Wednesday, May 09, 2007
2005 Huntley School Board Member Mike Skala's B.E.S.T. Questionnaire
Michael Skala
Huntley (Bakely Subdivision)
District 158 School Board Candidate Questionnaire
(Candidates answers are highlighted in blue.)
1. Do you have children or grandchildren who attend District 158 schools? Y N
2. If yes, what grade level(s) are they in? Please note preschoolers and Huntley High School graduates also. CHARLOTTE 3RD GRADE & ANNA PRE-SCHOOL
3. Your profession: SELF EMPLOYED
4. Volunteer Community Involvement: RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH; CHAIR OF PASTORAL COUNCIL, NURSERY LEADER, SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY LEADER, MINISTRY FORMATION PARTICIPANT, YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER.
5. Previous volunteer endeavors on behalf of District 158 kids: APPOINTED TO THE STATE LEGISLATOR IMPACT FEE TASK FORCE. BOARD OF EDUCATION SINCE NOVEMBER 1997. MEMBER OF LEGGEE PTA.
6. With what regularity have you attended school board/committee meetings over the last 12 months? I REGULARLY ATTEND BOARD OF EDUCATION AS WELL AS COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF WHICH I AM A MEMBER.
7. What would you say is the #1 concern facing District 158 at this time? BUILDING THE COMMUNITY'S TRUST LEVEL WHILE OVERCOMING THE HARM OF A DIVIDED COMMUNITY.
8. What do you think class size limits should be for: Grades K-2 23 Grades 3-5 25 Grades 6-8 25 High School 28
9. What is your philosophy on full-day kindergarten? THE RESEARCH SHOWS THAT ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN BENEFITS CHILDREN. ON A LOCAL LEVEL, WE HAVE JUST STARTED TO SEE THE FRUITS OF OUR PROGRAM. THE CHILDREN CAN LEARN MUCH FASTER IN THE YOUNGER YEARS AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO REACH OUT TO THE CHILDREN IN NEED THROUGH THE PROGRAM. THE DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO MEET NCLB IN THE COMING YEARS BECAUSE THEY WERE ABLE TO GET AHEAD WITH 5+ HOURS OF INSTUCTION EVERY DAY.
10. What special talents could you bring to the board that would benefit students? THE TALENTS I BRING TO THE BOARD ARE MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OF SCHOOL BUSINESS, FRIENDSHIPS WITH OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS, CONCENSUS BUILDING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING SCHOOLS.
11. What do you think the state role in public education should be? The local role? THE STATE SHOULD PROVIDE FUNDING TO EACH OF THE DISTRICTS ON A FAIR AND EQUITABLE BASIS. THEY SHOULD PROVIDE THE MINIMUM STANDARDS BY WHICH THE CHILDREN SHOULD LEARN AND PROVIDE THE RULES BY WHICH DISTRICTS SHOULD BE GOVERNED. THE LOCAL ROLE SHOULD BE TO MOLD THE STUDENTS TO THE COMMUNITY'S STANDARDS. THE LOCAL REVENUE SHOULD ENHANCE THE BASIC STATE FUNDED EDUCATION. THE COMMUNITY SHOULD SET THE STANDARD FOR LEARNING, ENHANCE THE BASIC CURRICULM AND ADD PROGRAMS THAT THE COMMUNITY FEELS ARE NEEDED.
12. How many hours per week can you dedicate to this position? Be specific. 40+ hours/week
13. Which is more important to you: A quality education Lower taxes
I FEEL THAT THIS QUESTION IS VERY UNFAIR TO ASK WITHOUT PROVIDING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN MY CHOICE. THERE IS NO REASON THAT BOTH OF THESE ANSWERS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED.
14. Define the role of an administrator: AN ADMINISTRATOR RUNS THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE DISTRICT. THEY WOULD TAKE THE BOARD'S DIRECTIVE AND MOVE THE DISTRICT IN THE MOST EFFICIENT MANNER TOWARD THAT DIRECTIVE. THEY WOULD OFFER INFORMATION, DATA, AND RESEARCH TO SUPPORT A POSITION, BUT FOLLOW THE FINAL DIRECTION OF THE BOARD. THEY WOULD KEEP THE BOARD INFORMED OF ALL IMPORTANT SITUATIONS GOING ON IN THE DISTRICT.
