2017 Election Questionnaire: Sally (Clemens) Guilbo, Valley View School Board

Name: Sally (Clemens) Guilbo

Age: N/A

Town of residence: Romeoville

Position sought: VVSD School Board

Family:

I am married to my husband of 33 years, Michael Guilbo. We have two sons. Our oldest son is Jeff Guilbo, who is married to Corinne Liddell of Bolingbrook. Our youngest son is Steve Guilbo.

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

Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree with an additional 50+ college credits earned. I have certifications in Elementary Education K-9, Secondary Education 6-12, and Educational Administration, Type 75.

Occupation: After teaching, coaching and working as an assistant athletic director at Romeoville High School for 20 years, I am now retired.

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.

The single most pressing issue facing our board is getting students ready for a productive life. I intend to make sure that each dollar that is spent is going toward a quality educational experience for each child in our district to help them be successful in life.

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

The critical difference between me and the other candidates seeking this post is that I am a product of the Valley View 365U School District who then went on to teach 20 years in the same district. I am also a parent and aunt of children who went through our schools. In 1990, I began coaching 3 sports at Romeoville High School. In 1994, I became a teacher’s aide in the B.D. program and in 1995 I began my teaching career at Romeoville High School where the majority of the time I worked with at-risk students. In 2004, I became an assistant athletic director. Today, I continue to volunteer my time coaching volleyball at one of our middle schools, A.V.M. I have been involved with our schools most of my life and I have valuable experience in many facets of the educational processes there.

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

I would not say our board has failed the community, but there are some things I would like to see get changed. Because of the Common Core Standards that were set in place by the federal government, too much emphasis has been placed on taking and passing tests in order to prove our students are conforming to those Common Core Standards. As a result, a lot of undue pressure is set on students and teachers, and a lot of teaching and learning is put on the back burner. I do not believe the 90-10 policy (90% of a student’s grade comes from summative tests and 10% of a student’s grade comes from formative assessments including homework, participation and assignments) that our district has set in place to emphasize the importance of test taking is beneficial for all students. In addition, I also don’t feel the VVSD retake policy (3 chances to take each test and 3 weeks to turn in assignments) is beneficial for most students either. I don’t feel these policies are preparing our students to be successful and productive in life because in the workforce these policies would not be acceptable. There has been some improvements made to the retake policy since its inception, but I would like to see these policies eventually phased out. In their place I would rather see additional test preparation and study skills classes offered as an actual part of the curriculum during school, after school and during the summer.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Issues that define our campaign:

1. Provide the best educational opportunities for all students in Valley View 365U
2. Ensure money is spent in the classroom
3. Support programs that will prepare our children for the future
4. Practice common sense financial practices and protect tax dollars

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

I would define my term in office a success if tax dollars were spent wisely with great care, and if all students had meaningful learning experiences each year which prepared them for use in life.

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

One particular story comes to mind. At one point in my career I put in for a position that I was very qualified for, but at the last minute I decided to step aside taking what I thought would be a less stressful route for my family and my life at that time. The result of stepping aside landed me in a position that ended up being more stressful. The wisdom gained was that taking an easier route doesn’t always end up being the best route.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I am loyal to our community and our school district. Because of that loyalty, I will do my best to protect how our tax dollars are spent and fight for the best education and environment for the students, teachers, staff and the community in the Valley View 365U School District.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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

Evaluation should be continuous. Some basic questions would be:

1. What is working well for you and what makes it work well?
2. What problems or obstacles do you face? Do you have any solutions to the problems or any ideas to remove the obstacles?
3. Do you need anything to help you do your job better?
4. How can I help you?

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

The school district’s money comes from tax payers to educate the children of their community. It is the school board’s duty to see that those tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently and that the money is used for its intended purpose.

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

I have had great success while teaching, coaching and supervising events. Some years while teaching at Romeoville High School I would have up to 175 students in class during the day per semester; be in charge of up to 50 athletes in a sporting program where I was the head coach after school; run an athletic study hall program for at least 300 athletes during a season; or schedule and supervise a gym full of athletes, officials and fans during a single sporting event. I have written curriculum, administered ACT tests, scheduled building usage, interviewed employees, managed sporting accounts, ran summer camps, worked concessions, ran tournaments, held parent meetings, supervised picture day, attended booster meetings and events, schedule field trips, supervise bus trips, ordered uniforms, equipment and supplies, etc. I truly have been involved with many aspects of education, supervision and the daily activities in a school setting. My experiences and accomplishments would be of great value to the school board.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Treat students like you would want your child treated.

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

I love my family and community. I’ve always felt education was my calling so I continue teaching as a tutor. I enjoy staying active and helping others. I am the President of the Romeoville Community Pantry, Vice President of the Romeoville Golden Age Club, and the Secretary of the Romeoville Area Historical Society. My favorite hobbies are playing sports, walking and riding my Harley with family and friends.

More via Guilbo's campaign website

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