Shannon Hennessy Ebner is Among Several Candidates Who Say Re-establishing Trust in District 205 is Key

• Elmhurst District 205 School Board candidate:  Shannon Hennessy Ebner
• Web site:  www.ShannonFor205.org
• E-mail:  ShannonFor205@comcast.net
• Family:  Husband, Mike, and children Julia (8), Drew (6) and Jordan (3)
• Education:  bachelor of science in chemical engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and master of science in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University
• Occupation:  engineer, currently tutoring math and science
• Applicable experience:  I worked for numerous top corporations at which I consistently led diverse groups to develop innovative solutions to difficult issues.  I have experience in engineering, science and math, along with hands-on work tutoring students of all ages.  I believe these experiences would make me a valuable member of the board.

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

I believe that I can provide a thoughtful voice with innovative solutions to our district’s toughest problems.  We have the resources to be the best, but we need the board to provide a clear and unified approach to engage and motivate all stakeholders in providing our children with the best possible education.  I would work to foster a positive environment of cooperation and teamwork to allow teachers to do their best work and to re-establish trust with staff and the community.  I would also strive to ensure that all avenues are covered when examining difficult issues, such as budgetary spending. 

What will be your priority if elected?

My priority for District 205 is to have a highly collaborative culture that provides students with the best possible education, encourages stakeholders to work together toward common goals and inspires a strong sense of morale at all levels.  Once inside the classroom, the most important aspect of our children’s education is having a highly effective teacher, and teachers need a positive culture to do their best work.  A great teacher can help students overcome obstacles and realize their full potential.  Let’s make sure our teachers are supported and our district works to retain the best teachers.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

After graduating from District 205 and earning engineering degrees from two Big Ten universities, I worked for numerous top corporations, at which I consistently led diverse groups to develop innovative solutions to difficult issues.  I believe this experience would make me a valuable member of the board at a time when our district needs its leaders to work together with each other, with the administration and with the community to tackle many difficult issues.  My experience in engineering, science and math, along with my hands-on work tutoring students of all ages, would also add valuable depth to the board.

How long have you lived in Elmhurst?

31 years

What's the best thing about Elmhurst District 205?

We have the resources to be the best. By and large, we have good working conditions for teachers and staff, students come to school ready to learn, parents are very engaged and supportive of their children and our teachers put students first.  Our potential is exciting and positive for the future.

What is the biggest problem in Elmhurst District 205?

I believe that at times over the past several years the board has not always provided the clear and unified voice that is fundamental to maintaining a successful school district from the top down, which has hampered our performance and created a certain amount of distrust and dissatisfaction within staff and the community.  I believe the board should take the lead in re-establishing a collaborative environment at all levels to ensure that we are providing our children with the best possible education and utilizing our resources most effectively.

Do you think morale among teachers and staff is low, and if so, how, specifically, do you plan to improve it?

Yes, the morale is low currently, but we can boost morale by fostering a positive environment of trust, cooperation and teamwork.  We need leadership that clearly defines and communicates a manageable number of district goals in order to engage and motivate all stakeholders toward achieving those common goals.  Also, our teachers, staff and community members have valid, informed opinions.  Our new school board must further utilize these valuable resources when seeking solutions to the difficult issues facing our district. 

Do you think District 205’s reputation has been eroded over the past couple of years? If so, what caused that and how, specifically, do you plan to improve it?

I believe that our district’s reputation has been eroded by distrust that has arisen in part due to a lack of communication.  To re-establish that trust, the board can ensure that it is engaging the community and acting transparently.  Quarterly discussions, rather than an annual forum, would allow the board to have a better understanding of issues facing the district.  The board should build consensus on tough issues before moving forward in order to reduce surprises.  Focus groups and surveys are other valuable resources.  Understanding the thoughts and concerns of our constituents would help to anticipate conflict and head off many problems.

What “best practices” would you like to incorporate, either from previous District 205 administrators or from other school districts, to improve curriculum and student achievement?

To improve curriculum and student achievement, I believe that professional learning communities must be further developed in all of our schools.  Within a professional learning community, teachers collaborate to explore critical questions that determine how much our children are learning.  Additionally, we need to create better structures to promote a collaborative culture between schools.  Bridging the gap between middle school and high school is one of my primary goals.

Do you think the budget cuts are going to solve the district’s fiscal problems for the long term? What else can be done going forward to maintain a healthy budget?

The budget cuts may solve our problems for this year, but we need to use this experience to understand that budgetary and spending decisions will impact the district for years to come.  The board should seek to ensure the district is utilizing all resources most effectively, and to examine both the short term and long term impacts of budgetary decisions.