D-211 Candidates Face Issues

Seven candidates are vying for four open seats in Township High School District 211 April 5 school board election. Palatine Patch asked each candidate to answer questions related to their candidacy.

Bill Robertson

Biography: Bill Robertson lives in Palatine. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree, received his Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Rockford College, and completed his Master of Arts in School Leadership degree from Concordia University Chicago. A former teacher, Robertson is a high school administrator working as an assistant principal. He is a member for the Palatine's Zoning Board, and serves on the Bridge Youth and Family Services Board of Directors.

1) District 211’s budget for the current fiscal year is balanced. Do you believe the district has done a good job managing its finances? Why or why not?

We need to be aware of how we are spending our money. We must create accountability by bringing transparency to district finances. By taking actions such as posting the district checkbook online, the community can be actively involved in ensuring their money is being spent wisely. With the participation of the community, we can make certain we are allocating our finances towards resources that most benefit student instruction and learning.

2) Do you believe that District 211 is doing a good job preparing students for life after high school?

Our schools are not making Adequate Yearly Progress. We must improve our reading and math scores in order to perform up to the Illinois State Board of Education standards. To accomplish this, we have to support our school experts and develop a systematic plan to increase reading and literacy instruction in our schools. This will increase PSAE (Prairie State Achievement Examination) test scores in order to make AYP.

3) How can District 211 work with District 15 to ensure a quality K-12 education and that students are prepared for high school?

High school counselors and staff visiting the middle schools to assist students with course selections for high school, linking meetings that allow staff from the middle schools and high schools to meet and discuss specific students, mentor program that partners seniors with incoming freshmen, freshmen orientation program at the high schools, and involving parents in the transition process.

4) What significant capital needs or technology improvements do you foresee District 211 needing in coming years?

District 211 has an approved technology plan and is currently evaluating capital needs. I believe that we need to maintain technology in the classroom while utilizing fiscal responsibility.

5) Why should voters pick you to represent them?

I am motivated by what is best for the students. I am focused on providing our youth with the best possible education, creating life-long learners, and being a wise steward with the public’s money in the process. My decisions on every matter will focus solely on what is best for our school district and our youth.

6)  What is the greatest challenge facing District 211?

We need to increase test scores and be aware of how we are spending tax payer dollars. We must provide teachers with the training and materials they need to perform their duties, and then hold them accountable for student achievement. We need to retain the highest quality teachers, but must maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency all at the same time.

Rich Gerber

Biography: My family has lived in Schaumburg for 18 years and Schaumburg will be our home for many years to come. We have a freshman and a junior attending Schaumburg High School. We are fortunate to have many close friends with children in Palatine, Fremd, Conant, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates High Schools. My profession is a real estate agent in the area and I see that most people moving into our communities are coming here because of the schools.

Editor's Note: Rich Gerber was appointed to the school board to fill a vacant seat in October 2010.

1)  District 211’s budget for the current fiscal year is balanced. Do you believe the district has done a good job managing its finances? Why or why not?

In addition to a balanced budget, which is rare, District 211 has preserved a minimum fund balance of 33.3 percent of the next budget year’s expenditures providing financial predictability for the future. District 211 is continually reducing expenses. Most recently, District 211 restructured health insurance benefits savings the District $15 million. District 211 posts financial information at www.d211.org/financial_info.shtml.

2)  Do you believe that District 211 is doing a good job preparing students for life after high school?

From the Class of 2010, 94 percent of District 211 graduated. 84 percent of the District 211 graduates went on to attend college. 176 were Academic Scholars, 19 National Merit Scholars, and 543 Illinois State Scholars. District 211 works closely with Harper College to identify areas where District 211 can do a better job preparing students. In addition, District 211 provides Special Education services for 1,575 students.

3)  How can District 211 work with District 15 to ensure a quality K-12 education and that students are prepared for high school?

District 211 already works closely and regularly with both District 15 and District 45 to identify areas where students can be better prepared for high school.

4)  What significant capital needs or technology improvements do you foresee District 211 needing in coming years?

