Election 2011: Teresa Witt

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: Kaneland CUSD #302 School Board Member
• E-mail address: Trebiew@aol.com
  
• Phone: 630-466-8474

• Age: 46
• Hometown: Sugar Grove
• Family: Husband Scott, 46;  son Elliot, 16; son Ethan, 14; daughter Erica, 12.
• Education: Bachelor of Science, Journalism and Mass Communications, A.Q. Miller School of Journalism, Kansas State University
• Occupation: Library technical assistant at Waubonsee Community College's Todd Library
• Political party affiliation, if any: None provided.
• Previous elected offices: None. Appointed to Kaneland School Board in October 2010.
• Related experience: Kaneland CUSD #302 School Board member (appointed October, 2010), Kaneland Finance Advisory Committee 2004-2010, Citizens for Kaneland Political Action Committee Communications Director 2004-2008, Kaneland Gifted Advisory Committee.

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

I have dedicated much of my time in service to the Kaneland School District out of a firm belief that educating our children is the best way to prepare for the future. I am seeking election to the Kaneland School Board because I believe the extensive experience in school district issues I have acquired through many years spent in service to Kaneland would make me a continued asset to the board.

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

Ranking the issues facing the Kaneland School Board in order of priority would be short-sighted. No one issue can stand above the others, as they all directly affect our students’ quality of education, and have a large impact on our taxpayers and employees. What is most important is finding balance among the many facets of school governance. Certainly, the goal must be to provide the best possible education to our students while maintaining a balanced budget.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

From the time I moved to Sugar Grove in 2002, I have dedicated much of my time in service to the Kaneland School District. My appointment to the Board in 2010, along with 6 years on the Finance Advisory Committee, several years working with Citizens for Kaneland, and service on the Gifted Advisory Committee have provided me with the knowledge required for continued effective board service. No other candidate has such extensive Kaneland experience.

How long have you lived in the school district?

8 years

What's your favorite thing about the school district?

Kaneland excels at being able to see the student as a whole person, and at nurturing the child as well as the learner. For the most part, educators are aware of the needs of each student, and go out of their way to provide individualized instruction. In addition, the Kaneland School District brings together students from diverse backgrounds, and educators and administrators have been successful at bridging differences and creating a cohesive learning community.

What is the biggest problem in the school district?

The ongoing economic crisis and the disastrous condition of Illinois’ finances have caused much uncertainty for local taxing bodies, and the future of state funding for education remains undetermined. Falling home prices have placed an increased burden on taxpayers, and there have been few, if any, added commercial sources of tax revenue. Continuing to balance the budget while still offering a quality education to students will be the biggest challenge in the foreseeable future.