Election 2013: Leslie Juby, Geneva School Board

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LESLIE JUBY — GENEVA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE
(8 candidates, four seats)

Name: Leslie Juby

Position Sought: Board member for Geneva Community Unit School District 304

Campaign Contact Information: None

Family Members: Michael Juby, husband; Emma Juby, daughter, 18; Madelyn Juby, daughter, 16

Education: B.A. Language and Literature, Governor's State University, 1983

Current Occupation and Employer: Substitute Teacher, Batavia Public Schools

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

My most important priority will be to balance the demands of a high quality educational model with the financial constraints of the current economy.

Why are you seeking office?     

I have a strong belief in giving back to my community. My background and experience are in education and I have contributed my time and talents to several public boards and committees. I feel that I am a well-rounded candidate who has much to offer to the Geneva Board of Education and to the community.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?   

In addition to my background in education, I have a strong history of volunteer service to my community. I am a former member of the Geneva Board of Education and a current member of the Illinois School Success Task Force, chair of the Best Practices Subcommittee, secretary of the Geneva Strategic Plan Advisory Committee, a member of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Board of Trustees, a member of the Historic Homeowners Association, and volunteer gardener for the Geneva Beautification Committee. The insights I have gained while in the classroom, coupled with the responsibility of overseeing public budgets and spending  gives me a unique perspective to be an effective member of the Board of Education.

What is your top accomplishment of the past four years?     

None listed.

Describe your leadership style and how it will apply to your term in office.        

I try very hard to see all sides of an issue and make the best possible decisions with the information at hand.

What do you think are the top three challenges facing School District 304 today?    

The district must continue to improve curriculum and educational delivery to ensure that all students receive a well-balanced education that prepares them for future success. This can be difficult to do in a financial environment that has declining property values, a lack of new construction, and approximately $300M debt from previous referenda. Additionally, the state continues underfunding and the potential pension cost shift could add 2.6 M to the district’s pension contribution each year. Effective dialogue with the community, parents, staff, and administration is also an important facet of successful school management. All stakeholders must be engaged in the common goal of student success.
   
If elected, how would you address those top three challenges?     

The district needs to continually monitor its budget, looking for cost effective changes that will enhance educational opportunities. It must be proactive in its long term financial planning and include provisions for the eventual pension cost shift.  Periodic assessments of the new Common Core Standard curriculum must be conducted to guarantee that the district continues to be on target with internal and statewide goals. Ongoing, collaborative engagement of all parties through meaningful, clear, and accurate information sharing will enable the common values and vision for student achievement to be embraced by all.

Issue 1: What will you do to address School District 304 debt?

In the past year, the district has become very proactive in addressing its debt.  It is important to continue to review, refinance when possible, and abate, when this practice will not strain the fund from which the monies are transferred.

Issue 2: What will you do to hold the line on property tax increases?     

Property tax increases are related to the district budget. Continual review of programs and costs during the budget process will help keep tax increases under control.

Issue 3: How would you approach collective bargaining in the next teachers union negotiations?

All stakeholders need an equal voice at the table. Creating an environment of collaboration will yield the most positive results for all involved.

Issue 4: Outline what you think should be done with the Coultrap property during the next four years. Please be specific.

A decision to demolish the building was made by the current School Board. The property should remain green space. The installation of a playground would be an asset for the neighborhood until this property is needed for the high school expansion.
       
Issue 5: What do you think should be done with the Fourth Street property during the next four years? Please be specific.  

Administration should remain in the Fourth Street facility for the near future. Routine maintenance on the property should be performed as necessary.
     
Issue 6: What would you do to address the issue of enrollment bubbles in School District 304?

This issue is currently under review by the redistricting committee.
  
Issue 7: Is School District 304 as transparent as it should be? Why or why not?

All government municipalities should continue to strive for more transparency.
      
Issue 8: What do you think of the so-called "Enrollmentgate" issue? Should it be further investigated?        

The district needs to make sure that mistakes such as this do not happen again.

Issue 9: What do you think of the TaxFACTS citizens group? Has it been a help or hindrance to progress?  

I think it is a good thing to ask questions in a respectful manner.
     
Issue 10: How would you rate the performance of District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler?       

The assessment of the superintendent's performance should be conducted by the current board members.

Issue 11: Would you be willing to spend more money on technology in schools? Why or why not?    

We should provide the necessary technology to allow our students to be competitive in the 21st century.
   
Issue 12: Do you think educators and administrators in School District 304 are appropriately compensated? Why or why not?        

Most of the districts teachers are compensated fairly. I believe we should review the starting salaries for new(er) teachers as we do not want to become the training grounds for other districts.

Issue 13: What does School District 304 need to do to improve academic performance?

We should continue to raise the bar on expectations and offer more advanced coursework as well as continue to provide more vocational coursework.

Issue 14: What are your thoughts on the Common Core curriculum and upcoming changes in ISAT evaluations?       

The implementation of the Common Core State Standards and the accompanying new assessment (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) will provide the opportunity to strengthen and enrich the curriculum as student expectations are raised. Whether the student is college bound or pursuing another path, we need to make sure that our curriculum and methodologies have prepared them for the next stage in their lives. The new cut scores for the ISAT evaluations will allow a more fluid transition of assessments throughout grades 3-12.  

Issue 15: Do you think sports or extracurricular activities should be on the table as possible budget cuts?

I believe all aspects of the budget should be reviewed but I do not believe one area should be singled out over another.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.        

None listed.