Kristine M. Gericke: Candidate profile

BIO

Name: Kristine M. Gericke

City: Naperville

Office sought: Member, Naperville Community Unit School District 203 Board of Education

Age: 46

Family: Married to Jeff for 23 years. We have one son and one daughter who are students at Naperville North H.S.

Occupation: Proofreader

Education: B.A. in History with a Secondary Education minor from North Central College (1994)

Civic involvement: Leadership and volunteer roles in District 203 Home and School at the building and district level since 2007; CASA of DuPage - Court Appointed Special Advocate; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ladies Auxiliary - member; District 203 Enrollment Capacity Study - committee member; Boy Scout Troop 555, Naperville - current Committee Chair

Previous elected offices held: NCUSD 203 Board Member

Incumbent? Yes

If yes, when were you first elected? April 2017

Website: N/A

Facebook: Kristine Gericke

Twitter: @Gericke4D203

Issue questions

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

School safety and the mental and emotional well being of our staff and students are of top concern to me. We have hired a Director of Safety and Security this year and I fully support this decision. This person brings decades of experience to the position. It is important that we avoid "knee-jerk" reactions and implement best practices that are based on credible research. A safe environment will allow staff, students and visitors to focus on the work they are there to do. Our students are there to learn and grow and a feeling of safety will allow them to do just that. It is also important for the adults to feel that their workplace will allow them to excel and thrive in their profession. Our district also has a strong SEL curriculum in place at all grade levels that is recognized throughout the country. Students are taught strategies to become resourceful and resilient individuals. The adults also employ these strategies in their interactions with each other and with students. The SEL curriculum and the focus on building safety work together to develop positive building atmospheres and cultures.

* 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?

I am satisfied with how our kids transition from each stage while they are attending school. I feel we can continue to grow and improve in regards to preparing our kids for college or career. Even though our students achieve at high levels, it should not be assumed that every one of them wants to follow a 4-year college path. Students should feel supported and ready for path they feel is right for them after 12th grade. High school should be a time to gain a strong academic foundation while having the flexibility to explore various interests. We should not be constraining or rushing our kids to make premature decisions. Exposure to various fields and skills should be a focus through 12th grade. It is important to highlight our College and Career Counseling that aid students in planning their high school experiences in a purposeful and thoughtful manner and our Business Partnership Council that strives to expose our students to different professional fields using such strategies as mentorships and job shadow opportunities.

* 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 strive to find the middle ground between what our students need, our taxpayer burden and the overall financial health of our district.

First, I prefer to review efficiencies and program efficacy. Redundancies should be eliminated when feasible. Our business office is very good at seeking savings programs, partnerships, etc. Financial stewardship is a Board priority. Board members routinely inquire about savings in bills and claims reviews each month and the administration is respectful and transparent about the variety of ways in which money is saved or spent wisely. It is important to me to ensure that we remain fiscally responsible with our tax dollars. Maintaining the long- and short-term health of the district is critical so that we don't get to a point where programs or jobs need to be cut or reduced.

* 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?

No

* 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?

Contract negotiations should be approached as a collaborative issue. It is important that our district recruits and retains a quality workforce. The District 203 school board views all of our employees as partners in the education and success of our students. It is important to recognize the high quality of work our staff provides and their dedication to continuing their own professional development in order to perform their jobs at a higher level.

* 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 am in favor of appropriate pay raises but not just arbitrary raises as an individual nears retirement. Retirement planning is not something to begin addressing toward the end of any career. It is important to be mindful that these types of substantial pay increases affect taxpayers in the short-term and the long-term. I am supportive of our district's policy discontinuing these 4-year, 6% pay "bumps".