Tim Vlcek, Lyons Township High School Candidate

LA GRANGE, IL — Tim Vlcek is one of seven candidates for three seats on the Lyons Township High School board. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Name:

Tim Vlcek

Town of residence:

La Grange Park

Age:

63

Campaign contact email:

vlcek4ltboard@gmail.com

Campaign website:

vlcek4ltboard.com

Family:

Married with 4 grown children.

Education:

No answer

Occupation:

Professional background at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ti...

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NO

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

None

The single most pressing issue facing the school board is _________ and this is what I intend to do about it:

Willow Springs land deal. We must have open presentation of all facts and public forum discussion.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I don’t know who all is running, or much about those that are. I believe I am a stand out candidate based on 1) COMMUNITY – I grew up here, I went to LTHS, my kids did too. I was a volunteer fireman, a hockey coach and my family’s business was located here for three generations. 2) MANTRA – I understand the importance of “working well with others” as a business owner and as an employee. I am a big believer in bringing people together to accomplish common goals.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have successfully managed operations, budgets and people. Trouble shooting challenge is second nature to me. I’ve also been mentoring LTHS students in the Incubator program for the last couple of years – I ‘ve seen first hand what’s working/happening and what isn’t at the classroom level.

What can the school do to counteract dropping standardized test scores?

Get back to academic basics, merit based achievement and focus on student engagement – a 28% Chronic Absenteeism ranking is not acceptable.

Do you generally support the work of the school district's administration? Why or why not?

I generally support the district’s admin – but am very concerned the data shows we aren’t getting the job(s) we need done.

How do you view Lyons Township High School's handling of the sale of its Willow Springs land? Has the school district been open enough with the public about the process? Why or why not?

Very disappointed in the lack of transparency with parents and community on this. To proceed with vendor contract communications in March of 2022 but delay public announcement of this until November of 2022, is deceptively unfair to the community.

What is your view of critical race theory? Is it being taught in the local schools? If so, what evidence do you have of that?

I am not officially aware that CRT is being taught in our district – is it? If so, when I know the how/when/where/who is involved, I can make an educated assessment.

What is your view of sex education in local schools? Should an LGBT component be included? Why or why not?

I view all sex ed as something that should be elective, with parental consent for each curriculum offered.

Will you take questions from the media if you are elected?

YES

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

NO

The best advice ever shared with me was:

One of the best things I learned came from my LTHS Hockey Coach, Leo Golembiewski [passed recently]. He always told us that sacrifice, discipline and dedication, are the key ingredients for success. I have carried those words with me ever since. RIP Coach.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am totally vested in this community and only want the best for the students, parents and taxpayers.