Election 2013: Robert L. Cabeen, Geneva School Board

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ROBERT L. CABEEN — GENEVA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE
(8 candidates, four seats)

Name: Robert L. Cabeen

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

Campaign Contact Information: Thecabeens@aol.com; 630-232-2272

Family Members: Wife, Pam Cabeen, 62: Pam is a teacher for GHS French department. She will be retiring before the end of the current contract and so should present no conflict going forward (she will get no pension); Phillip, son living in Chicago; Catherine, daughter living in Vermont

Education: I have a BS from the University of Illinois with a major in Education.  I graduated in 1969.

Current Occupation and Employer: I am retired and have worked as a pilot for UAL and for the FAA as an instructor and simulator operator.

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

There is no doubt that the top priority of all board members should be to have the best school system that we can afford. I want to serve the students and the taxpayers with good stewardship and thoughtful use of our limited resources.

Why Are You Seeking Office?

I would like to serve on the board because I have a lifelong interest in education. In addition, I have the background and temperament to be helpful in this position. I feel that it's time to give back to the community.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have both the education and the experience in education to understand this job and do it well.
       
What is your top accomplishment of the past four years?        

While working for the FAA I learned the operation of a computer training system and operated this program.

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

I have a fact-based management style and a great deal of experience with boards. I believe that the board should function as a team and I would work to facilitate this.
               
What do you think are the top three challenges facing School District 304 today?

1. Working within our limited budget.
2. Being more open to the community with the workings of the board.
3. Restoring the relationship between the board and the staff.

       
If elected, how would you address those top three challenges?

1. While I feel past boards have recently been careful with our money, there is still more to be done to keep costs in check.
   
   
2. I think greater openness will help to manage expectations and allow the board to change some limiting old ways of doing things to more efficient methods of operation.
3. Relationships are made by building trust and being open to new ideas, as a new board member I will strive in this area.  All the while, students deserve the best possible schools and doing that is the challenge.

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

I would continue to rebate money to the debt payment, and (even though I know in the long run it costs more) I would look at restructuring the debt. I also support continuing the search for grants to help with 304's operating costs.

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

This question is answered in earlier questions.
       
Issue 3: How would you approach collective bargaining in the next teachers union negotiations?

I feel that both the district and the union were not open enough with regard to their positions. It is very clear that the board felt a great deal of pressure from the community to hold the line on costs. The teachers feel that they have a contract that runs into the future and they hope to be insulated from the vagaries of fate. Both sides must be realistic, looking at the current economy and set doable goals. Within this frame, progress should be made with bargaining parties. If expectations are unrealistic, this must be addressed in a factual maner and other options examined.

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

It should be torn down. Some bricks and stonework could be used to build a nice gate (or two) to the park that is the best use for this land and will serve as a memorial to the school.

Issue 5: What do you think should be done with the Fourth Street property during the next four years? Please be specific.        

As an administration building it seems to be doing fine, and I would continue its use in this role.

Issue 6: What would you do to address the issue of enrollment bubbles in School District 304?        

I would avoid overly hasty reaction to bubbles and wait until we have students to fill the schools we have. We are lucky to have somewhat steady enrolment at this time.

Issue 7: Is School District 304 as transparent as it should be? Why or why not?        

As this is one of my issues, I would say the district is not as transparent as it should be. I would be accessible to all who wish to talk over school issues.

Issue 8: What do you think of the so-called "Enrollmentgate" issue? Should it be further investigated?        

At this point it is a waist of everybody's time. I would rather look forward.

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

It is the right of every citizen to express their views. In this time of tight money, all of us are worried about our own dollars. While discourse should always be civil, as a board member I will keep citizens' views in mind. In general, I am more moved by facts than opinions and find supported views more helpful.

Issue 10: How would you rate the performance of District 304 Superintendent Kent Mutchler?        

I would like to work with Dr. Mutchler for a while before being too judgmental.  However, to answer the question, He seems to be doing a good job.

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

Yes, but this money must be spent very carefully.

Issue 12: Do you think educators and administrators in School District 304 are appropriately compensated? Why or why not?

With the amount of education required for these jobs, some are not paid enough and some are overpaid. This needs study to balance compensation and expectations within the community.
       
Issue 13: What does School District 304 need to do to improve academic performance?

I support core curriculum standards and the establishment of learning communities in our schools. We must also be sure that what testing we do is truly helpful to teachers and meaningful to students and not overdone.

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

I support these changes as good steps in the development of a strong curriculum. (As I just said above.)
       
Issue 15: Do you think sports or extracurricular activities should be on the table as possible budget cuts?

Yes, however some are self supporting. Also, these activities contribute to a well-rounded education and school spirit.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

I have served on and been president of several boards. As I am retired now I have time to do this job and would appreciate your support.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

No response.