District 211 recently completed a 7-year plan. The original 1977 kitchen at Palatine High School will be renovated and several of the schools will undergo roof and HVAC maintenance. District 211 will upgrade a previously deferred technology items using new grant and federal funds. District 211 maintains over 1,089,000 square feet of building space.

5)  Why should voters pick you to represent them?

My business experience has been in developing and managing business plans, budgets, staffing plans and contracts. I understand the balance that needs to take place between all of these elements for the overall system to work effectively. I bring a high-level of energy and the time to commit to being an active school board member. I am passionately committed to the success of District 211.

6)  What is the greatest challenge facing District 211?

The greatest challenge facing District 211 will be in maintaining a balance between developing and implementing quality programs which challenge students to achieve their potential while at the same time working within the financial challenges facing the District and the community.

George Brandt

Biography: Over the past 30 years Brandt has volunteered for chambers of commerce and the Jaycees, and has been involved with several foundations dedicated to education.

Founding Board member W.T.A.; a foundation dedicated to supporting the University of Wisconsin. Nine  years on the District 15 Educational Foundation. An officer with Upholding Excellence in D211; a community organization dedicated to the support of School District 211.

Brandt also served as President of a global trade organization with 1,120 member firms in 39 countries. Board member L.I.F; a foundation dedicated to education which provides grants to universities all over the world. Past President Fremd Boosters; a parent organization dedicated to providing assistance to every student at Fremd.

Over the past 30 years he has been involved with raising millions of dollars in private funds used to support education. Over time he has earned the respect of the board members he has served with, five of which have elected him President.

He is running for the board of 211 because the education of our children and control of our money cannot be left to chance. He will balance the excellence you expect with our ability to pay for it.

Editor's note: Brandt currently is vice president of the District 211 school board.

1)  District 211’s budget for the current fiscal year is balanced. Do you believe the district has done a good job managing its finances? Why or why not?

During the 3 ¾ years that I have been on the District 211 Board of Education, the district’s finances have been sound. Future strains on our revenue as well as pressures from rising costs require that we be ever vigilant in order to make sure the district’s finances stay in this condition.

2)  Do you believe that District 211 is doing a good job preparing students for life after high school?

Students taking college prep courses are well equipped for life after high school.   For students that are not on the college path, the curriculum is in transition and is being updated to better cope with the changing needs of the workforce. For the special needs students, independent living classes, employment training, and job coaching are offered.

3)  How can District 211 work with District 15 to ensure a quality K-12 education and that student are prepared for high school?

Working with district 15, district 54 and the 8 private schools that feed into D211, requires constant communication to make sure that the curriculums and the standards are in sync.

4)  What significant capital needs or technology improvements do you foresee District 211 needing in coming years?

District 211 is in the process of a technology upgrade at the present time, and over the next seven years, will be working on life safety upgrades through out the district.

5)  Why should voters pick you to represent them?

I am the current vice-president for the District 211 Board of Education; one of the few districts in the state of Illinois to not only have a balanced budget, but a 5 year projection that shows revenue exceeding expenses. In the private sector, I do not work for a school district and no longer have children in the district. This allows me to make difficult decisions without pandering to anyone.

6)  What is the greatest challenge facing District 211?

District 211’s challenges have been and will continue to be financial; unfunded state and federal mandates, benefit costs, and contracts that lack flexibility.

Roman G. Golash

Biography: After 34 years of service, I retired from the Army as a colonel. I continue to work as a microbiologist at the Illinois Department of Public Health. I am active in various organizations including: Palatine Citizen Corps, CERT, Ukrainian American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America and the Illinois Society for Microbiology. I graduated from Weber High School in Chicago and obtained a B.S. in biology from Northern Illinois University. After a stint in the military, I obtained an M.S. in microbiology from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Several years later, I completed the M.B.A. program at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. I live in Palatine with my wife and two children. More background information can be obtained by going to my website www.golashfordistrict211.com

1) District 211’s budget for the current fiscal year is balanced. Do you believe the district has done a good job managing its finances? Why or why not?

The tax referendum passed in 2005 to increase the budget for District 211. The school board is doing a acceptable job, but the taxes keep going up every year. The district states that this is a county issue, that the tax burden is being transferred from businesses to home owners. The solution is to establish a new county, Reagen County.

