2017 Election Questionnaire: Ann Somers, D155 School Board

Name: Ann Somers

Age: 64

Town of residence: Trout Valley

Position sought: District 155 school board member

Family: Todd - husband, six adult children, ages 25-36, all graduates of Cary-Grove HS and all are college graduates

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: Husband, Todd, is a trustee of the Village of Trout Valley

Education: Northwestern University BA, UCLA - Certificate in College Counseling

Occupation: College Counselor, 5 years, employed for 3 years at Partners For Achievement, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Position Sought: District 155 School Board member

Family: Todd - husband, six adult children, ages 25-36, all graduates of Cary-Grove HS and all are college graduates

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: Husband, Todd, is a trustee of the Village of Trout Valley

Education: Northwestern University BA, UCLA - Certificate in College Counseling

Occupation: College Counselor, 5 years, employed for 3 years at Partners For Achievement, Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: CHSD 155 Board of Education - 12 years

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Declining enrollment and revenue. The challenge will be to bring all the stakeholders to the table to find the solutions that are mutually acceptable by everyone. Sharing resources with our feeder districts might reduce costs to all districts and incorporating blended learning models may give teachers some assistance so that they can optimize their classroom hours.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I'm not part of any "slate" and am not connected to the district or other board members in any other way. I have 12 years of experience in every committee of the Board of Education except transportation, because Dave Secrest does an excellent job there. No problem, like tax reduction, is a quick fix. We can effect some changes, but progress may seem slow as we work collaboratively with our teachers, our administrators and taxpayers so that we can still provide the high level of education to our students. That's our top priority.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?: As a current board member, I am surprised that so few candidates have attended recent board meetings.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I still have the goal to have dedicated college counselors, with manageable caseloads, in each school. We're blessed to have College & Career Supervisors in each building, but it's difficult for them to manage every college bound student in their building. Obviously with our anticipated reduction in revenue, this might not happen for a while, but it's still a goal I have.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?: I did have some involvement on creating the College & Career Centers we now have in each school. I would also like to think that, as we face our future district challenges, there will not only be respect among board members, administrators and teachers, but also trust. Progress is so much easier when respect and trust are in place. We need to work together to maintain that respect and trust.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career: When our children were looking at colleges, my husband and I did not fully understand the long term consequences of taking out student loans and Parent Plus loans. Our six children all graduated with student loans and we took out loans as well. The wisdom I gained was that I should have done more research at the time. Who could have anticipated the economic crisis and the ramifications it has had on our loans. As a consequence, I did a 2- year program through UCLA in college counseling and had an entire course in financial aid. In my professional capacity, I am now able to advise other families as they look at the high cost of college for their children and help them select the schools they can afford.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy: Do the right thing even when no one is watching.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?: They're not accountable to us but they've got us. I would ask our state congress men and women to think and act independently to allow progress in restoring some fiscal responsibility to our state. We are all held hostage by the same politicians who got our state into this trouble. Financial uncertainty impedes forward progress.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?: I am fiscally conservative and I am sensitive to the tax burden of our community. My family's taxes went up $3,000 last year! Consolidating taxing entities is one way to reduce the burden. Having a more equitable and transparent method of assessing properties might help too. When taxpayers have lost their jobs, possibly their homes, it is difficult, as a board, to consider any salary increases or non-essential expenses. Tax levies have to be flat or reduced when necessary, even if they have long-ranging consequences to the district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I have had 12 years of experience on the board, dealing with difficult crises, like student deaths, suicides, expulsions, removal of some beloved teachers and student military memorials. Meetings go on for hours, even once until 2:30 AM. Negotiations go back and forth through parties or lawyers. On the other hand, our monthly meetings now start with student recognition and I am reminded of their incredible talents and what accomplishments they have made. I am honored to speak at graduations, the best day of the year, and have handed out hundreds of diplomas to eager students who are ready to jump to the next phase of life. That is the reward of serving on the Board of Education.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...: years ago from my Nana: "Better to have cobwebs in your house than in your head." I think of her and her advice whenever I see cobwebs in the corners.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: While I'm open to creative ideas and solutions, I am conservative enough to require credible evidence and reasons why they will work.