Election 2013: David Deitemyer

David Deitemyer is one of five candidates running for the Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education in the 2013 election. Deitemyer has more than 20 years experience in education, both as a teacher and an administrator. He currently works as the Dean of Academic Services at Morraine Valley Community College. He lives in Lemont with his wife, Joan.

Name: David Deitemyer

Position sought: Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education

Campaign website: DavidDeitemyer113ASchoolBoard.com

Family (name, relationship and age): Wife, Joan; Children, Jon, 31, and Elizabeth, 27

Education (degree and school): Bachelor's degree in education from the University of Illinois (1978); master's degree in music from VanderCook College (1985); master's degree in educational administration from Lewis University (1997)

Occupation: Dean of Academic Services at Moraine Valley Community College (2005-2013) Previously worked as the director of student assessment. Taught for 24 years at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Oak Lawn Community High School, River Grove School and Lovington Area Schools.

Previous elected offices: None

Why are you seeking office?

I want to contribute to a highly effective board and district that puts student excellence first, achieves financial strength and supports its teachers. My history and career have helped me build valuable skills in three areas: (1) We have lived in Lemont for 26 years and know the village culture, (2) I have been an educator in successful districts and know what it takes to build strong schools, (3) my work and leadership style is defined by collaboration, persistence, and the pursuit of excellence: all qualities that can help the board provide strong leadership.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I respect the backgrounds and skills of the other candidates. As a member of the board I will work to bring us together—not set us apart. I believe an effective board represents a wide range of skills and experience.

I currently serve on three local and state committees for education. One committee at the state level is the Illinois Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness Working Group. This committee brings together leaders from Illinois business, public schools and higher education to increase students' opportunities for future success in college and careers. The strategies focus on improving the links at every transition point in a child’s education: early childhood and elementary to middle school to high school and then to options for job training and college.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Student learning and student excellence must be our most important priority.  That is a big and never-ending goal, and must stay at the forefront of our work as board members. Improving our schools for students requires a blend of:

• Financial strength
• Lowered class size
• Comprehensive curriculum for students
• Challenging experiences for students
• Strong transitions to success in high school
• Support for teachers

What experience do you have, working as an individual or member of a team, which resulted in a successful outcome? As a member of the board of education, how will you apply your past experience to help build upon the school district’s successes and achievements – and work effectively with other members of the board?

I have spent my professional career in education, as a teacher, department chair, and administrator. From 1979 to 2003 I taught music at the middle school and high school level. In addition to my teaching duties I served as department chair, providing leadership for the department teachers and building connections across grade levels and content areas. 

For the past 10 years I have been an administrator at Moraine Valley Community College and Dean for Academic Services since 2005. My areas of responsibility at the college include educational policy and procedures, curriculum development, student assessment, academic facilities and scheduling.

What do you think should be the top three goals for the board of education in the next couple of years? What will you do to help achieve those goals?

• Student excellence
  • Appropriate class size
  • Continued high performance on standardized tests
  • District support for student clubs, activities, sports, art and music

• Financial strength
  • Adequate funding for educational programs and innovations
  • Adequate funding for teacher salaries
  • Adequate financial reserves
  • Maintenance and improvements for the district buildings and classrooms

• Teacher support
  • Supplies and resources
  • Planning time
  • Professional development

According to the Illinois Association of School Boards, “Good school boards make every effort to operate openly by encouraging public attendance at their meetings and keeping constituents informed of the district’s progress.” What will you do to help engage and inform members of the community?

• I will represent all voters.

• I will listen carefully to community members who address the board. I will do my best to understand their views while retaining my responsibility to represent the interests of the entire community.

• I will give priority to the issues that will improve student learning and student excellence.

• I will be a prepared, knowledgeable and active participant in the school board meetings.

• I will be a collaborative board member. I will recognize majority decisions of the board and pursue change in ways that are ethical and productive.

• I will work hard as a member to keep the board focused on its primary mission: to clarify District 113A’s goals and strategies, provide support to the teachers and administration, and monitor the district’s performance.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

My wife, Joan, and I have lived in Lemont since 1986. Over the years we have put down deep roots and feel fortunate to have a wide network of friends throughout the village. Our two children, Jon and Elizabeth, attended the public schools from kindergarten through high school. They had wonderful teachers and great experiences in the schools. Both have completed bachelor’s degrees and are pursuing their careers. We have been involved in local activities such as AYSO soccer and band parents. We have watched the village grow and feel a strong commitment to its continued progress. The high quality of elementary schools is a key factor to Lemont’s reputation as a vibrant and desirable place to live and raise families.

Related Pages:

• Election 2013: District 113A Board of Education
• Election 2013: Michael Clausen
• Election 2013: Brian Bushnell
• Election 2013: Susan Petrarca
• Election 2013: Patrick M. Kerrigan II

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