Annette K. Corrigan: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Annette K. Corrigan

City: Wheaton

Office Sought: Trustee - College Of Dupage Board Of Trustees

Age: 54

Family: Richard "Chip", C.j., Keenan, Michaela & Nathan

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Marquette University - Undergraduate, Bachelor Of Arts; Marquette University Law School

Civic Involvement: Advocate For My Community On Variety Of Issues Including Better Communications Between Law Enforcement And Residents. Previous Board Member Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Leader And Volunteer In Schools, Park District, Church, Boy Scouts. Consistent Supporter Of People's Resource Center Through Donations Of Food, Clothing And Family Volunteerism. Active Participant In Dupage County Bar Association's Programs That Assist Residents Who Are Unable To Afford Legal Representation.

Previous Elected Offices Held: None

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? NOT APPLICABLE

Website: IN DEVELOPMENT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corrigan4cod

Twitter: NOT APPLICABLE

Issue questions

Describe your vision for the primary role of a community college.

A community college should provide quality, higher education and programs at an affordable cost for all residents. It should ensure that it is addressing the needs and wants of its students and potential students in the pursuit of advancing their learning with relevant curriculum, accessibility to current technology and skilled faculty. It must develop strong relationships with the civic leaders and business owners in the community to understand employment needs in the public and private sectors. All residents should know that there are diverse educational opportunities available to them at their local college and feel supported in the pursuit of their goals by the faculty, staff and their peers.

How well is your community college fulfilling that role? What changes, if any, need to be made?

I think the College of DuPage is doing a fantastic job in meeting most aspects of its mission statement. Recent leadership has made a point of keeping its tuition affordable without increasing the burden on the tax payers to do so. The Board rolled back the cost per credit by $9.00 in 2015. They have had slight increases since then. Attending COD today is less expensive than it was in 2015. The college continues to introduce new courses, programs and technology, among other enrichment opportunities, that are relevant to our residents and the employers in the District 502 community.

Where I believe COD could improve is by recognizing that there are populations of residents in our community that have not had access to continuing their education or skills at COD. Specifically, up until two years ago, COD did not have continuing education or programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. As the parent of a high school student with cognitive disabilities, we were aware that such programs were being implemented throughout the country in 2015 when we were looking for a program. COD did not have such a program in place at that time and there was no indication that a program was going to be implemented anytime soon. I know now, because I have been speaking with administrators and faculty, that there were attempts being made to address this need, but those requests were falling on the deaf ears of the previous administration and leadership. Today, COD is in the beginning stages of building a program for our residents with disabilities who want to advance their education, develop their life skills to live independently if that is a possibility, and/or pursue their job/career opportunities. Presently, it is only through word-of-mouth that people are learning of the COD "COACH" program. As it continues to grow (and I hope to be a part of that process), it is sure to have a direct impact on COD's declining enrollment issue.

Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one?

No.

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?

No.

Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?

No.

Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?

Please see my response to the second question.