Election 2013: Arthur Andersen

Name: Arthur L. Andersen IV (Art)

Position sought: Maercker School District 60 Board of Education

Email address: Aandersen16@gmail.com

Phone: (708) 945-7873

Residence: Hinsdale

Family: Wife Suzanne; sons Shawn, 17, and AJ, 9; daughter Avery, 7.

Education: Bachelor's degree in business management from Kaplan University.

Occupation: District Network Manager

Years in District 60: 2+

Previous elected offices: While I have never held a political office, I have server the community in many ways.  I served as Little League president, football coach, and state commissioner of Babe Ruth Girls Softball.  I also was a council board member for my church. 

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I currently work in a local school district as a network manager.  This position has allowed me to gain experience with various departments dealing with a wide variety of issues.  It also affords me the opportunity to work with teachers, principals and superintendents.  I have a good understanding of the needs of a district at all levels.  Finally, I have experience dealing with state mandates, student testing and shrinking budgets. 

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

I want to make certain the children of District 60 are getting the best education possible. 

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

My first priority would be working with administration on the deficit budget the district currently faces.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have been attending the district school board meetings as an interested parent for over two years.  I have a good understanding of the struggles they are currently facing and as a member of the District Leadership Team an overall knowledge of the district curriculum plans.  If elected, my learning curve would be very small.

What do you believe is District 60’s biggest strength?

The district's biggest strength is its staff.  Both the teachers and administrators have a genuinely care about the well-being and education of the students. 

What do you believe is District 60’s biggest weakness?

I think communication between the parents of the district and the board of education could be improved.

In terms of a school district, how would you describe a board that is fiscally responsible? Does District 60 currently have a fiscally responsible board?

A fiscally responsible board weighs today’s tightening budgets with the needs of tomorrow’s students.  I believe this board has done a good job in being fiscally responsible. 

Related pages: 

• Election 2013: Maercker School District 60 Board of Education
• Lisa Bishop
• Paul Watkiss
• Pradeep Tekkey
• Michael Gombosi
• Patricia Dieball