Election 2011: Allyson Herget

Editor's note: All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions, but were asked to abide by a 75-word guideline. The answers have been presented here unabridged.

• Position sought: Board member, West Aurora District #129 Board of Education
• E-mail address: Reelectherget@aol.com
• Phone: 630-892-8228

• Age: 60
• Hometown: Aurora
• Family: Tom Herget, husband, 60; Robert Herget, son, 28; Theresa Herget, daughter, 26.
• Education: BA in elementary education and Spanish, Bradley University. MAT in education, Aurora University
• Occupation: Student teacher supervisor, Illinois State University, Dept. of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
• Political party affiliation, If any: None
• Previous elected offices: West Aurora School District Board of Education, 1999-2011. Board vice president, 2007-2011
• Related experience: Twelve years’ experience on the board as well as seventeen years classroom teaching, levels K-16.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

To continue to advocate for our students – it has been a privilege to work on their behalf for the past twelve years, but there is still work to be done!

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

To be an advocate and voice for the students and do what needs to be done to provide the best education for them.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

All five of us have unique skills and strengths that would create a positive and effective board dynamic. My twelve years serving on the board, and number of years living in the community, will qualify me as a strong candidate for this position.

How long have you lived in the school district?

Fifty years.

What's your favorite thing about the school district?

Its diversity, which for our students, opens their minds to the customs and cultures of others. For children who have gone through District 129, including my own, being a part of this diverse climate has given them a global perspective and acceptance which has served them well in their adult lives.

What is the biggest problem in the school district?

As with most other districts in the state, the biggest problem is the challenge of providing a quality education with fewer and fewer resources—directing those dollars to those programs that are working. This is all very challenging when dealing with the day to day uncertainty of what is going on in Springfield.