15. Define the role of a board member: THEY ARE ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO SHOULD SET POLICY AND SET THE VISIONARY PICTURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATORS TO FOLLOW. THEY WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THE DISTRICT MEET THE COMMUNITY'S EXPECTATIONS OF WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION SHOULD BE PROVIDED. BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD ATTEND MEETINGS, BE PREPARED FOR THOSE MEETINGS AND THEY SHOULD BE VISIBLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
16. Teacher contract negotiations are coming up. Explain your philosophy of how teachers should be compensated and comment on your perceived strengths and weaknesses of the current teacher contract.
THE TEACHERS HAVE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT JOBS IN OUR DISTRICT. THEY PROVIDE THE FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE LOWER GRADES AND ENHANCE THAT FOUNDATION IN THE UPPER GRADES. THEY ARE HELPING EDUCATE OUR NEXT GENERATION OF ADULTS. THE COMPENSATION OF TEACHERS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEPING QUALITY STAFF. DISTRICT 158 DOES NOT WANT TO BE THE “TEETH CUTTING” DISTRICT FOR NEW TEACHERS. DISTRICT 158 SHOULD HAVE THE MOST TALENTED TEACHERS IT CAN AFFORD. THE CURRENT CONTRACT WAS A NEGOTIATION BETWEEN TWO PARTIES. IT HAS GOOD THINGS THAT BENEFIT THE DISTRICT AND OTHER THINGS THAT BENEFIT THE TEACHERS. THE CONTRACT HAD ABOVE AVERAGE WAGE INCREASES FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS. THE BOARD NEEDED TO RAISE THE SALARY SCHEDULE TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH THE SURROUNDING DISTRICTS SO THAT WE COULD RETAIN THE QUALITY TEACHERS WE HAVE AND HIRE THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE.
17. Describe the importance/value of extracurricular activities (band, chorus, theater, art, sports, clubs, etc.) in a student's overall educational experience.
STUDENTS NEED DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL AND DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HELP STUDENTS TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL. THESE PROGRAMS GIVE STUDENTS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN SCHOOL. THE CHILDREN WHO ARE INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE MORE POSITIVE ABOUT LIFE AND SEEM TO GET IN LESS TROUBLE. THE DISTRICT SHOULD PROVIDE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO EVERY CHILD NO MATTER THAT CHILDS' SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC BACKGROUND.
18. What have you specifically done to urge our lawmakers to better fund public education (i.e. gone to Springfield, visited with our senator or state representative, written letters…)? I HAVE GONE TO SPRINGFIELD SEVERAL TIMES TO PROVIDE TESTIMONY ON BEHALF OF EDUCATION REFORM, FUNDING ISSUES, STATE CONSTRUCTION GRANT MONEY AND THE NEED FOR MONEY FOR FAST GROWING DISTRICTS. I HAVE TALKED WITH OUR LOCALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS ABOUT THE ABOVE INITIATIVES. I WAS APPOINTED TO THE STATE TASK FORCE BECAUSE OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH COMPLICATED SCHOOL ISSUES.
19. If elected, how do you intend to implement the 55-cent education fund referendum approved by voters on November 2, 2004? Please explain your answer.
I WOULD TAKE THE EDUCATION FUND FROM THE CURRENT $2.78 AND ADD THE $.55 TO THAT AMOUNT WHICH WOULD TOTAL $3.33. THE EDUCATION FUND OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD NEVER GO OVER THE $3.33 AMOUNT. IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS OVERALL GOAL AND I WOULD WAIT TO SEE THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE PROJECTIONS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON HOW MUCH AND OVER HOW MANY YEARS THE $.55 WOULD BE TAKEN.
20. What does "basic education" mean to you? THIS IS THE MINIMUM STATE REQUIRED EDUCATION THAT SCHOOLS MUST PROVIDE. THIS MEANS NO EXTRAS. IN MY OPINION THE MINIMUM STATE REQUIREMENTS ARE UNACCEPTABLE. THEY ARE SO LOW THAT ANY CHILD LEAVING A DISTRICT THAT PROVIDES ONLY THE “BASIC EDUCATION” WOULD BE AT A CRITICAL DISADVANTAGE.
