Politics & Government

District 211 School Board Candidate: Mike Scharringhausen

There are five candidates vying for three open seats on the District 211 school board in the April 9 consolidated election. Meet candidate Mike Scharringhausen.

Name: Mike Scharringhausen

How long have you been a resident of District 211? 28+ years.

Biographical Information (optional) family, profession, background, etc. 

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48 years old, married with 2 children.  My wife and I own our own business, Freedom Fastener, a wholesale fastener distributor.  Over the years I have held multiple leadership roles in many organizations and have the mind and skill set to initiate meaningful projects and complete them. I am an honest, straight-shooting man who ‘gets stuff done’.

Why are you running for the District 211 board? 

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I have lived my life to the principles of “Service above Self” and would like to think I would make a difference if I earn enough votes to be elected. For many years I been very active in the our community via my involvement in Rotary, Kenneth Young Center, the Schaumburg Athletic Association (SAA) as coach, commissioner, and executive board member, as well as heavy involvement in SD54 serving as PTA President at Frost Jr High, the executive board for the Schaumburg Township Council (STC) of PTAs, and serving on district wide committees, most recently the District Goals Committee & Budget Committee. I am a member of the Conant High School Booster Club and serve on the board of Parents Supporting Conant Lacrosse. Over the years I have been involved in a host of additional associations & chambers and have held numerous leadership roles. The next logical step, in my eyes, is to put myself out there & run for this elected position where my skill set can be applied to make a positive impact in our community.

How do you propose to sustain a quality education for students who attend District 211 schools with continual cuts to education and the burden of growing pensions costs? 

We need to be smart with how we spend our money and utilize our resources.  At the moment not much can be done on a local level until the State of Illinois moves forward with their plan. The district’s large reserve allows some flexibility. 

Do you believe District 211 is doing all it can to prepare its students for college? If yes, why? If no, why, and what changes would you propose? 

There is always room for improvement in preparing students for the next stage of their lives. Rather than change one thing over another I am firm believer in a culture of continuous improvement.  All stakeholders must be involved and working on a continuous progression toward excellence - students, teachers, staff, administrators, & the community.  Focus on all students is important- preparing well rounded individuals for their next life chapter whether entering the work force, attending a trade school, community college, or four year university.

What, if any, improvements would you like to see in the way the board is run? 

It very common in the business world and would be worthwhile to implement additional quality & accountability standards in education. Short & long term planning is critical for long term continuous success.

Additional comments and/or information you deem important for District 211 voters to know about you. 

I truly believe I can make a difference in our community.

  • Fiscal Responsibility - There are major financial implications in the immediate future with pensions taking center stage. It is critical to hear multiple points of view, discuss each for their merits and make informed decisions. It will not be easy, a great deal depends on the state actions or lack thereof. 
  • Strategic Planning - Long term & short term goals coupled with a culture of continuous improvement. 
  • Focus on All Students - Prepare well rounded individuals for their next life chapter whether entering the work force, attending a trade school, community college, or four year college or university.


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