that free tutoring is available for multiple subjects on campus. An outstanding achievement this past year was the opening of the Liebman Science Center with its dedicated learning labs and classrooms. For all students and the county at large, the state-of-the-art planetarium recently built is a local opportunity for learning and awe, too. Finally, in terms of affordability, the reduction of the cost of books for students like the text bundling in the nursing program is a concrete example of MCC delivering on its role and vision.

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.

Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?

It is dependent on if there were future significant revenue shortfalls. If this were the case, the college would need to present solutions in a deliberative and transparent process. Questions would need to be answered such as: has MCC been efficient, eliminated wasteful spending, spent wisely, honored its fiscal responsibilities, built its donor base, competed for grants, and met its institutional goals and metrics? Then, as a taxing body, how does its rate and percent compare to other entities on a tax bill? As importantly, taxpayers need to be heard in an open setting and, if it came to a ballot initiative, by voters at the polls.

Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?

The college has experienced a continued growing Latino enrollment to its current 18 percent, reflective of the county's 13.1 percent Hispanic and Latino population estimate from the 2018 U.S. Census Bureau. Overall, MCC offers multiple degrees, workforce development, business and community programs, certifications, free adult education, noncredit options, personal enrichment and opportunities tailored to seniors. There are approximately 30 student organizations and clubs ranging from honor societies to political, religious and multicultural. However, I am community-based and may not be aware of a service or targeted population that is not being met. I am open to hearing specific needs and concerns.

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