Election 2011: Mary Anne Turza

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: East Aurora School District 131 Board member
• E-mail address: turza.mary@sbcglobal.net
• Phone: 630-978-2807

• Age: 73
• Hometown: Aurora
• Family: Widowed, four sons: Robert, Andrew, David and Stephen; grandmother
• to Ashlie, Alyssa, Charlie, Samantha, Will, Lauren and Baby Number 7 due
• in June
• Education: BA DePaul University
• Occupation: Retired vice president, Northern Trust Bank
• Political party affiliation: Independent
• Previous elected offices: Appointed to East Aurora School Board in 2009
• Related experience: Chair of the Business Advisory Team at the Rehabilitation
• Institute of Chicago for five years, past president of the Burnham School PTA

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

In the seventeen months I have served on the board we have accomplished much and have many initiatives in place that I would like to see come to fruition. I realize the importance of a good education and I would like to continue working to provide the children in D131 the best education possible to they can compete successfully in the workplace.

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

To maintain fiscal responsibility and stability in the District, enabling us to focus on providing the best education possible for all our students.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am mature and have a wealth of experience to draw on. In my role as Human Resources Consultant, I have advised managers and employees, dealt with salary administration, budgeting, and managed recruiting for college and all the corporate areas of the bank. Many of these skills are transferable to my role as Board Member and my Finance and Personnel Committee responsibilities.

How long have you lived in District 131?

Five plus years.

What's your favorite thing about District 131?

The teachers and the students. When I walk into the classrooms I see dedicated men and women working very hard to teach our students. Many of our students come from diverse backgrounds and work very hard to succeed in their studies. I am proud of all of them.

What is the biggest problem in District 131?

Our schools are filled to capacity and to reduce over-crowding we are working fo find economical solutions for additional classrooms.