Election 2011: Vinaya Sharma

Campaign info

• Position sought: Board Member, Hinsdale Township High School District 86
• Website: 123D86.com
• E-mail address: tfvinc@aol.com
• Address: 229 S Quincy, Hinsdale 60521

• Home address: Hinsdale
• Age: 39
• Family: Parents and two sisters (I prefer to not list their personal information)
• Education: BSBA in Actuarial Science, Drake University
• Occupation: Actuary
• Previous elected offices: Board of Education, Hinsdale Township High School District 86 (2007-present)
• Related experience: I am a current board member who has been very involved with both schools. As an actuary, I have a strong advantage by being able to understand our district's financial picture. Additionally, I was treasurer of the District 181 Foundation, treasurer of the Hinsdale Central Foundation and president of the Hinsdale Central Boosters Club.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I believe in the District 86 schools and want to continue their standard of quality education.

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

My priority will be providing a quality education for the students in District 86 in a fiscally responsible format. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My background in finance sets me apart. No other current board member or other candidate has the credentials I hold. I have also attended more District 86 events than my counterparts, which is testament to my support of the schools.

How long have you lived in District 86?

More than 20 years.

What's your favorite thing about District 86?

My favorite part of District 86 is watching students mature into successful adults without forgetting that learning leadership, teamwork, and other skills through extracurricular activities is an important adjunct to an excellent academic education.

What is the biggest problem in District 86? 

A fractured board. It wastes time, energy and financial resources. Disagreement can be healthy, but obstruction makes managing that much more difficult. It is hard enough to get alignment among seven independent board members without factions trying to reverse progress.