The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
1. What prompted you to run for the West Central School Board? What are your goals?
1-Bill Allaman
"When Southern and Union consolidated, the board had a goal of creating a school that would be recognized for academic excellence. This has happened at the elementary level. The school-wide goal has not quite been reached, and I would like to help it happen."
2-Jodi Arnold
"I always felt it was important to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I believe the role of the school board is not to run our schools, but to ensure our schools are well run.
"My foremost goal is to listen to the members of our communities and not make a decision based on what is in my own best interest. There is the very real perception that this occurs with our current board."
3-Dan Bowman
"I chose to run for West Central School Board because I want to make every effort to ensure our schools provide the best education possible in an environment that creates a sense of pride for all of those involved in the process, from the students, to the faculty, to the community."
4-Tammy Bundy
"I decided to run because a few people said i would do a good job at it."
5-John Hennenfent
"The education that I want my children to receive before graduating. I don't personally have a set goal to achieve by running for the board. The one thing that I hope to get by running and serving on the board is a better understanding of how the school is run and why certain things are done the way they are."
6-Amy J. John
"My passion for education is the main reason for running. I want every child to have the opportunities and tools to succeed. My goals include keeping our children first priority, improving education, supporting quality teachers/staff and connecting with the community, teachers/staff and students."
7-Wendell Parsons
"I am running for the school board because I don't feel the teachers and staff are being treated fairly. The board and administration needs to stand behind their employees. I also think that the taxpayers need someone that will keep track of how their tax dollars are being used."
8-Roberta Robbins
"I want to better the educational process and outcomes for the students. Students need to learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills and to be able to write and publicly speak."
9-Mark Torrance
"I decided to run for re-election because I feel we have made some great strides in the improvement of our school. There is still much work that needs to be done and I would like to remain on the Board to see the work continue. My goals have not changed since our new district was formed and that is to be one of the best in the state."
10-Melissa Wallace
"I felt the need to be more involved in the community and the decisions that affect my children's education."
"To enhance the educational opportunities for our children."
2. What interest and background do you have that will be helpful in making decisions?
1-Bill Allaman
"I served on the school boards from Union and West Central. I attended the state convention 7 times listening to speakers and gathering information. Experience can be a tremendous asset."
2-Jodi Arnold
"I am a resident of Henderson County, my children have attended West Central since its inception, and my husband serves as a teacher/coach at Union/West Central School Districts. These, along with my involvement in the legal profession, would allow me to make decisions for the greater good of our district."
3-Dan Bowman
"I served on the former Southern School Board prior to the Southern/Union consolidation. Professionally I have been involved with Agriculture all my life in the grain elevator/grain merchandising fields. I am a 1994 graduate of the University of Illinois with a BS degree in finance."
4-Tammy Bundy
"My husband and I have three children all of which attended Union then West Central . I myself graduated from Southern a good many years ago and have done many things in my life from team leader in a factory to asst. manager of a gas station making many decisions.
5-John Hennenfent
"Growing up on a farm has taught me a lot. Farming helped both of my grandfathers, my dad, also my brother and as a part-time farmer myself I make business and financial decisions often."
6-Amy J. John
"What interest and background do you have that will be helpful in making decisions?" "I have earned multiple college degrees, including the most recent, masters in science and currently work as a physician assistant. My job involves making health decisions on a daily basis, most importantly, the ability to make decisions in emergencies."
7-Wendell Parsons
"I spent 6 years on the #115 board before the consolidation and believe that this experience will help me make the right decisions for the people of district #235."
8-Roberta Robbins
"I have nearly thirty years of experience in higher education; both in teaching and administration. I have served on numerous boards and committees for educational organizations."
9-Mark Torrance
"I am a lifelong resident of Henderson County. I have three children who attend school in our district. I have experience as a board member with an understanding of the educational process and how it has evolved since the new district was formed. I have experience in business skills and a willingness to consider the opinions of others."
10-Melissa Wallace
"I have been a volunteer at Union/West Central for many years. I was chair on the PTC, a member of the advisory committee to the Superintendent and honored as volunteer of the year."
3. What do you see as the most difficult issue you will face? How would you address this?
1-Bill Allaman
"Almost half of our funding comes from the state. The state is broke and financial issues could play an even bigger role than in the past. We must stay current on information from Springfield and try to be proactive."
