2017 Election: Nancy Hammer, West Northfield School District 31 Board

Name: Nancy Castello Hammer

Age: 52

Town of residence: We live in Glenview with a Northbrook address.

Position sought: District 31-Board of Education Member

Family: Husband, Bob, and two children, 9 and 7.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and Marketing

Occupation: 20+ years -Sales Executive selling Computer Equipment and Services, 3 years as Sales Executive selling Pharmaceuticals. Spent several years as a stay at home mom raising our kids.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: None.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our biggest issue is how to maintain and support a high level of education performance and achievement in our schools while offering a balance between the best programs and opportunities to our students. I am passionate about education in our schools and committed to ensuring that we are offering the best education for the children while maximizing and managing our resources. We can address it by continuing to hire the best qualified staff with the right attitude and passion as they must challenge and empower our students to thrive to their highest potential and have fun doing it. I know that I can serve as an advocate for our students and families, while making the tough decisions that may be required by the limitations of our resources.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I feel I will offer a fresh outlook to the board. I have many years in business which has taught me to be dedicated, passionate and fair. For the past seven years, I have been on the Parent Committee Board for my kids preschool and currently on the PTC board for Winkelman/Field. This involvement has given me the opportunity to get up close and personal with many children, families, teachers and administrators, and have had many meaningful conversations about their thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding our schools. I also feel I have a better understanding of how our programming money is being spent, how teachers are hired and why programs are selected and developed. If I am elected, I will continue to listen and approach all items with great passion and fairness while keeping my commitment to support and make the best decisions for the families in District 31.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I believe we need to keep class sizes low while continuing to give more educational opportunities to our students by offering more assistance for children that need and require more help and at the same time ensure we offer more programs for gifted students to keep them advancing, address teachers and aid turnover and ensure we are strategic with our resources and keep taxes low while keeping up with the ever-changing population fluctuations.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

First, I would ensure we approach and put forth a plan to address the limitations with space at Winkelman as we need more class rooms to address class sizes. I want to be a part of determining solutions to reaching students struggling for additional help that aren't getting it while also offering gifted students more programs so all types of students have the ability to advance and grow to their potential. We need to reach out and find out more about teachers and aids issues/concerns so we can eliminate turnover and retain our amazing staff. Continue to work smart at how we allocate our limited resources.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

When I started my career as a young sales executive, I was so energetic and eager to do my best. I would study and learn all about my products and make sure I could explain all the features, advantages and benefits. As I went on several meetings I left there thinking I did great, I really showed them how I knew my products. When I returned to the office my boss asked me several questions and I realized I did most of the talking. From then on, I learned I need to be a better listener. I needed to ask questions and again listen to their issues and concerns. Once I began handling my sales calls with more listening and questioning, I was able to understand their environment and what was causing their issues and prepared me to then give my customer beneficial solutions

Why should voters trust you?

Those that truly know me will tell you I am honest to a fault. I don't make rash decisions, I ask lots of questions and take time to consider all sides before giving any answers. Also, I am a strong proponent of respect. I believe we need to respect the opinions and concerns of others even if we don't agree.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

I would like to ensure we are getting all information and resources in a timely manner. I would like to know that we are all working together to accomplish the goals for the community and ensure we do not have separate agendas.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

As a board member, I feel obligated to our community and taxpayers to keep taxes low and to be strategic with our spending and make choices that will keep our school standards high and property values strong. I believe we may have to spend a bit more for quality staff as we need to compete in our market to avoid turn over. I look forward to learning more about the complexities of education funding and feel that with proper prioritization we can accomplish all our needs with a reasonable and limited budget.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been fortunate to have held a position on the Parent Executive board at St. David's Preschool and currently on the District 31 PTC. Being on these boards has taught me how our programming money is being spent, how curriculum is formulated, how teachers are hired and why programs are selected and developed.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My dad taught me to believe in myself and do my best. Be prepared to address each hurdle life throws at you and then move forward and stay focused.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would be honored to win this position on the board and be a part of helping to shape a brighter future for the kids in our community. If you feel I can help make that happen, please vote for me.

More via Laura Greenberg and Nancy Hammer's campaign Facebook page.

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