District 15 School Board Candidate: Donna Johnson

Name Donna Johnson

How long have you been a resident of District 15? 13 years.

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

My husband Todd and I have lived in Palatine for 13 years and have nephews attending D15 schools. I have board experience from being an employee of administration and also from serving on a board. Wearing both hats has given me a unique perspective that will help me be a responsible school board member. I managed student programs, performed financial analysis, and worked with budgets.  

Why are you running for the District 15 board?

I want to give back to my community by volunteering my time in serving on the board. I attended public grammar and high schools, and firmly believe in society providing a good education for all of its citizens. I have the background to understand the issues, vote responsibly, and help maintain fiscal sanity for all of the District’s taxpayers.  

What is your opinion on the Early Start/Late Release issue? 

This issue relates to our campaign platform of Putting Children First. Parents expressed their frustration in believing various start times would not be good for their child’s learning, and Friday’s are the best days for early release because of end of the week fatigue. A board member needs to be able to try and project how decisions will affect the children now and in the future. When you put children first, you're making a decision on education and what is best for them and their ability to learn.

What is your opinion on the possible outsourcing of bus services in District 15?

The decision, to either keep services or have a company provide them, must be made on safety first. If safety is equal, then careful analysis must be made in who can provide the most efficient program for long-term stability and savings. In looking at bids, the Board is fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to find ways to save money and balance the budget. However, because there are many good people employed by the District, many factors not yet made available to the public should be taken into account before a decision is made. 

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

I would like to see better communications and collaboration amongst the board and the community. Communication has improved, however the District should be more pro-active, to help the community feel decisions affecting them are weighed with their perspective in mind. Also, the District’s website information can sometimes be hard to find, so making some improvements on it will enable citizens to stay better informed. 

Additional comments and/or information you deem important for District 15 voters to know about you.

A school board member is given the task of being a steward of children’s programs and its finances. I’ve spoken to people in the community who’ve said they can no longer afford any more tax increases. There are many still unemployed/underemployed, fixed-income retirees, and children who are living in/from foreclosed homes. With this in mind, and our current deficit spending, we need to continue to find ways to live within our means and put people on D15 Board who will say no to unaffordable spending. When you look at the ballot please vote for position #'s 1-Lyons, 2-Zold, and 3-Johnson. You can find more information about our campaign at Vote123.net.