2-Jodi Arnold
" Making our district fiscally responsible is the most difficult issue we face. There are very practical ways in which our district could make changes to save money without jeopardizing student learning. As a board member, I would be conscious of the fact that the people living in our district are heavily taxed and feel a more prudent avenue may be to see if our administrative salaries are in line with other districts our size."
3-Dan Bowman
"Balancing the continuing challenge of providing a quality education for all involved on a budget that continues to shrink on an annual basis. We must continue to streamline costs, especially in the form of operating overhead and facility improvements and repairs when practical."
4-Tammy Bundy
It seems the most difficult might be our governor wanting to do cuts . Try to keep our school here where our kids belong."
5-John Hennenfent
"Trying to please everyone. No matter how hard anyone tries they will always not have pleased everyone. There is no right way to address this other than to be honest and trustworthy."
6-Amy J. John
"Budget deficits and possibility of teacher layoffs-Explore other ways to deal with the budget cuts and do everything possible to keep quality teachers to ensure quality education to our students."
7-Wendell Parsons
"The most difficult thing facing me and the rest of the school board is school funding. We can write to the state senators and representatives about school funding in the rural areas of the state. It's time down state schools get a fair share of the school funds."
8-Roberta Robbins
"The School Board's ability to clearly communicate goals and purpose to students, parents, administration, and staff members. I would work to change the current policy of how School Board members are allowed to communicate with each other and with their constituents. (See School Board Policy 2.140.)"
9-Mark Torrance
"What I see as one of the most difficult issues to be faced in the future is the maintaining of our financial strength. For the past 6 years our Administration and Board have worked hard to build up Financial Reserves. With the current financial situation in our State Government, I am sure we will have to continue to be very diligent and ever watchful when it comes to Finance."
10-Melissa Wallace
"Bullying. I think this issue was overlooked for years and now is beginning to be dealt with.
"Group workshops to enlighten the students that we are not so different from one another and try to see each other in a different light."
4. What would you do to improve the curriculum? Would you work to offer honor classes or advance placement classes in the high school?
1-Bill Allaman
"Mrs. Servin has done a tremendous job as Curriculum Director. We must always be open to new technology or ideas that help students learn. We should promote dual- credit classes more."
2-Jodi Arnold
"I don't feel the curriculum at the elementary level needs improvement. If it's not broke don't fix it. For the middle school and high school levels, I am a proponent of using the curriculum developed by the company which also creates the standardized test our students take. Right or wrong, these tests are now how our students are judged. Offering any type of class to help and/or better students is a positive not a negative. Initially, increasing course offerings was one of the selling points of West Central. In reality, I'm not sure this has taken place."
3-Dan Bowman
"From a curriculum perspective, we need to continue offering the courses appropriate to prepare our students for what their respective future needs are. The important aspect of this equation is having, or continuing to have, the right administrators, faculty, and staff equipped with what they need to push themselves in order to be better facilitators for our students' education."
4-Tammy Bundy
"We need to see what kids are interested in and maybe offer some of those things and maybe try to do advanced classes during regular classes."
5-John Hennenfent
"I think that the school is working very well. West Central has been a spotlight school for a second time so something in the curriculum must be right. Extra classes would all depend on affordability."
6-Amy J. John
"Continue to focus on formative and summative assessments, provide descriptive feedback, and provide dual credit classes for students. We need to be sure the middle school students are not left behind and more is done to prepare them for high school which will in turn prepare them for college. Honor and advance placement classes would be good for students who need more of a challenge and I would support this, however keeping in mind that we don't want to discourage others that don't get placed in one of those classes. "
7-Wendell Parsons
"Offer more college credit classes that will prepare our students for a better chance to get into a top notch college if they desire."
8-Roberta Robbins
"The district needs to model its curriculum after already established successful curriculum standards. Benchmarking to comparable districts is one way to do this. Would you work to offer honor classes or advance placement classes in the high school? Yes."
9-Mark Torrance
"To improve the curriculum, I would continue to support our teachers and administrators by working with them to keep our curriculum at a level that would serve our students best interests. Right now we offer dual credit courses in the High School but, we are just starting to offer on-line courses. I think the on-line courses are will become popular and we should be ready to accommodate them."
10-Melissa Wallace
"I would look to the staff and students for ideas they believe would improve curriculum. Yes, I think honor classes are an important step toward college and higher test scores."
5. Will you support programs in arts, music, drama, homemaking, agriculture, industrial and mechanical arts?
1-Bill Allaman
"Yes. Many students have gifts, talents and interests that go beyond the textbook. They should be allowed to develop those areas also."