2) Do you believe that District 211 is doing a good job preparing students for life after high school?

For the most part, the district high schools are doing a good job, there are many excellent teachers. The schools invest a lot of time and energy in developing pride in the school, such as "Pirate Pride" or "Viking Pride." It seems that the schools do not try to develop pride in the United States, our Nation. Schools are off on Veteran's Day, but few students are encouraged to attend the program sponosored by the Palatine American Legion post. The schools have numerous exhibits, but I did not find an exhibit that honors our military.

3) How can District 211 work with District 15 to ensure a quality K-12 education and that students are prepared for high school?

District 211 can provide feedback to the District 15 administrators regarding the preparation students receive before entering high school. In my opinion, too many students are not ready to take college prep classes. District 15 needs to emphasize the basics.

4) What significant capital needs or technology improvements do you foresee District 211 needing in coming years?

With the economic issues facing Illinois, capital improvements or projects have to be put on hold until Springfield gets the budget under control. The district cannot expect assistance from Springfield in the near future.

5) Why should voters pick you to represent them?

With a military background and experience in teaching on the university level, I bring a unique set of skills that may prove useful to the board. I plan to be fiscally responsible and I plan to be active in curriculum development.

6) What is the greatest challenge facing District 211?

The future will be difficult with budgetary restraints, the tax base is decreasing and the taxes continue to increase. The schools will have to prioritize in the future. Union negotiations will begin in 3 years. In addition, the students need to develop a moral compass to make the right decisions in this complex world. The moral compass comprises the following values, loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity and courage. Allowing the students to develop a moral compass necessitates the cooperation between the schools and the parents.

Mucia Burke

Biography: Mucia Burke graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Nutrition.  After graduation, she came upon a unique opportunity to relocate from Connecticut to Chicago working for Xerox Corporation. Mucia has been in her current position as a full-time, stay-at-home mom for the past fourteen years.

Mucia has been a dynamic member of the PTA. Mucia has held various chairperson positions over the years. In addition, she has been a past PTA President for Fredrick Nerge Elementary School. Mucia was the parent representative of Nerge’s School Leadership Team for three years. Currently, Mucia is the First Vice President for Schaumburg Council of PTAs. She is also a parent voice for District 54 Citizens Advisory Committee.

Mucia resides in Schaumburg with her husband Jim, and their three children, Mucia Marie, 13, Alec, 12, and Brian, 9.

1) District 211’s budget for the current fiscal year is balanced. Do you believe the district has done a good job managing its finances? Why or why not?

The budget is very complicated. I believe that District 211 is trying to work the budget in a conservative manner. They are looking to spend in areas where it is really important. They are trying to provide programs and education to prepare students for their next step in life. I believe that District 211 is trying to run a lean budget. David Torres from the administration office is doing a good job projecting what our expenses will look like for the next five years. It would be helpful to provide a clear and concise vision for the community.  This would help the community to see the value for their tax dollars. During these economic times it will be crucial that the district spends within their means.

2) Do you believe that District 211 is doing a good job preparing students for life after high school?

Today more than ever the demands of students are high. I feel that students are receiving a strong foundation for the future. The goal of high school is to prepare students for the next step after high school. At this time I feel that District211 is offering a wide variety of classes to touch all students at multiple levels of interest.  There is always ways to improve and challenge students. Teachers and administrator should constantly be searching for new ways to reach all students learning abilities. It is imperative that students are receiving the support and guidance in the home to help them be successful. It is the roll of the parents and school staff to work together to give students the skills and tools necessary to achieve success.

3) How can District 211 work with District 15 to ensure a quality K-12 education and that students are prepared for high school?

Early intervention is the key to long term success of students. If schools can identify weaknesses in students in early grades there is more time to help these students learn strategies to help them be successful. At times teachers and parents need to show these students alternative ways of learning the same information.  

The converse side of this is schools should challenge those students who need enrichment. Encouraging students to think and work independently will help prepare them for high school. 

District 15 and District 211 can work together by aligning expectation of students in elementary and junior high. Each year a student is in school should be a stepping stone for growth as a student and a person.

