Jane Siegal: Candidate profile

CANDIDATE BIO INFORMATION

Name: Jane Siegal

City: Mundelein

Office sought: School Board District 120

Age: 72

Family: Three grown children. Two grandchildren

Occupation: Retired School Social Worker

Education: B.S. Human Development, Mundelein College

M.S.W. Loyola University

C.A.S. Administrative Cert. National Lewis University

Civic involvement: Center For Independent Living Board of Director

School District 120 Member

Previous elected offices held:

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? I was elected in 2015.

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Issue questions

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

I believe that the most important issue facing our district is the commitment to continue our effort to grow the value of equity growth and collaboration in our schools. Our Boards belief that all kids can achieve and that achievement of all of our students, staff and programming relies on the full investment of our entire community. Equity relates to the understanding that, although we are all learners, we do not all learn the same way or within the same timeline. Growth understands that, not only do we all learn differently, we acknowledge that we offer programming that improves learning for all. Collaboration encourages working as a team. Our newly implemented Shared Services with District 75 to both save money and offer more complementary service for both districts is only one example of the positive nature of collaboration. Hopefully this endeavor will spread throughout Mundelein schools.

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?

Though seldom completely satisfied, I am confident that MHS is committed to continuous improvement of programs and relationships that will improve student preparation for their future. Whether college, the military, job training or students with special needs, our faculty and staff believe that all of our students are all of our students. At present, the College and Career Center continues to augment their services for our college bound kids, as well as those who would prefer specific job training. New programming will offer increasing industry related job skill opportunities, including much anticipated with companies seeking skilled workers.

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.

I am convinced that our administration is committed to prioritizing budgetary needs. Our shared commitment with District 75 may not only be fiscally sound regarding costs, but will allow our districts to direct more dollars toward school needs, including tutoring, programming and social opportunities. I am neither pro tax or anti tax. I believe that MHS is our communities most valuable asset and a positive, improving environment will add to our communities good will and rising status.

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?

I am a retired School Social Worker who spent more than thirty years at Mundelein High School. Ten years into my employment, I chose to move into this community because, as I had felt a commitment to this school, I wanted to commit to the people of Mundelein. I loved my career as an educator in this school and I am now loving my role as a member of our Board of Education.

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 am not sure that I fully understand this question. To be honest, I spent several years as a MEA negotiator at Mundelein High School. A was a member of the team of certified educators who negotiated new contracts for MEA members. I believed then and I believe now that my role was as a representative of my school to assist all the members of the MHS community and do what is right for our kids. I also believe strongly that a community that focuses on equity will base their decisions on what is fair.

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?

As I answered in the last question, I believe in equity, and if we are committed to this goal, no special treatment, either positive or negative, should be offered to one segment of the school. If monetary concessions or rewards are the issue, all parts of the bargaining unit should have a strong and equal voice in a fair agreement.