2017 Election Questionnaire: Michael Robey, Plainfield School Board

Name: Michael E. Robey

Age: 53

Town of residence: Plainfield

Position sought: Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 School Board Member

Family:

Colleen, wife
Mary Pat, daughter, graduate of Plainfield North High School
Tommy, son, senior at Plainfield North
Annie, daughter, sophomore at Plainfield North
Jack, son, eighth grade at Ira Jones Middle Schoo

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

Education:

Ed. D., Educational Leadership, Loyola University - Chicago
M.S. Ed., Technology in Education, National-Louis University, Evanston
B.S. Ed., Technology Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKal

Occupation:

Public School Administrator 16 years
Public School Teacher 15 years

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

Remaining financially viable while continuing to improve the quality of education across the district. Making sure our students and teachers have the resources they need to succeed. We should always place the needs of students first, while continuing to improve the financial stability of the district for future generations. We need to continue slowly building reserves while appropriating funds where they have the most impact.

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

Experience in education. I’ve been a teacher, coach, technology director, assistant principal, principal, and now a district-level administrator. Working regularly with Boards for the past 15 years has helped me know how a Board should function and what the Board's role is in serving the community. I will be able to step in immediately to serve and lead, knowing what it takes to best educate our children. Experience as an educator, community member, and parent is invaluable.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I don't think the current Board has failed the community, but would like to see improvements. Our district has been through some very challenging times in the past 20 years and we should be thankful for PSD202. Plainfield has an excellent school system and communities we serve are great places to live. It would be my goal to continually improve the current system and how we operate. We are very good, but like most organizations, can be better. I would push for more transparency and a greater focus on student needs.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

When making decisions, we should always look to see if it is in the best interest of students. I support educating the whole child and developing well-rounded citizens. Students should be given the highest quality academic opportunities and we cannot forget about those who may not attend college, strengthening the arts, and other course offerings. Greater support for leadership opportunities that develop quality children and who serve should be stressed from the early grade at the elementary level. We need to rethink high school schedules that limit options for students in exploring coursework and that require students to take 6:05 am early bird classes. We should add at least one period to the day at the high schools to give students more options. I'd like to look at our financial decisions to ensure that our taxpayers are funding the correct projects and using our resources wisely. Finally, public needs to have more information on what the Board decisions are and how they are made. Public input should be valued and sought whenever possible.

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

I’d consider success improving our financial stability with ever increasing opportunities for student success. Unification must start with employees and the Board and administrative team.

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

Early in my career, I learned that we all do more together. A mistake was in attempting to make change without involving the community, parents, students, and teachers to collaboratively solve school issues. I learned that it is critical to the future success of any change to involve everyone who is impacted.

Why should voters trust you?

Great question with the current state of politics both nationally and in Illinois. It can be difficult for the public to respect any candidate. My wife and I have been heavily involved in the schools since the day we arrived in Plainfield, as volunteers starting with PreK all the way up through High School. We have also been very involved in the community, particularly at St. Mary Immaculate Parish. Essentially, when the school called and asked for volunteers, someone from our family was usually there doing whatever the school needed. I have always strived to be one who leads his life with high morals and integrity. I will always make decisions based upon what is best for our students and community.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

Encourage each other daily while it is still today – Hebrews 3:13

This quote defines a life and work philosophy in a few different ways. We should remember to encourage and tell those that we love how we feel while they are still with us and while we still have the opportunity. Encouragement can go a long way with the people we work with in collaboratively accomplishing our goals. There is no better time to start encouraging each other to make the world a better place than today

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

Are you in education for the right reason (i.e., because you love children)? Are all decisions, that you are a part of, made with the best interest of students in mind? Is the communication with the Board and administration sufficient to help you understand their decisions? Do we work as members of one team, PSD202, to accomplish common goals?

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

Be certain that the finances are in order, today, and for future generations with a budget that reflects our priorities. We need to be proactive with maintenance to avoid big ticket items later and upgrade some of our facilities, but conservatively. With the uncertainty that we face with State funding, our district needs to remain financially viable. Finances are critical and we can’t lose sight of the need to look for the most benefit for the majority of our children. All financial decisions should place the needs of students first and the collectively established priorities.

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

I have a thorough and solid record of success with over 30 years as an educator. The success of children and their families has always been the heart of all decisions that my teams have made. Financially, every district that I have had decision-making authority in, has completed their fiscal year under budget. Most importantly, my wife and I are parents, raising four children educated in the school district.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Whatever you do in life, do it well and with your best effort.

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

Hope that the citizens give me the opportunity to serve them as a member of the school board.

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