Erin Meitzler: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Erin Meitzler

City: Batavia

Office sought: District 101 school board

Age: 37

Family: Husband Elliot and 5 children: 15-year-old son at BHS, 12-year-old daughter at RMS, 7-year-old twin daughters and 5-year-old daughter at HC Storm

Occupation: Stay-at-home parent. Former SPHR certified HR Manager for Fortune 200 company, focused on Chicagoland school districts

Education: B.A. Winona State University - Mass Communication/Communication Studies. M. B. A Madison University - Human Resources focus

Civic involvement: Vice Chair of Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence; Co-Chair of Batavia Interschool Council; Vice President of Music Buffs, RMS liaison; H.C. Storm PTO President from 2016-2018, Executive Board 2014-2018. Current active committee chair and volunteer; Served on the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence District Innovation Grant Committee focused on STEM education and encouraging the continuous participation of District 101 female students in STEM programing; active member of the Hall of Honor Committee; served on the Bulldogs Unleashed Auction Committee; Co-Chair 100 Kids Who Care Fox Valley; Co-Chair 2018 Batavia Oktoberfest Family Day; active member of 100 Women Who Care Fox Valley.

Previous elected offices held: none.

Issue questions

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

I believe the most pressing issues are constantly changing and evolving, and we have a commitment to the "always learning, always growing" BPS101 culture. Currently, I believe the most important issues facing our district are class size, guaranteed and viable curriculum, rigorous standardized testing schedules, and the individual health of the student in their entirety. Clear and thorough communications to all appropriate community members is essential. If elected, I will work diligently to partner with all levels of the district, community, staff, administration and students to develop the best possible outcomes for all. I believe remedies to these issues are complex, but am willing to put in the time, effort and energy to move toward beneficial solutions for students and staff.

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?

I believe Batavia Public Schools does a fantastic job of adequately preparing students for the next state in their lives. Offering a diverse course curriculum prepares students for their next chapter, no matter what that may look like. Children are afforded the opportunity to enjoy some of the most robust exploratory offerings in the area. BPS101 understands and values that there are many successful paths for a successful graduate and knows how to help students discover which path is best for their futures. However, we are experiencing more and more obstacles in the area of mental heath, and for numerous reasons. Continuing to address the social and emotional needs of all BPS101 students is essential, from the youngest student to the near graduating academic. Strengthening our partnerships with our community resources is crucial. Listening to our community members, staff members and students about what resources would be most sustainable and impactful is critical to meeting the changing stress filled culture Batavia's children experience on a daily basis. Nurturing a well rounded student will ultimately continue to help the child thrive as they shift through the different stages of life.

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.

In the state of Illinois, where budgetary issues are ongoing, I would strive to be as fiscally responsible as possible while maintaining a top educational environment for our students. When looking at cuts, every little bit counts, but it is important not to cut in areas that will simply delay the spending. While I generally do not support property tax increases, I know our outstanding home values are a direct result of Batavia's outstanding schools. Proposing out-of-the-box solutions for budgetary restrictions or shortfalls will be critical in today's climate.

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 currently employed or retired from a school district. Furthermore, no one in my direct family is employed by Batavia Public School District.

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 believe that contract negotiations are a process of mutual responsibility. Listening with an open mind and clear agenda can lead to productive and mutually beneficial negotiations. If elected, I would listen to all parties involved and work toward a mutually agreeable and sustainable contract. One which continues the BPS tradition of a student focused learning environment, but also fosters an environment of high morale which continues to attract top talent.

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 am not in support of increasing a superintendent or administrator's pay to help "boost" their pension benefits. The resources available should be used for the sustainability and betterment of the BPS101 community of learners, both present and in the future.