4) What significant capital needs or technology improvements do you foresee District 211 needing in coming years?

I foresee the District needing to improve technology as far as computers in the High School.  Technology is the future of our students and we need to stay current to help them evolve.

5) Why should voters pick you to represent them?

I feel that I am an excellent candidate for District 211 because I truly have a passion for education and for students.  I want all students to receive an excellent education. I believe in all students and all interest levels. I feel that core classes and electives are crucial to the goal of high school. I want all students at District211 to feel that there are classes to reach their passions in life. This means that if a person wants to be an engineer that we are offering classes to prepare them for college. If a student is interested in art that our high schools have courses that will challenge and foster their interest in fine arts.

I would like the community to know that I will represent them with integrity, dedication to students and I will be fiscally responsible with funds.

6) What is the greatest challenge facing District 211?

Student achievement is a challenge that should be in the forefront of the District.  Currently, the community feels that our students should be scoring higher on the state report card. I feel that schools are working creatively to help students achieve.  For example at one of the high schools in our district they are running a program that will help students who are receiving low grades be given extra help on assignments during school hours. These students would do their homework in a setting with a certified teacher to assist them with their needs. In another high school the physics department is providing assessments early in the unit to identify areas of opportunity to review whether or not a student is learning the material prior to the test. This would allow for additional instruction in area of content that the student is not grasping.

If the district continues to work in this manner more students will be obtaining success.

M. Bryan Neal

Biography: Neal is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with a private practice in Arlington Heights. He attended the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He completed his undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University where he graduated Cum Laude.

1) District 211’s budget for the current fiscal year is balanced. Do you believe the district has done a good job managing its finances? Why or why not?

Overall the district has done a good job managing its finances. The 2005 referendum raised taxes and allowed the district to increase its revenue to meet its expenses. The district has a better than average tax base and requires less money than average from the State of Illinois. The business aspect of the district’s administration has done a good job of streamlining “operational efficiencies” within the district’s budget.

2) Do you believe District 211 is doing a good job preparing students for life after high school?

Yes. The district provides a high quality education. Students who come prepared and interested in education can do well. We must continue to reach and stimulate more students to become better educated and to become interested in continual self directed education after high school. In the upcoming century, educational talent of the working population mass will critically determine how well America is able to successfully compete with other countries of the world.

3) How can District 211 work with District 15 to ensure a quality K-12 education and that students are prepared for high school?

District 211 can monitor the skills and abilities of incoming freshman and where incoming improvement is needed, work with District 15 to improve. By encouraging competition and pointing out where other districts are excelling, if and when District 15 is not, can motivate District 15 to improve when necessary.

4) What significant capital needs or technology improvements do you foresee District 211 needing in coming years?

At the most recent District 211 Board of Education meeting, life safety studies, mandated by state law, will identify the capital outlays needed. These will be prioritized and funded over time. The district deferred monies originally directed to computer technology in order to balance this year’s budget.

5) Why should voters pick you to represent you?

I have benefited from and deeply understand the importance of a high quality education. I did receive my high school education in this district. I am an orthopedic surgeon and at times must make difficult decisions with uncertain outcomes when no good or obvious choice is known. I can make difficult decision when they need to be made. I have pledged not to support any tax increasing referendum under any circumstances over the next four years. I do not support the institution of tenure and am of the opinion it should be abolished. I support merit pay and pay for performance. I would ask our teaching professionals to bear in proportion to coverage and cost their health care cost as does the average privately employed tax payer. I would stop the practice of paying for the mere obtaining of advanced educational degrees with demonstration of a significant marginal improvement in teaching skills or results. Of all the candidates, I have been the most forthcoming on the specific changes needed within our district concerning their relationship with the teacher’s union and possible financial savings for the taxpayer and district.

6) What is the greatest challenge facing District 211?

The biggest challenge will be balancing the need and desire to continue to provide and to improve the quality of education offered in the district while at the same time recognizing the financial realities facing our local, county, state, and federal authorities which ultimately may force us, as a community and county, to spend less resources on education while demanding better results and value from the monies we spend on education.

Chuck Fritz

Biography: Previously served on the District 211 school board.