2-Jodi Arnold
"Most definitely. We have some very talented students involved in these areas at West Central. This was evident at "Show Case Night" at the high school. My family and I enjoyed viewing all the different art as well as activities and clubs available at the high school. While these programs may not be present on standardized test, they contribute to the development of well-rounded, high functioning members of our society."
3-Dan Bowman
"I absolutely support programs in the arts, music, drama, homemaking, agriculture, and industrial and mechanical arts. We need to continue offering and supporting these types of programs as it provides yet another avenue to bring out the potential in our students in specialized fields. Unfortunately, numbers must support all programs to make them economically viable, whether in the list above or not."
4-Tammy Bundy
"We have all those programs now and we should try to keep them if the kids are interested in them."
5-John Hennenfent
"I believe all these programs are important. The thing about it is can West Central afford these programs with the lack of income from the state. I am not sure."
6-Amy J. John
"Yes-I think that all those are important, however, is somewhat frustrating for students to try to fit them in their schedules along with their core classes."
7-Wendell Parsons
"I will support the programs of homemaking, agriculture, industrial and mechanical arts first as they will help the students in everyday life. As for music and drama I will support it if the funding is there to support it."
8-Roberta Robbins
"Absolutely yes. I would like to see a well-rounded and diverse educational opportunity for our students."
9-Mark Torrance
"Yes, I feel all of these programs play an important role in a successful school district."
10-Melissa Wallace
"Yes, I believe each person needs the opportunity to develop their individual skills."
6. With health care a national problem in our children are you interested in expanding the current athletic program to benefit all students to insure their good health and physical well-being, as well as insuring appealing and healthy choices at the cafeteria?
1-Bill Allaman
"If the time schedule permits, I would be in favor of expanding the program. However, this needs to be a joint effort between the school and home."
2-Jodi Arnold
"We currently have many extra-curricular / athletic opportunities for our students already in place. It is important to continue the "no cut" policy which has already been implemented. The mission statement for our district begins with "providing opportunity"; we have provided the opportunity and now it is up to the individual student to choose to participate. It is my understanding the lunches our district provides come from student input as well as certain state mandates."
3-Dan Bowman
"We should continue to follow federal and state guidelines on the school cafeteria programs. As a district, we currently offer a broad array of athletic programs for a school of our size. Additional programs could be considered but we would need to be careful to not spread our student base out to thin and each program must be able to support itself."
4-Tammy Bundy
"We have a good many athletic programs and hope to keep them all . It would be nice to get healthier food in the cafeteria more fruits and vegetables."
5-John Hennenfent
"The health of the children is important, but quality academics come first before expanding athletic programs."
6-Amy J. John
"As a health care provider, I definitely support healthier choices for our children, not only food choices but more physical activity."
7-Wendell Parsons
"As with the arts I wouldn't expand nor support extra curricular activities if it meant taking funds from the education of our students. I think that the lunch program needs more choices if the funding will support it."
8-Roberta Robbins
"The district does not necessarily need to extend or expand the athletic program to ensure and encourage physical well-being. There are many current opportunities that exist, such as dance team, marching band, physical education classes, etc. Healthy foods and eating choices should be offered and encouraged that meet current health standards".
9-Mark Torrance
"Yes, I feel all students should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of physical activity in and out of school. We have made some changes in our menus but, would like to see healthier choices available for our students to choose from. In order to enhance these programs, more work will need to be done."
10-Melissa Wallace
"I believe with a 5 day P.E. program we are ahead of many states on physical fitness. We need to continue this and push a little harder.
Expanding on healthy choices in our lunch program."
7. Governor Quinn has advocated more consolidation in school districts. What is your attitude toward this?
1-Bill Allaman
"It's not good. In a cost cutting measure, Governor Quinn has proposed creating new districts based on population rather than geography. It would take several counties to reach the number he proposes. It is not in our best interest."
2-Jodi Arnold
"This may well happen, and it is a possibility we must take into consideration. That being said, we have to go about making West Central the best school for those families it currently serves while always looking to attract new students. If West Central is truly the "lighthouse district", consolidation and realignment will only serve to benefit those who live, work, and educate their children in our county. Quality is always beneficial to quantity."
3-Dan Bowman
"Consolidation should continue to be considered on a case by case basis and it should be driven, at this point, by local communities and not Governor Quinn."
4-Tammy Bundy
"Our RURAL schools just consolidatated . So my answer is no I am not for consolidation."
5-John Hennenfent
"My feelings are that Governor Quinn, like others, is trying to save money. I understand his situation."
