Tell Clarion about your background, focusing on information that might be relevant to voters.
I have lived in Riverside for 15 years with my wife, Susan, and three children. My father was a Chicago Public School teacher. I have a son at Riverside Brookfield and a daughter at Hauser. I am civic-minded, believe I have skills to offer, and want to give back to my community. I have been a lawyer for 33 years, working at the same firm, specializing in labor and employment matters.
What made you decide to run for RB school board?
As I mentioned above, I have a son at RB and a daughter who will be there in a few years. I watched the new construction with interest and have been impressed with the school. I am running for the RB school board to help the school provide a sustainable, excellent experience for all of its students.
What is one attribute that you have that sets you apart from the other candidates? Why?
I don’t know that it is an attribute that sets me apart, but my work requires me to be a problem-solver. I look forward to bringing that skill to issues facing the school board in working with the community, educational staff, and administrative staff to set the course for RB for the years ahead.
What do you see as the single greatest challenge facing RB right now? How would you like to see the Board address that challenge?
I feel the greatest challenge facing RB right now are the fiscal constraints caused by diminishing revenue streams and the economic situation facing our community and the State. I would like to see the board address that challenge by smart cost-containment, smart spending and timing of spending while keeping the quality of the education and the educational experience at a high level.
RB has undergone many changes over the last several years in order to lower expenses including the shrinking of its teaching staff, an overall increase in class size, and the elimination of several clubs. What changes, if any, do you see RB making or needing to make in the next few years? Why?
As a prospective school board member, it is hard for me to determine the changes the school will need to make in the next few years. I would hope that RB will be able to come up with ways to keep the educational quality high, lower class size where appropriate, and restore or add new activities through creative efforts.
Is there anything else you would like the RB community to know about you as a person and as a nominee?
I have worked hard all my life and will put forth my best efforts as a board member, with attention to doing what’s right for our students, educational staff, administration and community.
