Election 2011: Angela Smith

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: West Aurora School Board
• Campaign contact info: None provided

• Age: 42 
• Hometown: Sugar Grove
• Family: Husband Greg; daughters Makena, 15, and Malley, 13; son Mac, 12
• Education: B.S. in Finance from Northern Illinois University, Masters in Business Administration from Columbia College
• Occupation: Finance Manager, Oswego School District 308
• Political party affiliation, If any: Independent
• Previous elected offices: West Aurora School Board, 2007 to present; Prestbury Citizens Association President, 2005-2007
• Related experience: Numerous years as a PTA Board member, committee chair for West Aurora Volunteers for Education which helped work for passage of the 2007 operating rate referendum.

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

I have enjoyed my first term and learned a lot. There are so many initiatives that we are working on that I would like to see thru. It is truly an honor to serve the community and help to insure that our children get the best education possible. Education is the key to the future of our kids and our communities and I look forward to playing a part in making sure both grow and succeed.

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

It's my job to be the voice of those I represent and ask the tough questions. As the single biggest item on your property tax bill, we need to make sure we are using funds as efficiently and prudently as possible. I will continue to push for ways to stretch the dollars we have to provide the best education possible for our children.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

With a background in banking and finance I am able to understand and help explain the sometimes complicated financial issues we are faced with. As an administrator in another district, I am able to share ideas and a different perspective. As a parent, I also bring the viewpoint of the district's "customer" and can provide feedback on how we are meeting those needs. All those roles help to make me a better board member.

How long have you lived in the school district?

15 years

What's your favorite thing about the school district?

The people of West Aurora are what make our school district great. We are a diverse community reflective of what the world is really like. Kids learn that people are different and we can all work together. Kids in West Aurora learn and grow in an environment with kids of different colors, different languages and different economic backgrounds. They learn to celebrate differences and to appreciate that we all have something unique to share.

What is the biggest problem in the school district?

The uncertainty of the state’s financial situation. As much as we try to plan, the state continues to throw curve balls our way at the last minute. Last year transportation funding was cut after funds were already spent. It is very difficult to plan when you have no idea what resources you will have to work with. We are forced to make lots of assumptions and be prepared to change quickly.