Bolingbrook Election 2013 Candidate: Deborah Sykora

Campaign information 

• E-mail: sport981@comcast.net 
• Phone: (630) 739-5949 
• Address: 316 Bedford Dr., Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Personal information 

• Age: 60 
• Family: Richard Sykora (spouse, 61), Jacqueline Kalotta (daughter, 32), Jonathan Sykora (son, 29)
• Education (degree and school): Illinois State University, B.S. in Education; National Louis University, M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction 
• Occupation: Retired Math Teacher
• Political party affiliation, If any: Independent 
• Previous elected offices: N/A 

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

I feel that I am qualified for this position of school board member because I have been an educator for more than thirty-five years. I understand the workings of a school and a classroom. I have served in a leadership roll for the district as well as serving on many district committees. Therefore, I feel that I have a very good understanding of the school system.

Candidate questions

Why are you running for this office:

I want to run for the school board because, even though the school district has done many good things, I think there are changes that need to be made. I have lived in the community for over thirty-five years and have seen many changes in the educational system. Therefore, I feel there are some policies that are currently in practice that need to be re-examined.

What will be your most important priority if you are elected:

At this point in time, I feel that there are a couple major issues that are a priority. If not settled soon, I feel the first priority is to make sure the teachers get a fair contract. Also to make sure the district is up to par and on line to deliver the National Core Standards by supporting the teachers, students and parents in the transition without intimidating them.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I feel what sets me apart from other candidates is the fact that I understand the working of a school system and I understand what is educationally sound for children. Not only have I taught for over thirty-five years but I have also been a consultant for two major textbook companies as well as a presenter at a National Middle School Conference in Nashville, TN.

How long have you lived in your community and/or been active in local issues?

I have lived in Bolingbrook for over thirty-six years. I taught in the Valley View School System which includes Bolingbrook and Romeoville for over thirty-five years. I coached Panther Softball for the park district. I also coached volleyball, track and basketball for the district. I kept score and continue to keep score for track meets, volleyball and basketball games. I currently serve on the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation committee.

What’s your favorite thing about Valley View School District 365U?

My favorite thing about the Valley View District 365U is the progressiveness of the district. The district is always working to improve instruction and they stay ahead of the mandated policies. Valley View also does an excellent job with students that have special needs.

What’s your opinion of the “New View” and the general direction the school district is headed? What do you agree with? What would you change?

I have mixed feelings about the “New View” I feel that the district is setting high goals for students and I feel that is the best thing that we can do for children. I also am impressed that the district has already started to implement the new National Core Standards which all schools have to implement by 2014. I however, feel that the district tried to introduce too many new ideas at one time. If the district improves or declines academically, it will be almost impossible to tell which new ideas made the difference. I also have trouble with the ninety-ten approach to grading homework, quizzes and tests. I specifically think that middle school children do not realize the importance of homework and will choose not to complete it because it will not affect their grades. I feel that practicing a skill, whether math or basketball, is important to improvement of that skill therefore, I feel that children should be encouraged to do homework. I would also like the school board to revisit the retaking of test policy the district has implemented.

What is the biggest challenge facing Valley View?

I feel that the district needs to continue to improve their educational process to ensure that the district is up to par and on line to deliver the National Core Standards by supporting the teachers, students and parents into the transition without intimidating them. If we are to succeed academically, the school board needs to do some research on new procedures and not just accept what is told to them by administration. I also feel that the school board needs to make sure the teachers get a contract for this year. I feel that a successful school district enhances the entire community.

I consider myself an independent candidate who will be taking a common sense approach to issues being faced by the Valley View School District.