Martha Mueller: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Martha Mueller

City: Lombard

Office sought: D87 School board

Age: 57

Family: Husband Mark; Daughters Jennie and Kimmy, son Matt Lytle (wife Lyndsey) and new grandson Tommy!

Occupation: TSA officer ORD

Education: Glenbard East 1980

Civic involvement:

Girl Scout Leader 12 years.

Lilac Parade Marshall.

Glenbard East Favorite school bus driver 10 years!

Various community volunteer events.

Previous elected offices held:

D87 School board member 2015 to present.

Incumbent: If yes, when were first elected? 2015

Website:

Facebook:

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Issue questions

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

My priority is student safety. Social media has escalated exposures to students. We all need to be aware of the risks that come with these conveniences to safeguard ourselves against those who may harm us.

I want to make sure we have ample access to support systems so the students, parents and staff feel secure when they need help with any issues that arise.

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?

Now that the baby boomers are starting to retire, there are great options for careers in the trades. Laborer certifications and grants are valuable options to further his or her education without incurring extreme student college debt.

I think we need to get back to the basics. Teach these kids how to be responsible for themselves by giving them the tools they need to be self-sufficient. And by tools I mean shovels for gardening, mops for cleaning, cooking without a microwave and tire irons for that unexpected flat!

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.

The dreaded taxes. While our schools benefit from tax dollars, Illinois taxes have really put hardships on personal budgets. The administrators and board members are very committed to using your tax dollars to get the best results for our students while staying within budget guidelines. With the age of our buildings we have done an awesome job completing the latest major improvements; many coming in under budget. The benefits of these costly investments are already seeing substantial cost saving results - i.e. decreased electrical debt.

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 on the school board.

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?

Most employees that I've spoken with know that Glenbard D87 is one of the finest districts to be a part of. Many come from quite a distance because they appreciate the commitment we have to our staff and students. We also have a great open communication with our educators and are here to support them.

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 we already have a great established retirement benefit to offer our retirees. They have a clear ideal of where they'll be to set up their own personal goals. So, no, there should not be a need for additional funds to entice someone to retire!