CAMPAIGN INFO:

• Position: Ridgeland Dist. 122 Board of Education member
• E-mail address:

• Email:  dlis0311@sbcglobal.net

• Phone: 708-670-4686

PERSONAL INFO:

• Age: 44
• Family:  Kathleen (wife), Catherine, 22,  (daughter), Kylie, 13 (daughter, Andrew, 11 (son), Carolyn, 9  (daughter).
• Education: Bachelor of Science, Fire Science Management, Southern Illinois University; Associates of Arts, General Studies, Moraine Valley Community College.
• Occupation: Battalion Chief, Fire Department

•  Previous elected offices: Member, Ridgeland School District 122 Board of Education.
• Hometown: Bridgeview

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS:

Primary Reason for Running: Having served the last FOUR years on the board I feel it is necessary to continue the progress and stability I have helped bring forth. The current board along with the administration has been able to get the district into a financially stable position, as well as bring long term administration stability to our schools with multi-year contracts for school principles. It is also most important that we continue to find ways to offer a diverse and challenging classroom setting for our students.

Single most important priority: To continue to work with the administration on effective ways to bring the most fiscal responsible solution to our growing English Language Learner population.

What sets you apart: I have had the honor of serving on the board for the last four years when some tough decisions concerning cutting programs, expanding classroom sizes and getting rid of our neighborhood schools needed to be made. That experience along with my experience in the corporate world and now Emergency Services and the military give me a vast array of experience to draw from when making decisions that will affect the children of the district.

How long have you lived in the District 122: 15 years

Favorite thing about Dist. 122:  District 122 is truly a family. The parents of this district have shown time and again that they care about not only their children but all the children in the district. It is commendable to see parents passionate about an issue come to the board and voice their concerns and not sit back.

Biggest problem in the district: The district, like all school districts in the state are going to be hit with a terrible shortfall of state monies. This shortfall is going to have an impact on the operations and programs available. That’s being said, it is going to take continued work from the board, administration and staff to ensure the impact on the students is kept to a minimum and our students are offered the finest education possible.