Election 2011: D 124 Board Candidate Kathleen Rohan on the Issues

Eight candidates are campaigning for three seats on the Village of Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124 Board of Education.    answers a few issue-based questions about the school district, consolidations and its relationship with other area schools.

Do you think Districts 124 and 231 should combine?

In order to make a decision about consolidating Districts 124 and 231, a study would need to be completed.  I would need to see the data and research in order to make a decision.

Should District 124 consider consolidation with other area districts?

I believe that a good board considers all options; however I would question if consolidating all cook county schools into one district could provide the same level of quality education that we are currently providing in District 124.

How can District 124 be more efficient?

Overall, District 124 is efficient.  The areas where I see some room for improvement is in building temperature control (which is challenging to achieve in older buildings) and in the expansion of our recycling efforts across the district.

How will you hold the superintendent more accountable?

The current board negotiated a contract with the superintendent that is tied to performance.  Linking rewards to performance is critical for accountability.

How can District 124 cooperate better with private schools in the village?

District 124 has provided more than proportionate share funds to the private schools so that parents have a choice of schools even if their child needs supports.  District 124 has also offered staff development training to the private school staff which is beyond what is required.  We also communicate changes and future plans on a regular basis.