Financial Future, Hazing Lawsuit, More from D-207 Candidates

On April 9 Maine Township residents will have an opportunity to elect members of Maine Township High School District 207’s Board of Education.

We asked candidates for D-207’s board about their backgrounds, qualifications, plans if elected and more in election questionnaires.

Seven candidates — Eldon Burk, Mary Childers, Jin Lee, Margaret McGrath, Carla Owen, Jeffrey Spero and Sean Story — are running for the four open, four-year terms.

Eric Leys is running unopposed for a two-year term.

It is of interest that Edward Mueller, whose votes have earned him a reputation as a taxpayer watchdog, is retiring from the board as of this election. 

The board of education candidates answered the question, what would your priorities be if elected to this office?, with the responses below. Check out the complete questionnaire for each candidate by clicking on his or her name.

Eldon Burk:

The fiscal health of the district is always a priority. The educational progress of our students is also at the top of my priorities. Our three buildings are showing their age, perhaps not on the outside, and will need significant updating in the next few years. We need to prepare financially for these needs (ex: new boilers, new roofs, etc.).

Mary Childers:

Fiscal sanity, safety of students and staff, deploy new technology along with enhancing college readiness.

Jin Lee:

Create a Global Educational Environment

Provide Every Opportunity for All Students

Develop and Invest in Excellent Teacher

Bring Stability, Predictability & Transparency to the Schools' Budget

Eric Leys:

Patch has contacted the candidate, who has not returned the election questionnaire sent to him.

Margaret McGrath:

Ensuring the long-term financial health of the District, providing a quality education for all students, and implementing policies that will provide a safe environment for all students.

Carla Owen:

My most basic priority would be to represent the community by critically evaluating each issue presented to the Board, and to make sound decisions based on all the information presented after full inquiry.  

I also would make it a priority to ensure that District 207 continues on a path of innovation to improve learning for all the students in the District.

I would like there to be more parity within the District with respect to some of the more standardized evaluations that are done (ACT scores, AP results, merit scholars, etc.).

Jeffrey Spero:

My number one priority would be to help lead the district and all its stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, parents, and administrators) into a long-term dialogue about how we make the school environment safe for every student. That starts with a vigilant, zero-tolerance attitude toward bullying and hazing.  At this age, students have their last chance to learn and be taught right from wrong before those consequences become permanent. Our students are under siege on a 24/7 basis from influences that can do them harm; it’s our obligation as parents and administrators to help them make the right choices.

Sean Story:

Positive Leadership:

As a community and a district, we need more leadership focused on enhancing education and less bureaucracy. Therefore, I intend to work closely with the community, school leadership, faculty and students to develop programs and initiatives that develop positive leaders and create a positive culture throughout each school. This includes creating positive environments for teachers, were we can attract, retain and reward our best educators, which will ultimately benefit each student.

Improving Communication:

Communication is a key aspect in everything we do, and should be no exception when it comes to something as important as our children's education. As a board, it will be critical to enhance the lines of communication between the board, school administrators, teachers, as well as the community. Taking an open, collaborative approach to what our district is trying to accomplish will ultimately benefit everyone involved, and most importantly benefit the students.

Investing in the Future:

As a leader within the community it is important not to focus on maintaining the status quo, but challenge our schools to continuously improve and continue investing in our student’s future.