2013 Election: Jeffrey Regan

Name: Jeffrey Regan

Position Sought: Mokena District 159 School Board

Campaign Contact Information: 

Jeff.J.Regan@gmail.com
(708)546-7331

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

To bring back the programs, that have been eliminate due to deficit, that the other Lincoln-way feeder districts offer. We need our children enter High School at the same level as neighboring schools. Some of those programs include Full Day Kindergarten, Fourth grade band, and Spanish.

Home Address: 

20025 Hillgate Road
Mokena, IL

Family Members:

Lisa Regan Wife
Joshua Regan Son
Shawn Regan Son
Ashley Regan Daughter

Education: 

Joliet Junior College ~ AAS in Mechanical Design Technology

Current Occupation and Employer:

Tooling/Sales Engineer with NuTEC Manufacturing

Political Party Affiliation: Conservative

Why are you seeking office?

I took an active interest in the school board when they eliminated full day Kindergarten and were threatening to eliminate extracurricular activities as well as bus service due to the 2.7 Million deficit. That deficit is now under control but too much burden has been shifted onto the families of the district. One of my goals is to provide relief to these families without deficit spending.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I'm a lifelong resident of this community and attended Mokena District 159 from Kindergarten through Eighth grade. I'm a graduate of Lincoln-Way High School and Joliet Junior College. I currently have three children attending Mokena Public Schools. I have personally benefited from our schools and wish to uphold their excellence for generations to come.

In your opinion, what are the primary challenges facing this district?

Our biggest issues are financial. First of all, the State of Illinois continues to reduce funding each year. Furthermore, the district’s lack of commercial real estate places a majority of the burden on residential property taxes and families of the school system.

How will you address those challenges?

We have no control over the state or the village and the residents of district 159 have made their point clear with three failed referendums. To accomplish this, I would continue our current course to reduce unnecessary spending. I would look into new Technologies that lower costs while maximizing learning. I would also pursue options for leasing building space where possible.

If elected, what will be your philosophy as a board member?