6-Amy J. John
"I feel West Central is moving in the right direction, however, consolidating West Central with more schools is not the solution. We would lose local control, risks losing quality teachers and staff, sacrifice quality education as class sizes would significantly increase as well as larger pupil to teacher ratios. Geographic area is too large to bus students, especially if lawmakers are cutting transportation budget. Studies show that security, violence, drug and alcohol issues are greater concerns in larger schools. Studies also show students score higher ACT/SAT scores in smaller schools."
7-Wendell Parsons
"I believe that consolidation of schools in higher populated areas would be okay, but in rural areas like ours, I wouldn't be in favor of it. Right now some students ride the bus too long as it is, and if we were forced to consolidate, we wouldn't know with who we would consolidate with nor where the schools might be."
8-Roberta Robbins
"No. Governor Quinn's school district consolidation plan does not have sound purpose and evidence for its creation. No educational improvement for students was clearly defined in the plan."
9-Mark Torrance
"No. At the present time I feel that our school districts cover a large geographical area. A couple of concerns that come to mind would be busing and buildings. We would have to run longer bus routes. For the Buildings we would have to consider if we need to use the existing buildings? Would we need to build new? There are several other concerns and issues that would have to be looked into."
10-Melissa Wallace
"Consolidation should be carefully looked at as a cost saving possibility. The impact on the students and their families should also be a top priority."
8. We are lagging in education in Illinois. Illinois has averaged 31% of their revenue toward education when other states average 51%. Illinois is behind paying West Central School District by over $607,000 as of March 16, 2011, according to Supt. Ralph Grimm's report. Lawmakers are also talking about making cuts in paying for transportation. What would you do to compensate and still have quality education?
1-Bill Allaman
"Fortunately our district has a solid balance sheet which helps keep our programs intact. We need to use the local colleges more when possible. On- line classes are becoming popular. Grants help fill financial voids."
2-Jodi Arnold
"We compensate by focusing on those areas that we can control. Whether or not the state pays us or doesn't is not under our control. We should begin with asking who/what really impacts student learning the most and take those areas off the table."
3-Dan Bowman
"We should continue to work closely with our R.O.E. to find and write grants to allow us to continue offering certain educational programs and provide modern technology for the classrooms. We should also continue to have a staff member that is qualified to do this also as the future of the R.O.E. office may be eliminated under Gov. Quinn proposals. Otherwise, we need to scrutinize all costs that will not limit our students' potential in the future."
4-Tammy Bundy
"I think our school has tried to cut back on transportation by having boys and girls games in the same place and at the same time and maybe see about doing more of that."
5-John Hennenfent
" I am not sure what needs a hard look at. The facts is that the school is owed a lot of money from the state, and when that money is not available cuts may need to be made. Where and how deep are going to be very hard decisions to be made as a group. I can't say because I am not sure of all the expenditures going on in the district."
6-Amy J. John
"Education is most important and the reason why our children go to school, so for me, all extracurricular activities would need to be re-evaluated and discussed at length."
7-Wendell Parsons
"If the state were to cut funding about the only solution would be to raise taxes. I am dead set against any kind of tax raise so we are back to contacting our senators and representatives. Let your voices be heard."
8-Roberta Robbins
"No decisions can be made until legislative action has occurred. The School district needs to have a contingency plan in place so that its educational process can continue without interruption."
9-Mark Torrance
"This is why I feel that our finances as a district are going to be an issue in the future. In my six years on the Board, It seems that our state is so quick to pass unfunded mandates, or to make up for its financial obligations to the schools by passing it on to the local school districts to come up with the money. As I stated earlier, the administration and the school board have been very watchful over the district finances in the past and will continue this practice in the future."
10-Melissa Wallace
"Even though our state is in a dire financial situation, we all, including students, need to be more active in lobbying lawmakers. Not only to make them pay what is owed to us, but also to impress upon them the importance of transportation for schools in rural communities like ours.
"If we have no other choice except to cut cost I think we need to take a look at the number of administrators in our district."
9. What skills do you think our administrators need to lead this district?
1-Bill Allaman
"Administrators need to have a passion for education. They also need the gift of passing that on to their staff, students and community."
2-Jodi Arnold
"People skills. Our administrators should have the ability to not create adversarial relationships but cooperative ones, between themselves, teachers and parents. Education is a collaborative effort in which we must all be working toward the same goal."
