Kathleen (Kate) Thommes: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Kathleen (Kate) Thommes

City: Elgin

Office sought: Board of Education for U-46

Age: 44

Family: husband, three children

Occupation: Educator

Education: Teaching certificate from Illinois State University, Master in the Art of Teaching, Aurora University, Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Civic involvement: Volunteer in U-46 classrooms and field trips. Tutor Training Coordinator for Literacy Connection of Elgin. Co-Chair of Specialized Student Services and Finance committee for Citizen's Advisory Committee Program Chair for Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois (CAGGNI). National and State Representative for One Plus One Mothers of Multiples, Co-Chair for D2 Competition Team Fundraising.

Previous elected offices held: none

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? none

Website: www.kate4u46.com

Facebook: @kate4u46

Twitter:

Issue questions

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

School District U-46 has a diverse population by every measure with many strengths but some challenges too. As a result, the major issues are a bit of a moving target. We need to ensure that we continue to push for inclusion for our special education students to the fullest extent possible. We need to be sure that our use of Chromebooks and other technology is done well and is never a replacement for excellent teaching. We need to be good stewards of the money from taxpayers ensuring that we find a balance of program and student needs versus the need to fund our schools sufficiently.

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?

As a whole, yes, I think we are doing a good job here in U-46. That being said, there is always room for improvement. I would love to see the district move to two or three days a week of gym class in the elementary level. I would love to see expansion of the AVID program into elementary school. The upcoming College and Career Pathways will provide greater variety in the potential college and career opportunities available to our students. Throughout the District, I would like to see more support for students and staff in the area of trauma informed care, early childhood education and full inclusion for all students.

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.

Right now, School District U-46 has balanced budget and a solid strategic plan. My role as a Board member would be to move forward with the strategic plan, adjusting as needed. I would be reluctant to cut any programs presently within the district. I am not in favor of outsourcing. I would not be in favor of any property tax increases, beyond the CPI. With the new revenue from the Equitable Funding Model, the District has solid outlook.

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 was a teacher in U-46 from 1998 to 2003. Since 2006, I have taught at Elgin Community College. No one in my direct family works for U-46.

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 feel strongly that teachers and the Board of Education should be partners. We should all have the same goal of educating each student while providing a safe and nurturing environment. Contracts between administration and Unions should be compromise. That being said, our teachers, paraprofessionals, various staff and our custodians all work hard, continue their education and training, and have immeasurable value to our District and its families. They deserve cost of living raises, raises related to more training and education, and benefits like insurance and 403bs. We do need to balance that with the needs of our taxpayers, but successful students and schools are good for communities in multiple ways like raising property values and an area's reputation.

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 a substantial increase in pay for a retiring superintendent or administrator. I do believe they should receive the standard increases they would receive were they not retiring. Superintendents and administration from a large district such as U-46 should be compensated fairly along the way, meaning a substantial increase is unnecessary. The skills and responsibilities of these jobs demand a fair and equitable salary.