Election 2013 Candidate: John F. Corcoran

Your Name: John F. Corcoran

Position Sought: Member, Board of Education, LaGrange Highlands School District 106

Campaign Contact Information:

E-mail - jcorco2962@aol.com
Phone - 312-953-5921

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: My biggest priority is to continue the positive momentum that we have built in raising the bar on student learning/growth. This is illustrated through specific, aggressive district goals and supported by a commitment to coordinated professional development. Our district enjoys many advantages, so we must view our performance relative to these circumstances and strive to continually improve.

Home Address: 6417 Apache Dr., Indian Head Park, IL 60525

Family Members:

Wife Sharon Corcoran
Son Donovan Corcoran - 18, 2012 LT Grad, 2008 Highlands Grad
Daughter Kelsey Corcoran - 16, LT Sophomore, 2011 Highlands Grad
Daughter Erin Corcoran - 12, 6th Grade at Highlands Middle School
Daughter Keara Corcoran - 9, 4th Grade at Highlands Elementary School

Education:

University of Chicago Graduate School of Business - MBA, 1999
Governors State University - B.A., Business Administration, 1990

Current Occupation and Employer:

I am currently exploring employment opportunities.
I was the Chief Financial Officer of CNA Surety Corp. from 2003 - 2011
Prior, I held various senior finance roles at CNA Insurance from 1992 -2003

Why are you seeking office? I see school board service as a meaningful way to contribute to the community that is suited to my skills and interests. I am seeking reelection to offer my board experience and a level of continuity. At a minimum, there will be three new board members elected in April. In addition, we will have a new superintendent starting in July. I believe that my 6 years of experience on the school board is particularly valuable given these circumstances.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?: The most obvious difference is my 6 years of experience on the board. I am the only incumbent seeking reelection. My experience includes two teacher contract negotiations, including serving as one of the two lead negotiators for the most recent contract. I also bring significant financial and executive leadership experience to the board.

What are the other issues you plan to address in this position, and how?: The looming shift of pension costs to local districts will put significant pressure on our financial resources. Fortunately, we enjoy a very strong financial position, so drastic measures should not be needed. However, we will need to carefully monitor our long-range financial plan and make adjustments as needed. We will need to engage the community early on, so that there is an understanding of why changes are needed and to allow open evaluation of difficult choices.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign: I have been honored to represent the community for the past six years. I have been fortunate to a part of boards that have been focused on balancing the desire to do the absolute best for our students against the burden on our taxpayers. It hasn't always been easy, but it has been rewarding. I hope to continue my service to the community.

See also:

Election 2013: D106 Board