Ryan Wollberg: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Ryan Wollberg

City: Wauconda

Office sought: Fremont District 79 School Board

Age: 36

Family: Married with one child at Fremont Primary

Occupation: School Principal

Education: Masters in Education

Civic involvement: NA

Previous elected offices held: NA

Issue questions

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

I feel that the most important issues in education today is staying current and up-to-date both financially and best practices in education in an ever-changing funding environment in Illinois. Remaining fiscally sound while keeping in mind what is best for the students of Fremont School District will be my number one priority.

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?

According to the most up-to-date data, as provided by the Illinois State Report Card, Fremont students are doing above average when compared to the state average on standardized testing. Continuing the upward trend by focusing on the district's needs while also keeping a balanced budget is of the utmost importance.

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.

At this point, Fremont is financially sound as evident from seven years of receiving the Meritorious Budget Award.

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 currently employed by Woodland District 50 in Gurnee as Principal of Elementary West. No family is employed by Fremont District 79.

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 the Board should take a stance whereas teachers and administration are compensated fairly. The only way to achieve a contract that is suitable for parties is to engage in productive dialogue between all parties. Attracting staff of the highest standard is imperative to the continued success of Fremont. Having a teacher contract that compensates staff fairly and equitably is important to the continued success of the district.

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 would support researching surrounding area school districts and aligning with our neighbors. Fremont is an exemplary school district and in order to attract employees to maintain this tradition, competitive benefits and pay that are aligned with neighbor school districts are a must.