advertisement

Renita Davis: 2023 candidate for College of Lake County board

Bio

Town: Round Lake Beach

Age on Election Day: 59

Occupation: Social Worker

Employer: YMCA Metro Chicago

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: Working in the field of education for 20 plus years, I continue to find that giving back to the communities which I serve has great value. I have grown up in a community where the adults consistently modeled community involvement. My motivation is that it is my turn to continue the legacy that was present before me.

Q: In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?

A: Working in education for the length of time that I have, I recognized the value of a quality education. One of the CLC pillars that defines its strategic plan is Access and Success for all Students. I believe that my role as a Board of Trustee is to collaborate with administration and faculty to ensure that this is obtainable, and the financial requirement does not become a regretful burden.

Q: How would you describe the state of your college's finances? What issues will your district have to confront in coming years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?

A: I believe that in order to effectively address any financial concern, you must first be educated in that area of need. This requires fact finding and data gathering and meeting the community where they are. To believe that programs and expenses can be eliminated or any tax or fee increased without understanding both sides and determining if the effects will benefit the community and the college can be more of a hindrance than a help.

Q: What are three specific non-financial challenges your community college will have to face in the next four years and what are your thoughts about how each should be addressed?

A: CLC identified in it's strategic plan, components that I feel would apply; Teaching and Learning Excellence; Creating a Collaborative Culture, and Community; and Workforce Partnerships, address this. Studies and working papers have indicated that learning has decreased in the schools systems nation wide. Some greater than others. CLC's investment in the community, and its students requires a type of innovation and effort to pull our students and community back to excellence and academic success. By working together, and relying on the strengths of all involved I believe that each of these pillars are possible.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

A: As a Social Worker working in groups, collaborating and engaging in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders is the most effective way to address any policy making venture. The one thing that I have learned when working in a group is that every one has knowledge, and being open to listen to varying points of view while continuing to adhere to policy protocol most always produces well rounded an amicable decisions.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: My experience with working within the communities in Lake County as a Social Worker, in addition to, being born and raised in Lake County, I understand the value of what this college means for the community and students. I can attribute being a small business owner, and a published author to some of the resources that I have taken advantage of as a community member. As well as the profession that I have chosen. I am not only a long term resident but, I have also participated in the services that the college has offered throughout my pursuit of higher learning.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

A: I believe my community does talk about "good" ideas. Ideas are always in motion. The Round Lake Area has grown and is a diverse area. I have lived in this area for 33 years. I have observed the community evolve. I cannot say that there is an idea that no one has talked about that would better the district because I have not had the opportunity to listen to the voice of every person in the Round Lake area. I believe it would be an injustice to the vastness of the community and its culture speak as if I had the answer of the "good" idea.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.