Election 2011: Amie Thompson

Editor's note: All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions, but were asked to abide by a 75-word guideline. The answers have been provided here unabridged.

• Position sought: West Aurora 129 Board of Education
• Website: Facebook: Vote Amie Thompson West Aurora 129
• E-mail address: athompson_129@yahoo.com
• Phone: 1-630-847-2538

• Age: 47
  Hometown: Aurora
• Family: Husband Mike; son Logan (Cassandra), 26; daughter Rachelle, 24; daughter Sheah, 16; son Ian, 14.
• Education: MA in Educational Leadership from Aurora University; BS in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University; AS in Early Childhood Education from Waubonsee Community College. To be conferred Dec 2011: MS in Curriculum and Instruction with an ESL endorsement from National Louis University
• Occupation: Full time: 7th grade science teacher at Simmons Middle School in East Aurora. Part time: courses manager for the American Museum of Natural History’s graduate science program.
• Previous elected offices: None.
• Related experience: I’ve had classes in school law, school finance and educational administration and a certification for educating second language learners. Eleven years experience educating children of Aurora from pre- school through college. Work educating teachers and administering programs for the American Museum of Natural History. A parent of present and prior West Aurora students.

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

Education is a calling. As a teacher I began mentoring other teachers and giving workshops to improve education.I moved on to teaching graduate science course for educators and I now manage that program. I am continually drawn to help students on a larger scale.

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

As responsibly navigating the current financial crisis is mandatory for all school board members, I will move to my concerns about bullying. I would like to see consistent consequences including parent meetings for all acts of aggression, as well as follow up for the victims and aggressors, including support sessions for victims and counseling for aggressors to help them understand why they engage in poor behaviors and how to stop.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My experience as an educator and administrator. My tenacity and history of standing up for students, even going toe-to-toe with administration. I also stand up for parents. I wrote an article in the Beacon-News about the ridiculous school fee situation and informed parents about poor teaching practices. I have a website where I listen to parent concerns and try to inform them about their district. I am an enthusiastic learner in and about 129.

How long have you lived in the school district?

11 years

What's your favorite thing about the school district?

The outside of the box thinking we have been doing. We are joining with other school districts to invest money at the better rate and buy paper and software at bulk prices. We have partnered with Aurora University to build Herget Middle School and with the Aurora Public Library to add to Washington Middle School.

What is the biggest problem in the school district?

We are in a crippling financial crisis. The state is over five million behind in paying state aid and won’t reimburse us for transportation services we’ve already rendered, which is something like not paying the bill after eating the Kung Pao Chicken. In addition area homes have decreased in value, meaning the 3.52% the district gets is worth less; we have taken a pay cut. Hard choices will need to be made by all sides.