Election 2011: District 159 Board of Education Candidate Carrie Zakula

Four candidates are vying for three seats on 's Board of Education. Newcomer  answers six issue-based questions about student achievement, consolidation and the district's budget.

What are your plans for continuing student achievement and raising test scores?

Regarding achievement and test scores, I would look more closely at our textbooks. Textbooks in some cases are at least three years old.

Regarding achievement, I think we should continue with literacy, with reading contests and other things that have been driven by teachers who feel strongly about literacy. They will continue to drive it regardless of where our books are housed.

We need to look at our enrichment program and continue testing, but look at what we could offer our teachers to help our students test well. And we need to be careful not to make cuts where the savings are so little and the educational cost is so great. And evaluate test scores carefully.

If the state were to allow for consolidation, should district 159 consider it? Why or why not?

I don’t feel as though consolidation should be considered. We are a community school district. Every school district has its own character and has a certain fluidity. If it were jeopardized it would diminish the community’s control of the district. I don’t believe in consolidation. I believe it would construct a bureaucratic nightmare. Worst of all, it would take the sense of community from our children. It is what moves them to get out, sense that moves them to become involved, to volunteer. I say “no” to consolidation.

What will be your first priority if you are elected and the referendum passes?

My first priority would be to remember the mission and listen to all the stakeholders, to make careful decisions and to reach a consensus. I would enlist the support of the community and build bridges. Leaving certain decisions and certain discussions to the board itself, and once things were clarified, I would present them to the community in a way that is positive, professional and prudent.

I would like to determine the best allocation of our resources moving forward.

What will be your first priority if the referendum doesn’t pass?

If it doesn’t pass, we would have even more challenges and be forced to look at more cuts, we would have fewer resources. We have a vital community with endless opportunities in those community members to help us get through this difficult time. Through their resources and careful fiscal restraint to determine what we have left, what we need to do.

We should look at what the state will impose, what limitations will come down the pike from the state. How we will deal with larger class sizes, how will we deal with our mandates? How to meet the needs of special education students. And who will be the watchtower? We are already asking so much of our administration and our teachers. I really feel as though we have to the parents as partners and endear ourselves to our volunteers and how they may be able to help us and how they may not be able to. I know they can help us and they want to be a part of the process.

When it comes to budget cuts, what should be off-limits?

That’s a tough one. We’ve made so many cuts already. We’re doing the best at the very bare bones. But I don’t think any more teachers should be cut. And anything that affects the children’s performance should not be cut.

What are your ideas for reducing the district’s $2.7 million deficit?

My first recommendation would be to pass a referendum. Second, we may require additional cuts. Were [the referendum] not to pass, we’re forced to look at more cuts, and possibly asking parents to help support our extras with fees.