3-Dan Bowman
"Our administrator's qualities should include a strong mix of educational and financial background. They need to be willing to make difficult decisions that have the best interest and longevity of our local school system in mind at all times, while possessing a motivating attitude that is contagious to the other faculty and staff, as well as the students."
4-Tammy Bundy
"I would like to see them get out amongst the people of this district and see what is important to them and let them be a part of the decisions that we will face in the future."
5-John Hennenfent
"Communication skills to be able to express their ideas so everyone can understand what they are trying to accomplish."
6-Amy J. John
"Keeping students number one priority, supporting teachers/staff, leadership skills, communication, range of interest and involvement."
7-Wendell Parsons
"The administration needs to listen to staff suggestions and concerns on some of the problems in the schools. These people are in the trenches (halls and classrooms) with the student's everyday. They need to all work together for the betterment of the school."
8-Roberta Robbins
"Good communication skills in both interpersonal and in group settings. Also, the ability to positively communicate through mediated venues."
9-Mark Torrance
"Administrators need to be educational leaders and demonstrate skills in developing school curriculum, building support for the school, and making good decisions. These skills plus many more encompass a large area needed to lead the district."
10-Melissa Wallace
"I think the most important skill is a good understanding of our community. Being a part of the community gives you a better understanding of what affects our students and families."
10. How responsive would you be in gaining input from teachers and parents. Would you be open to community forums and/or taking calls at home?
1-Bill Allaman
"I try to be accessible by being out in the public. I feel I am approachable and would welcome comments from teachers, parents and students. I am willing and have taken calls at home. I just ask that they be made at a reasonable hour. I will also ask if the chain of command has been followed."
2-Jodi Arnold
"Very responsive. Too many people currently feel disenfranchised, and it is ultimately the board's responsibility to give them a voice in the education of our county's children."
3-Dan Bowman
"I would encourage input from teachers and parents and would be open to any community events or calls that would be necessary. If there are real problems or issues that are limiting our kids, teachers, or administrators, we need to solve them as quickly as possible. It is also important to communicate to those involved in our school system when things are going well."
4-Tammy Bundy
"My door would always be open to listen and talk to people, but they must realize I am only one person."
5-John Hennenfent
"Very. It is important to listen to what is wanted and needed, although wants and needs are totally different."
6-Amy J. John
"I feel it is very important to get input from teachers, parents, community members and even students. As an elected school board member, it is important to have effective communication. I would definitely be available for any questions or concerns."
7-Wendell Parsons
When I was on the #115 board I was always open to listen to the taxpayers of the district. My number is in the book and if I don't know the answers to your questions I will find out what you want to know.
8-Roberta Robbins
"I am always interested and available to talk with teachers and parents through a variety of forums. I would have to abide by the existing policy established by the School Board (See policy 2.140) which minimizes the opportunity for board members to speak directly with their constituents."
9-Mark Torrance
"Being available to the public is one of the more important parts of being a board member. In my previous 6 years, I have had several conversations through phone calls and/or emails regarding different situations that have occurred. If re-elected, I would continue to be available for questions, comments or concerns regarding our school district."
10-Melissa Wallace
"I would work hand in hand with parents and teachers/staff.
"Yes, I am the voice of the public and I work for the people of Henderson County."
Additional comments?
1-Bill Allaman
"Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. Our children are our best asset and we need to give them every opportunity possible."
3-Dan Bowman
"Thank you for your consideration as West Central School Board candidate."
6-Amy J. John
"Just a little bit about myself--I am married to Jay and we have two children. Colin, 16, is a sophomore at West Central High School. Carly, 14, is an eighth grader at West Central Middle School. I worked as a medical assistant, went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in organizational management, then later attained a master's degree in science and currently work as a physician assistant. My passion for education led me to run for school board. Our children deserve the best education, opportunities and tools to help them succeed. I pledge to do my best to represent the community, students, parents, and teachers of West Central"
7-Wendell Parsons
"As one person I can't do a lot except listen and take your concerns to be heard. Remember, if you have problems or concerns, you need to go to the superintendent and the administration first to give them a chance to work it out."
8-Roberta Robbins
"I would like to be able to "give back" to our West Central School District students in the the same way that my family, friends, and teachers encouraged me. I believe that I have the experience and ability to ensure that our School District can progress in our educational purpose and process."
9-Mark Torrance
"I am running for re-election to continue representing families who want the best possible education and overall school experience for their children. The children are our future. It is our duty to provide them with a quality education that will help them in accomplishing their goals and prepare them for their future. I am dedicated to the continuing success of our schools."