“When I was younger, I was a tournament chess player. I competed in local, state and national tournaments with positive results.

While I haven’t played competitively in many years, I have been able to teach chess as a volunteer in the library and local schools.”

“My background as an real estate attorney gives me a strong background in property tax and financial issues, as well as significant experience in negotiations. The continuing education that I have pursued through the Illinois Association of School Boards has expanded my background knowledge on education issues significantly over the years. Additionally, I have completed the coursework at Northern Illinois University that is required for a Chief School Business Officer to further my understanding of school budgeting and finance.”

“The district was facing significant difficulties at the time, both financially and in its physical plant. Enrollment was uneven across the district, with some buildings badly overcrowded and others underutilized. And the then current superintendent was set to retire causing the need for a superintendent search. I felt that my skills and experience could help address these and other issues.”

“One of the first things you learn as a board member is that there are no individual accomplishments as we can only legally function as a group in a properly called meeting. Some of the board’s accomplishments that I am proud of:

1. Becoming one of the first districts in the area to have one to one technology (Chromebooks) in the hands of every student.
2. Becoming one of the first districts in the area to have all day kindergarten available to any family who wants it.
3. Soon to be the first K-8 district in the state to have a community-based health center for its students, staff and community.
4. Bringing fiscal stability to the district.

I am also proud of some of the accomplishments that have occurred during my tenure on the ED-RED board, most specifically the work that we did on the crafting of the Evidence-Based Funding model.”

“Officially, the board sets policy and budgets, hires and evaluates a superintendent, sets goals and holds themselves and the district accountable, etc.

As importantly, the board connects the district with the community so as to provide the type and quality of education that the community demands within the framework of funding that the community is willing to provide.”

“That the district, its students and the community benefit from my service.”