21. What is your plan for managing the district's growth in student population for the next ten years, and does this plan include supporting building referendums to prevent overcrowding? EARLIER, I STATED WHAT I THINK CLASS SIZES SHOULD BE. THIS DISTRICT WILL SEE 750+ NEW CHILDREN EACH YEAR FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THOSE CLASS SIZES ADDITIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS AND NEW BUILDINGS WILL BE NEEDED IN THE FUTURE. THE COMMUNITY WILL NEED TO SUPPORT MORE BUILDING PROGRAMS TO PREVENT OVERCROWDING. THERE IS CURRENTLY A PLAN OUTLINING THE NEXT BUILDING PROGRAMS. THIS PLAN NEEDS TO BE UPDATED AFTER THE UPDATED KASARDA REPORT COMES BACK. THIS UPDATED PLAN NEEDS TO BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY FOR DISCUSSION AND FEEDBACK.
22. In 100 words or less, why should residents vote for you for school board?
I HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO LEAD OUR DISTRICT. MY VISION, HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS WILL ASSIST DISTRICT 158 IN BECOMING A LIGHTHOUSE DISTRICT. THE CHILDREN DESERVE TO HAVE THE BEST STAFF, OPPORTUNITIES, AND LEADERSHIP. I PROMISE TO UPHOLD THE VALUES AND MORALS OF THE COMMUNITY. I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON MENDING THE DIVISIONS IN THE COMMUNITY. I WILL WORK ON BEHALF OF ALL STUDENTS TO MAKE THEIR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE A POSITIVE ONE. I WILL BE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE WITH THE COMMUNITY'S MONEY BY WORKING TO RETURN THE DISTRICT TO POSITIVE FUND BALANCES.
I, Michael Skala affirm that I have answered these questions accurately and honestly to the best of my ability. They represent my opinions as of January and February, 2005. By submitting this questionnaire I realize that my responses will be posted on the BEST web site.
Huntley (Bakely Subdivision)
District 158 School Board Candidate Questionnaire
(Candidates answers are highlighted in blue.)
1. Do you have children or grandchildren who attend District 158 schools? Y N
2. If yes, what grade level(s) are they in? Please note preschoolers and Huntley High School graduates also. CHARLOTTE 3RD GRADE & ANNA PRE-SCHOOL
3. Your profession: SELF EMPLOYED
4. Volunteer Community Involvement: RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH; CHAIR OF PASTORAL COUNCIL, NURSERY LEADER, SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY LEADER, MINISTRY FORMATION PARTICIPANT, YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER.
5. Previous volunteer endeavors on behalf of District 158 kids: APPOINTED TO THE STATE LEGISLATOR IMPACT FEE TASK FORCE. BOARD OF EDUCATION SINCE NOVEMBER 1997. MEMBER OF LEGGEE PTA.
6. With what regularity have you attended school board/committee meetings over the last 12 months? I REGULARLY ATTEND BOARD OF EDUCATION AS WELL AS COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF WHICH I AM A MEMBER.
7. What would you say is the #1 concern facing District 158 at this time? BUILDING THE COMMUNITY'S TRUST LEVEL WHILE OVERCOMING THE HARM OF A DIVIDED COMMUNITY.
8. What do you think class size limits should be for: Grades K-2 23 Grades 3-5 25 Grades 6-8 25 High School 28
9. What is your philosophy on full-day kindergarten? THE RESEARCH SHOWS THAT ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN BENEFITS CHILDREN. ON A LOCAL LEVEL, WE HAVE JUST STARTED TO SEE THE FRUITS OF OUR PROGRAM. THE CHILDREN CAN LEARN MUCH FASTER IN THE YOUNGER YEARS AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO REACH OUT TO THE CHILDREN IN NEED THROUGH THE PROGRAM. THE DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO MEET NCLB IN THE COMING YEARS BECAUSE THEY WERE ABLE TO GET AHEAD WITH 5+ HOURS OF INSTUCTION EVERY DAY.
