About Steve Spurling

Name: Steve Spurling

Position sought: Board member; CUSD 303 Board of Education

Campaign contact information: stevenspurling@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 630-542-7136

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

My primary objective is to provide a safe, secure environment and a superior education in a fiscally prudent manner.

Home address: St. Charles, IL 60174

Family members: Diane — wife

Two daughters at St. Charles East; one son at Wredling

Education: Illinois State University; BA — 1987; Economics

Current occupation and employer: Regional Vice President

Institutional Retirement Assets

Columbia Asset Management

Political party affiliation: N/A

Why Are You Seeking Office?

I am asking the voters to re-elect me because over the past 4 years I have served District 303 as an honest, dedicated and independent board member. Unlike some of the candidates, I do not bring a specific agenda to the Board. rather, I consider every decision as a taxpayer, parent, and strong advocate for exceptional education.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

As the current Board president, I have experience guiding the Board through very trying fiscal times. In the last two years that I have been President, the administration has launched a number of successful initiatives, we have kept the district in strong financial condition, and made great efforts in garnering community involvement. In the most recent District opinion survey, the Board scored it's highest satisfaction ratings in years.

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

I would encourage the administration to continue to "think outside the box". While continuing our commitment to core subjects, we must also continue to promote a "total" education that will prepare student for success in any life path that they choose. We can only accomplish this by hiring and keeping the best teachers and administrators. One of the most important aspects to being a board member is to pay attention to all of the programs, initiatives and issues that come before the board. Only by acting as a team can the Board continue to move the district forward.

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

The Board must continue to review each expenditure and program and question whether or not it is vital to improving the classroom experience. In addition, we must continue to keep tax levies to a minimum while maintaining the strong financial condition of the district.

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?

I will defer answering this question as an answer could affect or compromise our current teacher's contract negotiations.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

The current Board members that are seeking re-election should be returned for another term. We currently have a Board that is very results-oriented, goal-oriented, and highly effective. We have served the people of District 303 very well.