Candidate Profiles
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Adam Gibbs
What qualifies you for the position? Acquiring the degree Doctor of Chiropractic required 7.5 years of post high school education, so of the 29 years I have been on this earth 20 of them I have been a part of the educational system. I am not that far removed from being a student myself so I feel I can provide a unique perspective on educational and challenges today students face.
Do you have any political background? Yes, I have been registered democrat since I was able to register at the age of 18. I am very pro-union democrat. I however am open to other political view points and sometimes find myself aligning with conservatives on issues such as gun rights.
What are your goals as a school board member? My goals would be to represent the voters in the best way I can.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? Most importantly I would like to see some stability in the district. In the past few years we have seen some time honored traditions take away from us with little disregard for history and tradition. Our district has also seen what I consider far too much turnover at the administrative and faculty level for reasons other than what I consider 'natural' and many times a disciplinary issue. I would like to see some improvement in these areas. I would also like to curtail what I consider wasteful spending in the district. Everything from extravagant bleachers to scrolling marquis signs at both schools are in my opinion wastes of money and in no way conductive to better education
Why should voters vote for you? Voters should vote for me because I pledge to always make an informed vote based on my values and past experiences and the input from my constituents. You may not always agree with my vote or my stand on issues, but I promise I will always be able to give you my reasons and though process behind my vote.
What would you like voters to know? I am Chester born and bred... I am a small business owner in this town so I understand the business side, but I am also a pro-union blue collar man, so that perspective wont be lost on me as I serve on the board, I will stand up for teachers rights and be fair in negotiations with the union, I also recognize the fact that the superintendent serves at the will and discretion of the school board and not vice versa, therefore I will not be a dog that is wagged by his tail
Have you been involved with the school district previously? My only involvement with the school district has been as a volunteer assistant football coach at Chester high school in 2007 and 2008
Have you actively attended school board meetings? I have attended a couple of school board meeting over the last few years when an issue arose that I found the need to voice my opinion on. Outside of that I have not actively attended school board meetings.
Current job Owner/Doctor at Gibbs Chiropractic Health Center. I am a 1999 graduate of Chester High School
Elizabeth
Diebolt-Brown
What qualifies you for the position?
I have taught school, and I know and understand the problems encountered on a day to day basis in the classroom. I have first hand knowledge and experience with the excesses of the current Superintendent and the woeful neglect of the School Board's ability to correct those excesses.
Do you have any political background? I have no prior experience in public office.
What are your goals as a school board member?
There needs to be openness between the School Board, and community. The School Board should encourage community involvement. I would suggest a Town Hall forum once a month held at a neutral location chaired by rotating Board Members, within the guidelines of The Open Meetings Statute. The School Board must take control of the district for all situations that would be in the best interest of all students/staff as they are the elected representatives of the community.
I believe the School Board should have on retainer a local attorney that has a vested interest in the Chester Schools, and not one personally known by the superintendent.
I also believe that in the interest of financial control, the School Board should review the budget adopted at the beginning of the school year with the superintendent's working budget on a monthly basis. This should be in relation to the bill list presented to and approved by the board at each monthly board meeting.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? There have been many problems within the district under the current superintendent. These problems/issues have established such a negative teaching and learning environment that they have created stress for the teaching staff . This stress has a direct affect on their ability to provide the best education for our students. In addition, the present School Board conducts most business in a questionable manner as they are totally controlled by the Superintendent. I would like to see a sense of integrity, and equality be brought back to Chester School District. I believe there have been many instances where certain school board members, and the Superintendent have made decisions based on their own personal agendas, instead of that of the entire district.
Why should voters vote for you?/What would you like voters to know? I will not hire teachers/administrators based on my own personal agenda. I will not overlook serious flaws in employees that can and will lead to the detriment, of students, teachers, and the school district. I will not approve major spending (no matter which fund it comes out of), or approve administrator raises when the school district is in crisis, and feels it should eliminate employees. Also, if an administrator is hired to perform to and meet certain criteria (managing the budget for example), they should be held accountable if they cannot meet these performance standards. Hiring or assigning these duties to other individuals to perform should not be tolerated.
Have you actively attended school board meetings? I have not attended school board meetings in recent years. Previously, as an educator I was present at several board meetings.
Mitch Hammel
What qualifies you for the position? 10 years experience
Do you have any political background? 10 years on school board
What are your goals as a school board member? Keep curriculum on an upward progression
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? New administration staff working well together
Why should voters vote for you? No personal agenda
What would you like voters to know? In ten years I have only missed maybe 6 total meetings
Have you been involved with the school district previously? Yes
Have you actively attended school board meetings? Yes
Current job: Construction supervisor
Shane Rock
What qualifies you for the position? I think I am a good candidate for the school board because I come with 8 years of experience. I also have a good knowledge of how the school systems are set up and ran. I attended a lot of workshops to learn how these key factors.
Do you have any political background? As far as political background, I sat on the Park Board for 3 years and the School Board for 8 years.
What are your goals as a school board member? Goals for me come with are strategic plan that has been discussed and put in motion. The curriculum is a big concern for me looking in to the next 4 years. Also keeping the district running in the black is always high on my priority list.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? I would like to see are ACT and ISAT scores continue to go in a upward direction. While giving are kids the tools they need in the classroom to succeed.
