District 211 School Board Candidate: Edward M. Yung

Name: Edward M. Yung

How long have you been a resident of District 211? 17 years

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

I have three children, two of which have graduated from Fremd High School and are currently at Lake Forest College and North Central College and one who is currently a freshman at Fremd. 

I have my bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois at Champaign in Architecture.  I currently have an architectural practice in downtown.  I have done educational projects for University of Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University.

Why are you running for the District 211 board? 

I want to insure that the best educational opportunity is offered to every student in the district.

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 will have to constantly reevaluate the financial situation.  As long as we know and understand whatever cost cuts there are we will look at our finances and determine what approach to take.  The worst thing that happens to us is the problem of property tax appeals.  This is an unknown number every year.  If an appeal is won then a business could collect money for several years and not one.  That money has to come out of the current budget. 

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? 

I believe it is doing the best job possible. I see through my two children that are in college are having a much easier time in school and assignment than other students in other districts and other parts of the country. They are constantly telling me who they have helped in what courses. However, it doesn't mean that the district should remain stagnant in it's approach to education. I firmly believe that the use of technology will assist those student who do as well in school because it has shown them how to be better organized and shown to have increased classroom involvement.

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

I am satisfied with how the board is running. I served two terms on District 15 and I believe this Board works well together and seek the welfare of the students first. 

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

I attend many school functions at all the schools.  This includes sporting events, plays, musicals, award ceremonies, etc. I try to make myself available to see what our teachers are doing and how well are students are doing.  I am always open for conversation if you see me.  I try my best to be available at school functions.