Renee Klass: District 96 School Board Candidate

Name: Renee Klass

Age: 57

Family: Michael B. Klass (husband) Shelley and Kenny Stolman (daughter and son-in-law), Ira (25 year old son), Karen (21 year old daughter)

Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from University of Illinois

Occupation: Substitute teacher for Special Education District of Lake County

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Served on the District 96 School Board since 2001 (Secretary and currently, Vice-president)

Other community involvement: I currently serve as Board Chair for Keshet, an organization that serves individuals with special needs.

Position sought: School Board candidate

Campaign E-mail address: rdklass@gmail.com

Campaign committee: candidate did not respond

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Why are you running?

I am running for re-election because I want to continue to build upon the excellent accomplishments our Board together with our Administration has achieved. During my past twelve year tenure, District 96’s achievement scores have improved significantly as demonstrated by 96% of our students meeting and exceeding state standards. District 96 has evolved as a Professional Learning Community which has led to a higher level of professionalism and competency among staff. Our Board is an outstanding team. There is a steep learning curve as a Board member learns that their role is to define the vision rather than to concentrate on day to day management. There is mutual respect as well as a strong working relationship between our Board and administration and I want to continue the good work that makes District 96 #8 in the state.

In what ways would the school district benefit from your service?

I have the ability to distinguish between a variety of perspectives. As an educator, I understand educational concerns and initiatives. As a parent, whose 3 children have gone through the educational system as well as being on opposing ends of the spectrum in ability, I value and understand the importance of meeting the needs of all students.

I believe that my experience as a Board member will be an asset as our District transitions from current State Standards to the Common Core.  I am qualified to make sound decisions as the district is financially impacted by less state funding and pension reform. I am an engaging listener and believe firmly that we represent the community and need to communicate and be receptive to all the stakeholders in District 96.

What is the biggest challenge the school district faces and what should be done to address it?

Attracting and retaining the best educators is the most important challenge facing our District. As the district faces uncertainty in revenues, due to possible cost shift of pensions as well as late and missed state payments, proposed PTELL legislation and unfunded mandates, District 96 needs to continue to budget and spend conservatively and continue to plan creatively. We must continue the practice of forecasting five years into the future as well as plan for capital expenses over five years. Shared services and joint bidding within our consortium are additional ways in which we have and must continue to save on expenses as evidenced in special education programs as well as capital improvements among fifteen schools within the surrounding districts.

What do you think the district does well?

District 96 does so many things well and leads and trains many other districts throughout the country. Our district continues to be one of the most high achieving, yet low spending districts in the state. District 96 has been at the forefront in modifying its current standards to align to the new Common Core. The staff, which operates as a Professional Learning Community, continually assesses how it delivers instruction through the use of technology and through a coaching model in which many of our teachers have learned new methods from their peers to better educate their students. When curricular decisions are made, District 96 is not always the first to try something new, but instead ensures that the staff has appropriate professional development for successful implementation.

Under the leadership of our current Superintendent, in addition to programmatic improvements, communication has significantly improved as has the culture and climate among staff and parents. Parents and staff are regularly surveyed using short, online surveys. The Principals use weekly Blogs to correspond with parents and the Superintendent sends out a weekly message.

What should be some of the school district’s priorities over the next four years?

As District 96 completes the transition to the Common Core standards, it will be essential to help parents understand how to interpret the standards. It is also crucial that there is consistency in alignment of standards among all the schools.

With the growing use of technology, it is important that it is embedded into all classes, yet being mindful of the expense.

Social Emotional Learning standards have been added to the curriculum and these need to also be infused into the curriculum. With the growth of English Language Learners, and the growing population of Special Education students, it will continue to be essential that we continue to ensure that we address the needs of all students across the spectrum, including those who exceed standards.

What else would you like voters to know?

I am a dedicated volunteer who has always had a passion for education. I have a strong commitment to District 96 and have a deep level of respect for the teamwork that occurs between our Board or Education and Administration. It has been an honor to serve a district whose achievement levels and overall respect within the country has improved significantly in the last twelve years and I would like to continue to participate in and ensure the district’s mission.