Steve Kieffer: 2023 candidate for Crystal Lake High School District 155 board
Bio
Town: Crystal Lake
Age on Election Day: 64
Occupation: Tool room manager
Employer: Termax Corp.
Previous offices held: None
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: I want to give back to my community and the High School Board is where I feel like I can make the most difference. I want to make sure that students have every opportunity to succeed in life, whether that means going to college or pursuing a job in the trades. We need to make sure that they have all of the tools needed to succeed.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The school board is not directly involved in setting the curriculum and would advise the superintendent of schools if needed.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Not as far as I know.
Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?
A: These are the exact reasons that I want to be on the board. To provide leadership and make sure we act in the best interests of the students and the community.
Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?
A: The one thing that I think we learned is to keep an open mind and set policies that will be in the best interests of everyone that is affected.
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: I would use the same methods that I do at work. I would weigh all of the facts and use the facts to help the group come to an agreement. I believe my ability to remain calm and present factual information to the group will provide the best results in taking effective actions and making decisions for the school district.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I'm the best candidate for the school board because of my passion to keep our community the great place to raise a family and make sure that everyone can get a great education.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I don't have one specific good idea that no one else is talking about. I want to continue to the proud tradition of a great education that prepares students for life after high school. That may be preparing students for college or it may be vocational education to prepare them a job in one of many opportunities that exist in different fields.