About Nancy Muzzey

About Nancy Muzzey

Biographical data and questions and answers from St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 candidate Nancy Muzzey.

Name: Nancy Muzzey

Position sought: Board of Education seat

Campaign contact information: 1414 Adams Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174

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

Many areas are important to me, but having a strong academic curriculum will be my first priority. I would like to see higher district test scores, thus ensuring our graduates are best prepared for either a future at college or part of an educated workforce. Our children are our future. Anything less than a comprehensive academic curriculum is a disservice to them.

Home address: 1414 Adams Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174

Family members: Dave Muzzey - husband

Education: Glenbard East High School, Lombard, IL

Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

Current occupation and employer: Retired paralegal 30 years

Political party affiliation: Independent

Why Are You Seeking Office?

With thirty plus years working with attorneys as a paralegal and in management, as well as my accomplishments in the U.S. Army, I would like to offer my abilities and leadership skills to the school board. I possess the commitment and passion necessary to serve district 303 and promote the high standards of our teachers and goals our students.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have no connections to any persons in the education field. I will apply a common sense and objective approach to all decision making.

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

I would like to improve the quality of education first by garnering support from the community through better transparency. We need a clear accountability to taxpayers and businesses for the most efficient use of educational funds. I would then ensure our children have the best qualified teaching staff, along with the opportunities that will prepare them for their future endeavors.

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

In my experience, budget management absolutely must include a sense of fiscal responsibility. I would consider each issue on its own merit, carefully determine its own rationale and justification and decide if it is warranted. We must be able to say no to those things that make no sense or do not benefit the children or the district. It is imperative we find a balance between responsible fiscal spending and a quality education for everyone.

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?

Teachers deserve a pension they can count on. Currently, Illinois cannot pay the promised teacher pensions which are over $90 Billion in deficit and growing worse quickly. There are many reasons we got to this point, but emphasis must be made, in the name of fairness and not further bankrupting the state, that public sector pay, pensions and benefits must match those in the private sector. With the average teacher's pensionable salary of $100,000, pension spiking is unacceptable. Exactly how this issue resolves during contract negotiations remains to be seen.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

My and husband and I have lived in St. Charles since 2003. I have two grown stepchildren.