Meet James Bax: Orland School District 135 Candidate

ORLAND PARK, IL — Meet James Bax, School Board candidate for Orland School District 135. The Consolidated Elections are April 6.

Bax recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

James Bax

Age (as of election)

46

Town/city of residence

Orland Park

School District

Orland School District 135

Family

Married to Laura. We currently have two children in D230 and two children in D135 schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

BS, Bradley University

Occupation

Construction Management, 20+ years

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe the immediate concern is how soon before our kids are able to attend full day, in-person classes. As far as the Board is able, I am committed to building on the safe-return plans the current Board is working on.

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

All of the candidates are running for different reasons, but I believe the common denominator is we all want what is educationally best for our kids. I am choosing rather to focus on how best to inform the residents of District 135 of my qualifications and desire to serve our children as a member of Orland School District 135.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

As previously stated, it is very important to work together, and build a safe-return policy to get our kids back to full-day, in-person learning. I believe kids just learn better in a classroom, and are more engaged in their current subject matter. There is an undeniable connection to the school experience that kids are missing while remote.

Residents need to feel their tax dollars are being utilized wisely, and that the School Board members they elect are good stewards of these dollars. I hope to foster a strong relationship with taxpayers through clear and transparent communication.
We have an obligation to maintain our school buildings in order to facilitate an effective learning environment. Our current facilities staff does a very good job of taking care of all these buildings. I will propose we continue to closely review and maintain the building envelopes and key building mechanical systems, as well as evaluate the best and most efficient use of the space available.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

For many years now, I have managed large, complex, high-dollar construction projects. I take these projects from cost analysis and estimating, and see them through to successful completion. Together with all stakeholders, including owners, design firms and other contractors, I have found that building on a team approach is essential to solving a myriad of project challenges like scheduling conflicts, budget overages, hard deadlines and more. I know how to work together, with multiple stakeholders of varying personalities, to address a common and defined goal or goals.

Why should voters trust you?

I have continuously had a child in one of the District 135 school buildings, since 2008. I believe in the mission of District 135 and the education it provides our children, and I want to see it continue to succeed so, in turn, our children succeed.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

I want to be part of a School Board that works to provide optimum opportunity to maximize the educational potential each and every child has. And then see them off on their future journey to high school, and beyond, confident and knowing how to think critically on their own, I would consider this a success.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I view myself as fiscally attentive, especially as a steward of taxpayer dollars. As a school board, I believe we have a duty to stay on sound fiscal ground.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I hope that these, and other important events are discussed in a way that is relatable and age-appropriate to our children. It is vital, as parents, that we give our children a foundational understanding of important societal subjects such as these, prior to them being exposed to information elsewhere

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

It is my hope to expand on the equity of educational opportunities for all District 135 students, and to facilitate a more challenging learning environment and to promote high achievement across the board- from our instructional learners all the way to our enrichment program.

What are your thoughts on the district’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Are you in favor of remote learning, in-person learning or a hybrid of the two? Do you support a mask mandate for students and school staff, or mandatory coronavirus testing for both students and staff?

Given the information available at the time and the directives from the governing health authorities, I do not think there was much in the way of flexibility. But with all we have learned in the past year, I firmly believe a safe return to full time, in-person learning is possible.
I prefer full day, in-person learning for the reasons I have stated in previous questions.
While a mask mandate is basically already in-place, my hope is that as more high-risk people are vaccinated, mask use can eventually be eliminated.
I would not support mandatory testing for students or staff.

When the vaccine is available to them, do you support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff?

No. The decision to get vaccinated is a personal choice, and I would not support a mandatory vaccination policy. When the vaccine is made available for children, the decision to vaccinate should be left entirely up to parents or guardians.

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

No.