Lori Parthimos: Candidate profile

Bio

Lori Parthimos

City: Wood Dale

Office sought: School Board Member, Bensenville School District #2

Age: 45

Family: Two boys, Jake and Logan, that attend District #2 school W. A. Johnson

Occupation: Special Education Teacher

Education: B.A., Southern Illinois University, Special Education; ESL, University of Illinois at Chicago, Bilingual Education; M.A., Concordia University, Teacher Leadership; M.A., Roosevelt University, Administration

Civic involvement: PTA member, Field Day Coordinator, Earth Day Volunteer, Options Fair Committee, Rainbows for All Kids Instructor

Previous elected offices held: NA

Website:

Facebook: VoteForParthimos

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Issue questions

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

I care about putting the students first and ensuring that all of our students have the resources they need so they can optimize their talents and strengths. We should make every effort to provide students with opportunities and skills to be productive citizens in our community as well as in an increasingly global economy.

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?

It is important that all students have the opportunity to optimize their abilities, as well as have the resources available to make this possible. Early education is essential to the future success of our children. As we prepare our elementary and middle school students for high school and college, I will look for opportunities to improve performance and achievement in reading and math. I will also develop a long-range strategic plan that provides a framework for continuous improvement.

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 not in favor of increasing taxes. We have to be careful stewards of our financial resources. Funding of public education in Illinois is one of our most pressing priorities. We must closely manage expenditures like transportation and supplies. I do not support measures that would reduce services to students, nor would I support a significant tax increase. I support fiscal responsibility and stability while providing District 2 taxpayers with exceptional value.

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 a special education teacher at Leyden District #212. I have taught for 20 years, the last 15 of which have been at Leyden. I do not have any other family members associated with Leyden or with Bensenville. I do come from a family of educators and community leaders,

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?

Teachers are the first line of connection to the students. As a teacher with experience in the classroom, and in a variety of leadership positions, I understand the importance of listening to teachers and staff to best capture student and school needs. The BOE should always be open to hearing issues brought forth by our bargaining unit partners. We should meet regularly with union leadership so that we can have conversations, rather than conflicts. It is my priority that we continue to maintain the quality of programs and services to students, while providing taxpayers maximum value and stability. A good union contract will benefit the district by allowing it to attract, train and retain high quality educators while supporting professional growth. As a teacher and parent, I care about putting great teachers into our classrooms, and as a resident, want to be certain we are getting exceptional value for our tax dollars.

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 do not support boosting pension benefits, and I'm firmly against pension abuses that have contributed to the weakening of many of our public pension systems.