About Edward McNally

Name: Edward McNally

Position sought: School Board — St. Charles District 303

Campaign contact information: McNallyEdwardJ@aol.com

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

I hope to provide more transparency regarding decision-making in the district. Often decisions are made without adequate time for the public to understand policy ramifications, both educational and financial. We need to balance high-quality, efficient education with fiscal responsibility to the community that largely funds that education.

Home address: St. Charles, IL 60174

Family members: Lisa, wife

Eddie, son, age 8

Owen, son, age 7

Annie, daughter, age 3

Education: Illinois Benedictine College (Now Benedictine University) 1985 — Bachelor of Arts, Dual Major - Accounting/Physical Education (Athletic Training Concentration)

Graduate work in Exercise Physiology at Illinois Benedictine College

Graduate work in Biology at Board of Governors Universities

Current occupation and employer: Science Teacher — Proviso Township High School District 209, Proviso West High School

Political party affiliation: Independent

Why Are You Seeking Office?

A need to remember that policies put in place affect students at a critical time in their lives, and we only have one chance to get it right in order to adequately prepare them to move to the next phase of their lives. Strong schools are also critical to the general vitality and economic well being of a community.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Having worked as a teacher in both Catholic and public schools, I have practical insight into what constitutes effective, efficient policy and resource allocation. Experience in private industry management, along with multiple terms on the Proviso Teachers Union Executive Board allows for an organizational understanding from multiple angles. This can prove helpful in regular board decision-making as well as in oversight of contract negotiations, where an understanding of the needs of management and the teachers is important.

Issue 1: What steps will you take to maintain/improve the quality of education in District 303 schools?

I have always maintained that the two most critical components for effective schools are competent teachers and motivated students. We are fortunate to have these assets in our schools. It is up to those in management and oversight positions to set direction and goals, prioritize them, and provide what is necessary for the teachers and students to accomplish those goals.

Issue 2: What will you do to keep the district within its budget?

Because I have worked in private and public education for many years, I have seen the efficiencies and inefficiencies of both, giving me a practical insight regarding the best allocation of resources. I have seen much of what works and what doesn’t, and I would move toward directing funding accordingly as individual issues arise.

Issue 3: The state of Illinois is grappling with a pension crisis that some blame on the practice of pension spiking. What is your stance on pension spiking and How do you propose to address the issue during contract negotiations?

Pension spiking – often referenced as “bumps” – is a burdensome agreement put in place years ago by politicians who do not have to deal with that burden. It is being sunsetted in many districts, including the one where I work. It is being dealt with legislatively as well. It would seem that creative solutions are in order, including the possibility of easing into a sunset of the practice, coupled perhaps with investment counseling and vehicles to assist teachers in maximizing their retirement portfolios.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

People move to St. Charles to provide the best environment for their families. Even if they don’t have children, the quality of the schools affects them. We need to take the time to make sure we are making the proper fiscal and educational decisions for the good of our children and our community.

We need to find ways to attract the best the best teachers to the district and compensate them in a manner that will ensure their desire to stay, and to make that possibility affordable.