1) District 211’s budget for the current fiscal year is balanced. Do you believe the district has done a good job managing its finances? Why or why not?

I believe they have done a good job of managing finances. In 2004, $7 million in budget cuts were identified and implemented. In 2010-2011, additional cuts were implemented, totaling $4 million.

While the district needs to be commended for annually reviewing expenses, we face uncertain times. District 211 is now facing a major change in the leaders at the county and state level, as well as a new mayor in Chicago. As a district in good financial standing it would be naïve to believe the county, city of Chicago or state might not want to find a way to move taxpayer funds, or change future funding formulas such that other school systems have access to our local taxpayer dollars.

Taxpayers have been pushed to their financial limits. Considering the above, District 211 may face challenges and changes to current funding that require an understanding of finances along with the need to build mutual cooperation between the board, administrators, taxpayers and teachers.

2) Do you believe that District 211 is doing a good job preparing students for life after high school?

District 211 is doing a good job-preparing students for life after high school. With this said, there is always room to improve. Whether a student wants to go to college or enter the workplace, it is imperative that the schools present the curriculum and activities that will best to prepare him or her. Academic instruction and basic curriculum are very important and District 211 has been recognized nationally. One area I would like to see enhanced is helping students find the area of interest that literally excites them. Whether this involves physics, teaching, administrative, sports or carpenter work, a passionate student will not only be more interested in school but be better prepared once they graduate from high school and be more secure in their choices.

3) How can District 211 work with District 15 to ensure a quality K-12 education and that students are prepared for high school?

District 211 works with District 15, as well as District 54 and the private schools in the area in order to communicate what District 211 expects from incoming freshmen. This is the basis for the curriculum taught in District 15. Not only are the students tested prior to entering high school to determine their proficiency, but are able to enter early sessions prior to high school bringing them up to expected grade levels. While one of the most difficult tasks District 211 faces is to bring an unprepared student up to the high school level quickly, it is a priority of both District 15 and District 211 to do so. The best way to ensure quality is constant communication between the districts regarding academic curriculum and progress for the students, aligning expectations and adjusting when concerns are raised.

4) What significant capital needs or technology improvements do you foresee District 211 needing in coming years?

Since all the district school facilities have been updated in the last few years, I anticipate minimal capital projects to be required over the next five years. This does not include, however, the need for state mandated Life-Safety building needs. In the next 5 to 6 years District 211 will need to spend approximately $25 million in order to keep all the schools within state code.

On the technology side, I anticipate required access to “the outside world” for the students, teachers and the student’s parents to increase and new software capabilities to increase while the cost for hardware should decrease. The current theme reducing costs in technology today is cloud computing offering significant benefits to both the IT infrastructure team and the users. While there are transition costs required, the long-term costs and benefits can be significant.

5) Why should voters pick you to represent them?

I have been a resident of the Palatine area since 1979 and served on the District 211 Board for 6 years, so [I] fully understand the Board process. As a member of the Board, I served as Board Secretary and on the Finance, Technology and Special Education committees. My experience allows me to immediately enter the position addressing the needs of the students and taxpayers. Additional community service has included Palatine boys and girls soccer and boys baseball coach. As a business person, working for both Fortune 100 corporations as well as starting, growing and selling small businesses, the experience gained includes financial, operational, marketing and overall management. My agenda is only to focus on the best possible education for the students while assuring the taxpayers their dollars will be spent wisely and conservatively.

6)  What is the greatest challenge facing District 211?

The greatest challenge facing District 211 is offering the best possible education while balancing the cost to taxpayers. During the district’s first 30 years, with a growing and increasing tax base from homes, businesses and retail such as Woodfield Mall, District 211 has been able to grow relatively easily without negatively impacting the homeowner. In the last few years with changes in the local, state economy and world economy, the district now faces challenges that include maintaining the quality of the students, facilities and teachers with much tighter access to the funds required to operate a district.

The taxpayers are being taxed to their limit. No one knows what mandates or changes the county or state might make. The Board needs qualified, open-minded members that are willing to communicate and drive towards solutions that will maintain quality while being firm enough to limit expenses where and when necessary.