Ben Twietmeyer

Name

Ben Twietmeyer

Position Sought

Consolidated High School District 230 Board Member

Campaign Contact Information

bentwietmeyer@gmail.com

Hometown

Tinley Park

Family Members

Wife: Kerri Gruca-Twietmeyer, 33

Daughter: Emiyah Twietmeyer, 10

Son: Luke Twietmeyer, 8

Education

Bethel University St. Paul, MN B.A. Life Science Education; Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL M.A.E.D. Curriculum and Instruction

Current Occupation and Employer

Alan B. Shepard High School, Science Teacher

Political Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Why are you seeking office?

I believe that our district needs professional educators as a part of their leadership team. I am one of only two candidates that have such experience.

As a future parent of two Andrew High School students, I have a vested interest in maintaining and improving our schools. The families and students of District 230 deserve a great education and my experience as a professional educator and businessman can help accomplish this. I care deeply about our students and community and will work towards strengthening our schools and providing students with the best opportunities to become successful.

What is the most challenging issue facing the district?

District 230, like all Illinois schools, faces continued funding decreases by the state and a proposed shift of pension obligations to the school districts. The state’s reduced funding of education threatens the continuation of programs that improve student achievement and make our schools great places to be. If proposed reforms are approved, our district will face some difficult choices in order to preserve the level of education our students need and maintain a fiscally responsible budget.

What past experience in your life, whether work or otherwise, would you say qualifies you well to serve on this board, and how?

I bring a diverse professional background including experience in the private sector as a commercial real estate broker and in the public sector as a high school science teacher. As a parent, coach, classroom educator and community business member, I understand what a great education means for our students’ futures and how strong schools strengthen our community.

Have you ever been charged with a crime or lost a lawsuit? If yes, please say what the charge was, and the case's and/or lawsuit's outcome.

No.

Where do you stand on common core standards? What can schools do to get ready?

The Common Core Standards are an improvement over the previous generation of standards. The Common Core articulates much more clearly which English Language Arts and Math content and skills are taught from kindergarten through 12th grade. The previous standards were vague and subject to interpretation and therefore did not help schools improve student performance. 

As a teacher I understand the complex process of reworking curriculum and the challenges it produces. It is essential as a district that we provide teachers time and resources to implement these standards and adjust to the forth coming testing. In addition to the Common Core Standards, this year Next Generation Science Standards will be released and require integration. I look forward to working with the staff and administration while putting these standards into practice.

Revenue from the state are drying up. Rank the following in order of importance: 1) Staff Cuts 2) Contract Renegotiations 3) Operating Expense Cuts 4) Tax Increases or Other Funding Sources. Explain your reasoning.

As District 230 prepares for the potential shifting of pension responsibilities from the state to local school districts, it is essential that the Board scrutinize all areas of our financial plan. We must work diligently to run our facilities efficiently and effectively, match our staffing to the needs of the students, and find a balance between the services we offer our students and the taxes we ask our residents and businesses for.

The challenge our district faces will require open communication between the Board, staff and the community. In an environment of decreasing funding it is imperative that we work collaboratively to identify areas of unnecessary cost while staying true to the primary responsibility of student achievement and safety. My experience as a classroom teacher provides insight into our students’ needs and will be an asset to the Board when making tough financial decisions that affect the classroom.

What are your thoughts on recent redistricting? Should students be able to go where their families originally planned or does the need to balance school population come first, and why?

The large amount of parent feedback and participation that was shown during the recent redistricting meetings displays that our parents are willing to get involved with the process of keeping our schools strong. I am very proud to live in a district where parents willing to participate in their children’s academic future.

It is difficult to ask families who take pride in their high school to make a change to a different school. The pride that families have in our schools is a part of what makes them great places to be and builds community. The board decision to redistrict was a tough, but necessary decision. The redistricting allows all three schools to have sufficient enrollment to offer complete academic and extracurricular programs. I support the decision that the current board made. This decision keeps our district strong as a whole and offers all our students opportunities to be successful. 

What are your thoughts on students using smartphones during the school day, but not during class? Why are you for or against it?

Technology has rapidly changed the way we live our lives. Almost every student has an iPOD, cell phone, or some form of personal technology. Students use these devices to stay connected to their parents, organize their day, and access classroom resources, assignments and schedules. With this in mind, it is important that we communicate and teach appropriate use of technology. The safety of our students is always our highest concern. Strategies that promote cyber citizenship will need to be developed to preserve our schools as safe learning environments.

Any other information pertinent to your campaign?

District 230 serves three unique communities and it is important to consider each community’s needs in the decision-making process. As we face these tough economic times and the decisions that come with them, we must make the most well-informed choices as possible. As a Board member I hope to bring my experience to this decision-making process and keep our school moving in a positive direction.