Politics & Government

Meet Your April 5 Candidates: Joann Braam, 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. Joann Braam has a phone number listed on whitepages.com.

Joann Braam, candidate for Maine Township High School District 207 board of education

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1) 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?

Last year’s budget decisions were difficult, but they were necessary in order to protect the school district’s long term interests. We continue to focus on district finances to maintain fiscal stability. Earlier this month, the board voted for additional layoffs as a precautionary measure until enrollment counts have been determined. The district faces a projected $4 million deficit and maintains healthy fund balances, but these balances have been declining. I learned 3  lessons from last year. 1) A school board can never be too vigilant in overseeing the district’s finances. 2) A healthy rainy day fund is extremely important to combat unexpected events and an economic downturn. 3) Relationships matter. The board must strive to maintain good working relationships with employee groups, as well as parents, business owners and taxpayers, in general. In times of financial hardship, it’s critical that we trust each other so we can work together to solve difficult problems.

2) Is the board looking at the right places to cut expenses? Are there alternatives?

We directed the administration to look everywhere in the budget for potential savings. Whenever there is a resignation, our position is that we don’t automatically fill it. We look carefully to decide if we can afford to replace the person who left us.  This year, the district replaced a retiring administrative assistant with a part time employee, and absorbed the position of another retiring assistant through attrition. We’ve also made cuts in supplies, technology, facility improvements, energy usage and travel. I believe that we should always have enough cash on hand so that we do not have to borrow money to meet operating expenses.  I do not support a referendum to raise taxes.

3) Are there other ways to raise revenue you could suggest? Be specific.

Recently, the board revised policy in order to capture new revenue through advertising opportunities at Maine East, Maine South and Maine West. The board also approved a higher activity fee for students and modified its facility use policy. We continue to look for new revenue opportunities.

4) 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?  

The incidents were embarrassing for Maine Township High School District, and we take very seriously IHSA’s directives. We have developed a detailed plan to establish institutional control of the football program and improve sportsmanship.  Moreover, the board is studying all options to ensure the Maine South football program meets the high standards we have for all District 207 athletic programs.

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

The educational program at Maine Township high schools is highly regarded in Illinois and throughout the country. Our students consistently perform at levels well above the national and state norms on the ACT exam.  Our students excel in Advanced Placement testing, and achieve high marks in other academic, career-related, fine arts and athletic programs. I credit our excellent teaching staff for this distinction, and the board’s push for continual improvement in teaching and student learning. I believe District 207 provides excellent value to our community. The most current data shows that for 2009 our operating expense per pupil is $17,065. For comparison, New Trier’s ratio is $19,415, Niles District 219 is $21,988, and District 214 is $17,000.

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

Our ACT composites for the class of 2010 are 24.6 for Maine South, 21.4 for Maine West, and 20.8 for Maine East, and 22.5 for the district. So, our test scores are quite good, but we can always improve. It’s important that teachers receive the professional development they need to be at the top of their game. We have a very good understanding of which instructional methods work in our classrooms and which do not. We need to step up our efforts to help ALL students succeed. I support the current practice of monitoring student success using benchmarks that look at growth in standardized test scores and how well our students perform compared with students in similar school districts. 

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

The technology budget last year included cuts in computer software and replacement of computers. Our new budget allows us to move forward, although not as quickly as we originally planned. Our goal is to create technology rich schools where technology is used to better prepare students for success in a highly technical global economy. As our fiscal health improves, I would look at the various one-to-one computing devices because of their potential to improve access to online curricula, allow for more self-directed learning, and improve communications among students and teachers.

8) How is morale among teachers and staff and how can it be improved?

I know that people’s lives were negatively impacted as a result of last year’s budget cuts. Some teachers may remain unhappy with the board’s decisions. The good news is that the vast majority of the teachers who lost their jobs are working as teachers in other districts as a result of a job fair held by our district. Moreover, the individuals who continue to teach here demonstrate what we all want in our teaching staff:  an unwavering commitment to helping all students achieve academic success. I believe board members are at their best when they strive to keep positive relationships with employees and the Maine Teachers Association.

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

Maine Township High School District has extraordinary opportunities to make a difference for young people in our communities. I’d like to continue to be part of the leadership team to pursue those opportunities and to help every young person receive an education that’s second to none. Improved student learning is my priority. I believe that every young person can learn and achieve great things. It’s my job as a board member to make sure we give students what they need most to achieve their goals: a safe environment, comprehensive curriculum and superior teachers.  I have served 8 years on the 207 board, including two years as Board President. Previously, I served a term on the Des Plaines Elementary District 62 Board. I am employed as an adjunct professor at Oakton Community College. My husband Bill and I have three daughters. We’ve lived in Des Plaines for 20 years.


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