Laura W. Rabe: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Central Community Unit D301Age: 42Family: Married, two childrenOccupation: Sales Analyst and CRM AdministratorEducation: Bachelor Degree of Chemistry, University of Illinios, 1990Civic involvement: PTO President, PTO Vice President, Girl Scout Service Unit Manager, Girl Scout Leader, Board positions for Homeowners Association.Elected offices held: PTO President (2010-2011), PTO Vice President (2009-2010), Secretary and Treasurer for Homeowners Association (2001-2003)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I want to make sure that when our students transition from one school to another, whether it is elementary school to middle school, or middle school to high school, they are ready for the next step District 301. I also want to ensure the Central District 301 Burlington High School graduates are ready for college or whatever post high school path they take. We need to provide our students with the necessary tools so they are ready to excel and succeed in every part of their lives.Key Issue 2 The demographics and population of District 301 have changed over the past years, and I want to help make sure the District's curriculum and programs are changing to meet the needs of all students that are in our district. We are not the same district that existed when I moved into my home in 1996. I want to offer our students the tools to help them compete with students from other districts in the Chicago area and across the country.Key Issue 3 I want to help build the programs in District 301 so all students can find an interest, whether it is sports, academic clubs, music, theater or other programs. These programs will help our students excel and become well-rounded citizens. I want all of our students to find a place in our schools that will help them succeed in life.Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your district is 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 satisfied with where we have been as a district, but I feel there is always room for improvement. We need to look at how the size and demographics of our district have changed, and use this information to help further prepare our students. We need to give our students a well balanced education so they can succeed whether they are transitioning between schools within the district or graduating high school and entering college or full-time employment. It is hard to say what changes or improvements to make before seeing all of the information and details of the district.What budget issues will the district have to confront? What measures do you support to address them? If cuts are needed, be specific about programs and expenses that should be reduced or eliminated. Do you support any tax increases for local schools?I am sure there will be many different budget issues that the school board will address. We may need to look at both education and extra curricular programs, but we need to look at all the details before making any decisions. I would rather review all of the pertinent information before making any decisions on tax increases.Is experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.I believe both experienced teachers and union support is valuable to a school district. Since this is the first time running for school board, I have had minimal experience with the teacher's union.As contract talks come up with various employee groups, what posture should the board take? Do you believe the district should ask for concessions, expect employee costs to stay about the same as they are now or provide increases in pay or benefits?I believe, as contract talks begin between employees and the board, both sides should approach the issues with an open mind. Both sides should listen to all of the issues and not come to the table with any preconceived thoughts or ideas. I do not believe that I can decide how the district should approach a contract negotiation without understanding all of the details.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?With the information I have today; I do not believe I would support a substantial increase in an administrator's pay if the only reason were to help boost pension benefits. I would be willing to look at an administrator#146;s salary if that person accomplished something that warranted an increase in pay. I believe an administrator's pension should be based on their performance throughout their tenure.