Robert Collins: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Robert J. Collins

City: Volo

Office sought: Wauconda 118 Board of Education

Age: 48

Family: My wife Kathy, daughters Mary and Kaitlyn

Occupation: School Administration

Education: Degrees in Music and Education from Millikin University and a Master's Degree in administration from Concordia University.

Civic involvement: Messiah Lutheran Executive Board, volunteered at Robert Crown School. Past-president of the Harvard (Illinois) Education Foundation and president of the Chicago Chamber Choir board of directors.

Previous elected offices held: None

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? NA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collinsforwauconda118/

Issue questions

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

Important issues Wauconda 118 needs to target is the overcrowding of certain buildings and ensuring other buildings are being utilized to offset crowding issues. For example the high numbers of students at Wauconda Middle School and Robert Crown. I believe it is imperative the board of education works with superintendent and community to find solutions. Wauconda 118 will soon be approaching teacher and educational support staff contracts. If elected, I would stress the importance of retaining and supporting the best teachers 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?

My wife and I have been very satisfied with Robert Crown and Wauconda Middle School. As a board member, I would like to analyze post high school data in the area of career readiness. For example, focus on a tool to receive feedback from Wauconda graduates and data required by the state of Illinois.

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.

For Wauconda 118, teacher and educational support staff contracts will be approaching. As a board member, I would collect data on surrounding K-12 school districts to ensure we are fairly compensating employees. I would not be in favor of diminishing educational experiences for students and I would NOT support a tax increase.

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?

Yes, I am currently employed by Hawthorn School District 73 and Principal of Hawthorn Middle School North, Vernon Hills. I was 2018 Lake County Principal of the year and am a member of many professional organizations at the state and local levels. I have a sister employed at Wauconda High School.

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?

Contracts talks will be coming up. That being said, I believe the district should do a financial audit and examine other K-12 districts in the surrounding area(s). I strongly believe the district needs to support our dedicated teachers and ensure the district is retaining and supporting the best staff possible. I believe decisions could not be made until collegial conversations takes place with all stakeholders regarding collective bargaining. Most importantly, doing what is the best for students require highly qualified and distinguished educators.

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?

Please refer to Public Act 100-0587. As of July 01, 2018, Illinois educators (including administration) could not receive a pay increase over 3 percent. Nevertheless, I would not support a huge "boost" in compensation for a superintendent/administrator nearing retirement.