Emily Bastedo: Candidate for Elmhurst Unit District 205 School Board

Campaign Information
www.EmilyForElmhurst.com
EmilyForElmhurst@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/EmilyForElmhurst

Family: Husband, Brian; sons, Charlie, 6, and Elliott, 3

Education: 

    •    DePaul University, College of Law, Chicago, Juris Doctor, 2003
    •    University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., Bachelor of Arts, 2000

Occupation:

Before staying home with my sons I spent over five years practicing public finance law for a large financial services law firm in Chicago. Most of my time was spent serving as bond counsel to Illinois school districts. I looked over school budgets, prepared and reviewed financing documents for school districts and delivered legal approving opinions on bonds and warrants being issued. I also worked with Illinois park districts, municipalities, community college districts and library districts. I have experience with issues of state and municipal law, legislative interpretation, debt finance, securities disclosure and federal income taxation.

I also volunteered on the Cash Management, Investment, and Debt Management Committee of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.

Why are you seeking office?

I strongly believe in the value and importance of great public schools. I want to serve the community by putting my school finance experience to use on the School Board. I have an enthusiasm for tackling tough issues and the ability to work well on teams. I also believe I can help create a positive culture in the district and maximize existing resources.

What will be your top priority if elected?

My number one priority is helping every child succeed. That involves many things, including a strong curriculum, instructional support, disciplined budgeting practices, safe schools, effective and fairly paid teachers, community input and continual improvement. I have the education, experience, passion, and enthusiasm to meet these goals.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I will have children in Elmhurst schools until the year 2027. I could not be more committed to this district. At the same time, I am also aware that most Elmhurst taxpayers do not have children in Elmhurst schools, so the School Board has to be smart about every dollar spent and use their resources wisely. I can offer a studied, fresh approach to the long-time problems facing the School Board.

School Board members are taking on the very large task of developing a long-term, sustainable financial plan that potentially could change the way the School District is structured. What ideas do you have to help get the district to long-term financial sustainability?

The first step is informing the community about the financial difficulties facing the district.  The recent community-wide discussion about the potential three-tier busing schedule was a good start. It began what I heard as a realization that the board continually faces tough decisions when it comes to the budget. District expenditures continue to outpace revenues. I agree with the current board members who say that we can benefit from taking a look at other districts. It will help decision makers to see what other districts are doing with their resources. The recent report from the Superintendent’s Community Advisory Committee said that most people would like to keep the programs they have now. They don’t want to see more cuts to fine arts, industrial technology, foreign language, etc. This discussion needs to be driven by the desires of the stakeholders. One theme I keep hearing from people on the campaign trail is that we need more creative revenue ideas. 

How do you feel about a shift to a three-tier bus schedule that would result in a $300,000 savings, but also a change in school start times?

The three-tier bus schedule was about more than just start times. It was a realization that after three years in a row of budget cuts there were no more easy places to make cuts without the community feeling the sting. I listened to many parents express their objections to the idea and heard their frustration when they thought the decision may have already been made without their input. While the proposal was never in front of the School Board, the community outcry demonstrated for me how important it is to have a conversation with the community before making important decisions. I think it also contributed to the board’s decision to take this upcoming year to make a long-term plan for our district. There are tough decisions facing this board and over the next year they will have to engage the community about their vision for this district. Without a sustainable financial plan we will be right back here next year talking about three-tier busing again.

A recent Harris poll indicates teacher dissatisfaction in the areas of their involvement with decision-making and their view of the School Board and administration. What do you see as the cause for this, and what would you do to improve morale among teachers?

As a person on the outside looking in, I have sensed a dissonance between the teachers and the School Board. The Harris Poll seemed to confirm that assessment. The School Board should acknowledge this discord and see it as a place to make improvements. I would like to understand more about what is behind those poll numbers. I would also like to have a discussion with the teachers and find out how they can feel more empowered and respected as professionals. The School Board should take the lead to create a harmonious, collaborative environment that provides the best education possible to our students.

A goal has been to move students to digital textbooks and one-to-one computing. This will likely require more training for teachers, as well. How much of a priority is this?

Before moving in this direction, the School Board would have to be sure that this is something the community supports because it would take financial resources. Technology is a great way to engage students and improve learning, so assuming there is community support, I would encourage a move toward 1:1 technology. This cutting edge move would need to be grounded in research, supported with a financial business case and launched with a closely monitored rollout to ensure these benefits are delivered. It would require many things, including strong leadership from the administration, a clear plan for how the laptops or tablets would be integrated, support for teachers and more district-wide bandwidth. It is true that teachers would need to invest time and effort to change their teaching practices in a way that incorporates the technology, because studies show that without proper implementation student achievement does not improve.  

What other message do you want to get across to Elmhurst voters?

My husband and I moved to Elmhurst five years ago because we were attracted to the beautiful downtown, friendly people, community values and strong schools. Our family has been blessed with great neighbors and close friendships. We are eager to give back to this community because we know that prosperous communities don’t happen by accident. I think I can help make our great schools even better. I am willing to dedicate the time it takes to be a great School Board member, and I am eager to dig in, learn all I can, and make a lasting contribution.