Randall Reid: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Randall Reid

City: Elk Grove Village

Office sought: District 59 School Board Member

Age:

Family: Wife and 2 Daughters

Occupation: Senior Analyst

Education: 1. University of Wisconsin - Madison Degree in Business Administration

2. Passed CPA Exam

3. United States Marine Corps - Reserve (1998-2004)

Civic involvement: Member St. Julian Catholic Church

Previous elected offices held: None

Incumbent: If yes, when were first elected? N/A

Website: N/A

Facebook: Randall Reid & Courtney Lang for District 59 School Board

Twitter: N/A

Issue questions

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

I believe that communication must be improved at all levels; administration, teachers, parents and the community. Effective and ongoing communication creates trust and prevents misunderstanding within all levels. I would like to see District 59 reinstate the newsletter, which should be sent to all households celebrating District successes and will help create an informed community.

If we are to properly educate our children, teachers and support staff need access to training and resources which they believe are necessary to perform their work. Teachers should be allowed to have a strong voice in how to instruct students. They know what will work and what won't; while still achieving the expected outcome by the District. With proper support and better communication, we can get District 59 and everyone back on the same team.

Finally, the current curriculum must get stronger in all areas of study, especially Science and Math. To be truly successful continuously improved curriculum must be fully integrated with the prior year and across subject areas. A rigorous and challenging curriculum is necessary for our children to be best prepared for their 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?

District 59 has many things to be proud of from an Early Learning Center to excellent teachers and aides to its cultural diversity. I am proud to live in District 59 and I am happy my children received their District 59 education.

I believe that the critical thinking, collaboration and social emotional learning skills being taught provide a foundation which all students can use as they progress though the different stages of their lives. In addition, the cultural diversity within District 59 is something to be celebrated. Currently over 50 languages are spoken in the district, creating some challenges, but also creating an excellent learning experience for our students by helping them understand diversity and demonstrate empathy to individuals from different backgrounds.

I recommend that District 59 improve their curriculum so students from all backgrounds have the same opportunity to have a successful and productive 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.

With proper spending habits and being fiscally responsible District 59 will keep the strong financial base it currently enjoys. I would like to see all expenses not related to student learning or teacher / classroom support be reviewed annually. By regularly monitoring these expenditures we can ensure District 59 expenses are properly spent.

District 59 has maintained its current facilities so no new buildings will be required in the next 10 years. Each year District 59 performs maintenance and repairs to its schools to further the life span and to create a safe learning environment.

I am concerned about the state's fiscal and pension budget deficits; these issues could have an adverse affect on the district depending how state lawmakers handle the situation. While District 59 maintains an excellent reserve fund we need to be wary of the state transferring some of their fiscal responsibility back to District 59. District 59 also receives Federal grants supporting early learning and full day kindergarten that assists in providing all children an excellent start to their education.

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?

District 59 has amazing teachers and support staff; they deserve to be fairly compensated with competitive pay and benefits. When District 59 properly pays teachers and staff they will be able retain and attract the best people. Future contracts must consider cost of living increases and the need to maintain District 59 financial stability. During contract negations I expect both sides to remain civil throughout the process, holding everyone accountable for a positive negotiation. By acting as adults we can set an excellent example for our children to follow.

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?

No - I believe this sends the wrong message to the constituents of District 59. Administrators pay should be based on merit and their performance. When an administrator is fairly compensated for their current position, their pension benefits will be properly reflected upon retirement.