Election 2011: Juan Sifuentes Jr.

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: School Board Member, District 131
• Campaign contact info: None provided

• Age: 30
• Hometown: Aurora
  Education: East Aurora High School Graduate, I have completed one full year of college at Waubonsee Community College
• Occupation: Department supervisor for the family division of the Kane County Circuit Clerk's office.
• Political party affiliation: Republican precinct Committeeman, 3rd ward, precinct 4, City of Aurora.
• Previous elected offices: Trustee, Kane County Regional Board of Education, Term 2009-2015; Precinct Committeeman.
• Related experience: I have been a member of the City of Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board from February 2010 through present. I was also a volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters from April 2009 to February 2011.

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

I want to make sure that the board is fiscally responsible for the tax payer’s money and that every decision that is made is truly made with the students in mind.

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

I would like to do additional research and see if we can implement all-day Kindergarten. I want the students to be mentally ready for first grade. We currently have students that are not ready for first grade and the teachers are trying to catch them up, while at the same time teaching students who area caught up.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I feel that I can bring fresh ideas as well as making sure that the parents of District 131 are heard.

How long have you lived in the school district?

I have lived in the district now for 6 years. As a child I attended elementary at Oak Park, middle school at Simmons and graduated from East Aurora High School. I did move out of the district in 2000 and moved back in 2005.

What’s your favorite thing about the school district?

I like that the school administration and the school board is trying to lower class sizes. This really helps the students learn more with one on one attention.

What’s the biggest problem in the school district?

Low test scores along with being on the State watch list for 7 years.