10. What special talents could you bring to the board that would benefit students? THE TALENTS I BRING TO THE BOARD ARE MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE OF SCHOOL BUSINESS, FRIENDSHIPS WITH OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS, CONCENSUS BUILDING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING SCHOOLS.
11. What do you think the state role in public education should be? The local role? THE STATE SHOULD PROVIDE FUNDING TO EACH OF THE DISTRICTS ON A FAIR AND EQUITABLE BASIS. THEY SHOULD PROVIDE THE MINIMUM STANDARDS BY WHICH THE CHILDREN SHOULD LEARN AND PROVIDE THE RULES BY WHICH DISTRICTS SHOULD BE GOVERNED. THE LOCAL ROLE SHOULD BE TO MOLD THE STUDENTS TO THE COMMUNITY'S STANDARDS. THE LOCAL REVENUE SHOULD ENHANCE THE BASIC STATE FUNDED EDUCATION. THE COMMUNITY SHOULD SET THE STANDARD FOR LEARNING, ENHANCE THE BASIC CURRICULM AND ADD PROGRAMS THAT THE COMMUNITY FEELS ARE NEEDED.
12. How many hours per week can you dedicate to this position? Be specific. 40+ hours/week
13. Which is more important to you: A quality education Lower taxes
I FEEL THAT THIS QUESTION IS VERY UNFAIR TO ASK WITHOUT PROVIDING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN MY CHOICE. THERE IS NO REASON THAT BOTH OF THESE ANSWERS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED.
14. Define the role of an administrator: AN ADMINISTRATOR RUNS THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE DISTRICT. THEY WOULD TAKE THE BOARD'S DIRECTIVE AND MOVE THE DISTRICT IN THE MOST EFFICIENT MANNER TOWARD THAT DIRECTIVE. THEY WOULD OFFER INFORMATION, DATA, AND RESEARCH TO SUPPORT A POSITION, BUT FOLLOW THE FINAL DIRECTION OF THE BOARD. THEY WOULD KEEP THE BOARD INFORMED OF ALL IMPORTANT SITUATIONS GOING ON IN THE DISTRICT.
15. Define the role of a board member: THEY ARE ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO SHOULD SET POLICY AND SET THE VISIONARY PICTURE FOR THE ADMINISTRATORS TO FOLLOW. THEY WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THE DISTRICT MEET THE COMMUNITY'S EXPECTATIONS OF WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION SHOULD BE PROVIDED. BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD ATTEND MEETINGS, BE PREPARED FOR THOSE MEETINGS AND THEY SHOULD BE VISIBLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
16. Teacher contract negotiations are coming up. Explain your philosophy of how teachers should be compensated and comment on your perceived strengths and weaknesses of the current teacher contract.
THE TEACHERS HAVE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT JOBS IN OUR DISTRICT. THEY PROVIDE THE FOUNDATION OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE LOWER GRADES AND ENHANCE THAT FOUNDATION IN THE UPPER GRADES. THEY ARE HELPING EDUCATE OUR NEXT GENERATION OF ADULTS. THE COMPENSATION OF TEACHERS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEPING QUALITY STAFF. DISTRICT 158 DOES NOT WANT TO BE THE “TEETH CUTTING” DISTRICT FOR NEW TEACHERS. DISTRICT 158 SHOULD HAVE THE MOST TALENTED TEACHERS IT CAN AFFORD. THE CURRENT CONTRACT WAS A NEGOTIATION BETWEEN TWO PARTIES. IT HAS GOOD THINGS THAT BENEFIT THE DISTRICT AND OTHER THINGS THAT BENEFIT THE TEACHERS. THE CONTRACT HAD ABOVE AVERAGE WAGE INCREASES FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS. THE BOARD NEEDED TO RAISE THE SALARY SCHEDULE TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH THE SURROUNDING DISTRICTS SO THAT WE COULD RETAIN THE QUALITY TEACHERS WE HAVE AND HIRE THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE.
17. Describe the importance/value of extracurricular activities (band, chorus, theater, art, sports, clubs, etc.) in a student's overall educational experience.
