Mayda Kramer to Run for Board of Education Seat

Village resident Mayda Kramer has been involved in the PTA for more than a decade, and with two kids in South Side High School, she has a vested interest in the success of the district.

That's just one of many reasons why Kramer is running for one of the two Board of Education seats up for grabs on May 17. Current trustee Stephen Kriss will be leaving his post for personal reasons, and as of now, Kramer is running unopposed.

"I've been active in the PTA since 2000," said Kramer, who is currently the co-president of the high school PTA. "I've always volunteered my time and I'm interested in having a larger impact within the community in terms of education."

As a forensic accountant, Kramer said her finance acumen and ability to draw conclusions based on data could be an asset to the board. "That's one of the things my job has taught me," she said. "I've learned to listen to both sides of the story and draw conclusions from that."

The most important school issue, she explained, is finding ways to continue the vision created by the district while providing the best quality education in a fiscally responsible manner. "We need to continue looking for cooperative bidding," she said. "Look for creative ways to enhance education, yet find ways to curb costs. It's a difficult task."

If elected, Kramer said she'd like to brainstorm with board members on how to improve curriculums from a technology standpoint. She said the district has taken great strides in terms of using advanced technology — she pointed to the — but there is still more that can be done.

"I know there is a lot more available," she said of finding new technology. "I'd like to see us take steps in that direction and balance it with the financial aspects."

Asked if she is ready to sit on the other side of the table and field questions from angry parents and residents, Kramer said she is ready to listen. "There are people that will always complain; you can't please everyone," she said. "You have to find the best middle ground that supports the mission. We have to be in this together."

Residents can vote for school board members and the 2011-12 budget on May 17 at the high school from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.