Doug Denson: Candidate Profile

Back to Medinah District 11 School Board

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: ItascaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Medinah District 11 School Board Age: 59Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Candidate did not respond.Education: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately preparing students for the next stage in their lives, whether it be from elementary into high school or high school into college or full-time employment? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?i am concerned with any districts' ability to adequately prepare students for the next stage of their lives. Districts are faced with policy and direction changes from the Dept of Ed and State of Il, BOE influences, community input, students, teachers and staff!, which make the task formidable. Although, most local districts have little effective input into higher level policy and systemic policies which effect them. As a system, we need to establish logical and attainable goals with programs and academic development maintaining traditional studies, as well as, continuing to develop curriculum focused on the future. The issues arise as most participants in the process have different and sometimes opposing interests and purpose!What budgetary issues will your district have to confront during the next four years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, be specific about programs and expenses that should be considered for reduction or elimination. On the income side, do you support any tax increases for local schools? Again, be specific.As with all other districts in IL whose revenue is tied to tax levy and CPI (.08%), we are looking at less. Most districts have already eliminated programs, raised fees, eliminated teachers and staff, and are attempting to control spending. I believe that the key will be operating the district as efficiently as possible, reducing facilities costs, and implementing proven technologies to support education. Tax increases should be out last resort, better management and spending responsibly should be the goal.Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?N/AAs contract talks come up with various school employee groups -- teachers, support staff, etc. -- what posture should the school board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions from its employees, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?A Boards' posture should be respectful, professional, but logical as CBA issues are addressed. As with the general economy, expectation (salary/benefits) and resources are based primarily on the economy and financial status of the district/community. It is essential that we have quality educators, and it is equally important that we have the ability to evaluate and maintain the best educators for our students. Therefore, CBA's should always be approached from the point of reasonable expectation, from all participants, and interests in the process.If your district had a superintendent or other administrator nearing retirement, would you support a substantial increase in his or her pay to help boost pension benefits? Why or why not?NO!!! This has been somewhat addressed by the legislature.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?DOE/State academic development and systemic initiatives, controlling operating costs.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bill GatesWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?N/AIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Not so Handsome and a little more humility!..:)What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math, History, Science, Music, ART, Sports....etc...etc...!!! These skills and knowledge have been essential throughout my life.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be a knowledge sponge, never stop learning.