STUDENTS NEED DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL AND DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HELP STUDENTS TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL. THESE PROGRAMS GIVE STUDENTS SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN SCHOOL. THE CHILDREN WHO ARE INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE MORE POSITIVE ABOUT LIFE AND SEEM TO GET IN LESS TROUBLE. THE DISTRICT SHOULD PROVIDE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO EVERY CHILD NO MATTER THAT CHILDS' SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC BACKGROUND.
18. What have you specifically done to urge our lawmakers to better fund public education (i.e. gone to Springfield, visited with our senator or state representative, written letters…)? I HAVE GONE TO SPRINGFIELD SEVERAL TIMES TO PROVIDE TESTIMONY ON BEHALF OF EDUCATION REFORM, FUNDING ISSUES, STATE CONSTRUCTION GRANT MONEY AND THE NEED FOR MONEY FOR FAST GROWING DISTRICTS. I HAVE TALKED WITH OUR LOCALLY ELECTED OFFICIALS ABOUT THE ABOVE INITIATIVES. I WAS APPOINTED TO THE STATE TASK FORCE BECAUSE OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH COMPLICATED SCHOOL ISSUES.
19. If elected, how do you intend to implement the 55-cent education fund referendum approved by voters on November 2, 2004? Please explain your answer.
I WOULD TAKE THE EDUCATION FUND FROM THE CURRENT $2.78 AND ADD THE $.55 TO THAT AMOUNT WHICH WOULD TOTAL $3.33. THE EDUCATION FUND OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WOULD NEVER GO OVER THE $3.33 AMOUNT. IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS OVERALL GOAL AND I WOULD WAIT TO SEE THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE PROJECTIONS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON HOW MUCH AND OVER HOW MANY YEARS THE $.55 WOULD BE TAKEN.
20. What does "basic education" mean to you? THIS IS THE MINIMUM STATE REQUIRED EDUCATION THAT SCHOOLS MUST PROVIDE. THIS MEANS NO EXTRAS. IN MY OPINION THE MINIMUM STATE REQUIREMENTS ARE UNACCEPTABLE. THEY ARE SO LOW THAT ANY CHILD LEAVING A DISTRICT THAT PROVIDES ONLY THE “BASIC EDUCATION” WOULD BE AT A CRITICAL DISADVANTAGE.
21. What is your plan for managing the district's growth in student population for the next ten years, and does this plan include supporting building referendums to prevent overcrowding? EARLIER, I STATED WHAT I THINK CLASS SIZES SHOULD BE. THIS DISTRICT WILL SEE 750+ NEW CHILDREN EACH YEAR FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS. IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THOSE CLASS SIZES ADDITIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS AND NEW BUILDINGS WILL BE NEEDED IN THE FUTURE. THE COMMUNITY WILL NEED TO SUPPORT MORE BUILDING PROGRAMS TO PREVENT OVERCROWDING. THERE IS CURRENTLY A PLAN OUTLINING THE NEXT BUILDING PROGRAMS. THIS PLAN NEEDS TO BE UPDATED AFTER THE UPDATED KASARDA REPORT COMES BACK. THIS UPDATED PLAN NEEDS TO BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY FOR DISCUSSION AND FEEDBACK.
22. In 100 words or less, why should residents vote for you for school board?
I HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO LEAD OUR DISTRICT. MY VISION, HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS WILL ASSIST DISTRICT 158 IN BECOMING A LIGHTHOUSE DISTRICT. THE CHILDREN DESERVE TO HAVE THE BEST STAFF, OPPORTUNITIES, AND LEADERSHIP. I PROMISE TO UPHOLD THE VALUES AND MORALS OF THE COMMUNITY. I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON MENDING THE DIVISIONS IN THE COMMUNITY. I WILL WORK ON BEHALF OF ALL STUDENTS TO MAKE THEIR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE A POSITIVE ONE. I WILL BE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE WITH THE COMMUNITY'S MONEY BY WORKING TO RETURN THE DISTRICT TO POSITIVE FUND BALANCES.
I, Michael Skala affirm that I have answered these questions accurately and honestly to the best of my ability. They represent my opinions as of January and February, 2005. By submitting this questionnaire I realize that my responses will be posted on the BEST web site.
Labels: B.E.S.T., Huntley School District 158, Mike Skala
# posted by Cal Skinner : 10:55 AM