Why should voters vote for you? Voters are very lucky in this school district to have so many great candidates running for such a important position. I would be very fortunate to get 4 more years on the Board of Education. I also have Children in the school district which I think is very important for a board member.
What would you like voters to know? I would like voters to know that if voted in to another term I will make every decision with the children in mind.
Have you been involved with the school district previously? I have been involved in the school district in coaching and volunteering my time.
Have you actively attended school board meetings? I have actively been to all board meetings only missing with illness or a sporting event one of my sons were involved with.
Current job: My current job is Asst. Superintendent at Gilster Mary-lee Shredded Wheat Plant. 18 years with them.
Dean Rucker
What qualifies you for the position? I have lived in Chester all my life. I am a parent.
Do you have any political background? No, however, I am currently on the Chester Sports Board.
What are your goals as a school board member? To ensure that the kids receive the best education our school district can provide.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? I would like to see the school district spend available funds on the all the kids' education and spend it more wisely.
Why should voters vote for you? I will concentrate my efforts on ensuring we, as a school board, employ the best teachers possible and that all decisions made will be what is best for the children's education.
What would you like voters to know? Our children are our future. They can only achieve their best if we can give them the best possible education from well qualified, dedicated teachers. The focus of the school board should be on education.
Have you been involved with the school district previously? No.
Have you actively attended school board meetings? No
Current job: Quality Vending
Jess Cushman - School Board Candidate
What qualifies you for the position? I take this position with seriousness and the kids interest to heart.
Do you have any political background? No
What are your goals as a school board member? My primary goal is to work with the new superintendent, principal, and assistant principal, to help make the Chester School District a better place to educate our children.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? I would like to see more parental involvement in the education and athletic activities of our community. Too many times I hear complaints about how something is functioning, but at the same time, those complaining don't step up to the plate to make a contribution.
Why should voters vote for you? Whether voters vote for me or someone else, just ensure that the individuals you select has integrity and a caring attitude about our children in this school district.
What would you like voters to know? That I truly care about the well being of this entire school district. If I didn't feel that my contributions were meaningful in the past, I would not run for reelection.
Have you been involved with the school district previously? Incumbent school board member running for reelection.
Have you actively attended school board meetings? I have been serving on the board for the last 7 years.
Current job: Director of Randolph County Farm Service Agency, USDA
Mary Ann
Smith-Heberlie
School Board Candidate
What qualifies you for the position?a citizen of the United States over 18 years of 18, a registered voter and a resident of the State of Illinois and the Chester Comm. Unit School District No. 139 all of my life.
Do you have a political background? I have never run for a political office, but I have held an elected position with AFSCME 1175.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? To become aware of all of the set policies of the sschool district and to see that such policies are set up fairly for the ofood of all the children and teachers.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? As a parent and citizen I am not privileged to the inner working of the school board. However, I am aware that problems do exsist especially with cutbacks in state spending and I intend to take a much closer look at that so I will be prepared to particpate responsibly.
Why should voters vote for you? Because their concerns are my concerns, I believe in fairness and equal opportuniy for all students and teachers.
What would you like voters to know?I am a lifetime Bremen resident, married with two sons. One of which is attending Chester High School and the other one at the Chester Grade School. I am retired from the Dept. of Corrections where I was employed in the business office and later place as the human resource representative. During my course with my State of Illinois employment, I have gained experience in budgeting, union negotiations, worker compensation claims, hiring, separations, promotions and grievances. I am busy with school sports, Chester scouting PTS, the Chester Music Patrons, and keeping up to date with state issues through AFSCME Retirees Sub-Chapter 56. I am a concerned parent and beleive that I have a lot to offer the Chester school district in terms of experience and a sense of fairness in problem solving When I am electe to the school board I will offer a unique view of dedication and caring, always place children first I am a wife, a mother, and a concerned citizen in a time when leadership will be of the utmost importance to see our school system through the current economical problems.
Have you been involved with the school district previously? I recently attended the Illinois Association of School Boards Spring Dinner Meeting. At which team I attended one of the panel titles 'A briefing for school board candidates. I found it to be very informative since I have never held the office of school board. This meeting reinforced my idea of why I was running for school board.
Have you actively attended school board meetings? yes
Darrell?Crum
School Board Candidate
What qualifies you for the position? I am a taxpaying citizen and have concern for the district.
Do you have a political background? No
What are your goals as a school board member? To keep the district running in the black and to focus on improving overall education and test scores for our students.
What would you like to see accomplished for the better of the school district? Higher test scores for our students and maintaining enrollment. I would also like to see more detailed school board minutes so the community can be abreast of what our district is discussing and planning.
Why should voters vote for you? I have no personal agenda. Both my children have attended and graduated through the district and I feel I know what areas the district does well in and what areas it does not.
What would you like voters to know? I am an honest person and fiscally conservative.
Have you been involved with the school district previously? No
Have you actively attended school board meetings? I have been to several school board meetings over the past few years.
Current job? Plumber at Mental Health