Politics & Government

Meet Your April 5 Candidates: Donna Pellar, HS District 207 Board

Don't know who to vote for in the local elections? Patch questions the candidates so you can make an informed choice.

"All politics is local" and "The closer to home, the greater the impact on your pocketbook" are two truisms in politics.

The candidates in local elections affect how much you pay in taxes, and what you get for your money, more than candidates in Springfield and Washington, D.C. 

So who are these folks who will impact your life and money? Find out here.

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Accessibility: Citizens need to be able to contact their elected officials to voice their opinions, so Patch is noting how accessible they are. Donna Pellar's contact information is not listed on whitepages.com.

Donna Pellar, Candidate for Maine Township High School District 207 Board of Education

Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: Last year, District 207 laid off 135 employees, and RIF notices have been sent to 24 teachers this year. What's your assessment of these actions?

Pellar: I consider District 207 to have some of the most gifted and committed teachers in the area.  Anytime we lose one of these talented people, our kids suffer.  When we lose so many at one time, the collective impact could be devastating in terms of disruption and larger class sizes.  The harsh reality is that almost every school district has had to make similar unfortunate cuts.   Last year, we were proactive about facing the problem, enabling many of our laid off teachers to seek employment elsewhere.  This year, we were faced with cutting tenured teachers.  I could not, in good conscience, vote for that measure; I was the lone “No” vote on the Board.  I have spoken with district administrators regarding possible measures we can take to make next-year faculty projections earlier and more accurately. If we can avoid some layoffs by doing this, we should certainly do so.

Patch: Is the board looking at the right places to cut expenses? Are there alternatives?

Pellar: One of the most important functions of a School  Board is to monitor revenues and expenses and make program and policy decisions that are in the best interest of the students.  The members of the 207 Board take this responsibility very seriously, especially now during tough economic times.  We are open to reasonable suggestions from any responsible and knowledgeable group or individual.

Patch: Are there other ways to raise revenue you could suggest? Be specific.

Pellar: District 207 has been approached by a number of reputable corporations seeking to sponsor events or purchase advertising rights, for which we would be paid accordingly.  This could consist of banners or signs at sporting events, or perhaps an advertising sign on our building roofs visible to airplanes flying overhead.  I support this idea provided the advertisers are reputable and they are promoting appropriate products or services.

Patch: What is your take on the IHSA sanctions for the Maine South football program after actions taken by coaches and other adults involved in the program? Does the district need to take any action?  

Pellar: The District has taken action.  The IHSA informed Maine South and District 207 that it expected to see evidence of a plan to be enacted so as to ensure that this “pattern” of conduct is brought under control.  We are not out of the woods yet as Maine South is on IHSA probation.  While winning is important, character development needs to take precedence.  Additionally, any IHSA sanctions brought against Maine South can and will affect all sports and all student athletes.  It would be grossly unfair to these student athletes if they have to suffer due to the behavior/language/attitudes of a few coaches in a sport in which they did not even participate.  Decisive action needed to be taken and it was.

Patch: How would you assess the district’s expense-per-pupil ratio? Are taxpayers getting adequate value for their dollar?

Pellar: District 207 spends more tax money per pupil than Stevenson #125 and District 211 (Conant, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Schaumburg).  We spend less than Evanston #202, New Trier #203, Niles #219 and Northfield #225.  We spend virtually the same amount as District 214 (Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Hersey, and Wheeling).  I would argue that our district compares favorably in terms of graduation rates, college acceptance rates, and the positive impact of the school district on community property values.  Furthermore District 207’s share of tax revenues actually went down considerably from 2000 to 2008.  I question whether many residents realize that. 

Patch: Are the district’s test scores adequate? If not, what specific measures should be taken to improve them?

Pellar:Although District 207 students test well above state norms, there is always room for improvement.  Very recently, I participated in an Education Committee meeting in which teachers, administrators and Board members analyzed data and brainstormed to find ways to better evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of our instructional program.  By building on our strengths and identifying and correcting our weaknesses, we will improve instruction and achievement.  I believe that everyone connected to this district is committed to this goal.

Patch: What’s on your wish list for facilities and technology and how would you pay for them?

Pellar: I see as priorities a new roof for Maine East and an improved field house for Maine West.  Unfortunately, in view of the current economic climate, these capital improvements need to be placed on hold until we see how severe this downturn will become and how long it will last. 

Patch: How is morale among teachers and staff and how can it be improved?

Pellar: Our employees are understandably nervous given the staff reductions of the past two years.  Our teachers and other employees are well informed regarding the nationwide money crunch and display a high level of commitment and professionalism.  They deserve the respect and gratitude of our community.

Patch: What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues, point of view or qualifications?

Pellar: I would refer the voters to my website: dpellar-ryden@elect1.org.


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