Constantina (Tina) Haralambopoulos: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Constantina (Tina) Haralambopoulos

City: Addison

Office sought: Board Member

Age: 35

Family: Parents, Art & Lisa Haralambopoulos, Sister Nicole (Haralambopoulos) Katavic, and Marissa Haralambopoulos.

Occupation: Teacher

Education: Masters of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction, Concordia University, 2015

Civic involvement: Board of Education Member, District 88

Previous elected offices held:

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Appointed August 2018

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Issue questions

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

District 88's mission is to work for the continuous improvement of student achievement. As a sitting board member, we always want to focus on maximizing student achievement while considering the mission of the district, recommendations of administration, the current issues facing education today, and the needs of the students. As a board we work collaboratively to solve these issues, and this is apparent in the goals supporting District 88's vision. One of the issues that we have been facing is the achievement gap left by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) with the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), we are ensuring that all students receive the support needed for success. One way I would consider giving students the support they need is with online personalized learning. District 88 currently has an online individualized fitness and training program for students, and I would like to see more online or blended learning classes become available. Online learning can be used for students that need enrichment opportunities, at-home learning, or supplemental programs to meet students needs.

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 88 is working towards preparing students for the next stages of their lives either in college or career. Students have the opportunity to earn dual credit for college or certifications for career paths after high school. While I believe District 88 is on the right path, there is always room for improvement. The board was introduced to the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) programs, this program that is being piloted to help students develop skills necessary for success in high school but in addition processes for students to be college and career ready.

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.

District 88 board members are always well informed of the current budget by the Chief Financial Officer and we try to take a proactive approach if there are any rising concerns. When times get tough, we want to ensure that cutting programs and expenses is avoided it at all costs. Recently, the board voted unanimously for tax relief for the local tax payers. The support that District 88 receives from taxes in an imperative to the success of our students and we thank the tax payers for their continued support to ensure that we are providing the best education for the students, the future of our community.

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 work as a 4th grade teacher for a charter school in Chicago, also I am currently a board member for District 88.

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?

The posture we take, as a board, is always having competitive salaries and appropriate compensation for all various school employee groups. Salary compensation and increases are directly correlated to the CPI and reflective of the economy. The district ensures that all school employee groups are fairly compensated and when contract talks arise, the team works to establish a win-win situation. The district's mission is for the continuous improvement of student achievement; and therefore, the board focuses on retaining a quality staff in both high school's to ensure this mission is continued.

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?

Currently, District 88 is in this position. We comply with all the state regulations regarding pensions. The current pension package is the same for all superintendents, administrators, and certified staff are fair and competitive. I support how District 88 develops the pension package and ensures that it is planned and budgeted appropriately.