Highland School District 5 board member

James Gallatin

Highland

Age: 60

Job: Retired teacher

Phone: None provided

Web:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Email: jgalla10@gmail.com

Education: BS ELED & MA EDAD

Previous offices: Zoning Board for City of Highland

Qualifications: I am a parent whose four children attended Highland Schools, and a former teacher and administrator in the Highland School District. I have served on the Zoning Board for the city of Highland for over 10 years. I'd like to think I'm a reasonably intelligent and rational citizen with an interest in the success of public school education.

Top issues: The primary issue is the instability of funding due to the incredulous actions of the state legislature. Other issues like transportation, sports, energy costs, changing curriculum, building usage, and teaching staff compensation are all related to the state's deficit funding and misguided mandates. The state must meet its obligations according to the law or relinquish control to allow for local control of budgetary concerns. Playing politics with education is unacceptable at its best and despicable at its worst.

***

Highland School District 5 board member

Lora Miles

Highland

Age: 48

Job: Higher Education

Phone: 618-654-7380

Web:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Email: bdogbarber@yahoo.com

Education: Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Previous offices: None

Qualifications: My education includes a Bachelors in Accounting and a Masters of Business Administration. I have worked in higher education as an administrator for more than 25 years, currently serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Two of my primary duties at SIUE fit well with what a board member does. First, I am the Budget Officer for the Student Affairs functional area of the Universtiy. I am also responsible for planning and implementation of area budgets, preparing RAMP Capital budgets, assisting in preparing timetables, budget tables, narrative and recommendations on the scope of projects/programs and provide guidelines to units regarding budgets and finance. The other duty is serving as the Personnel officer for the functional area in working with Human Resources (HR) to resolve personnel issues such as hiring, position description, position control, and staffing. I provide support to the HR Negotiating Team Members for collective bargaining agreements involving the IEA Professional Staff, SEIU, and AFSCME.

Top issues: I think the No. 1 issue this coming up year will be the budget. The support from the state is declining and/or lagging behind in payments, making it a challenge for school districts to have a balanced budget. As we are being forced to balance the budget, we need to keep at the forefront to maintain quality education. We also need to remain accessible and affordable for activities and programs that strengthens our students overall educational experience. We need to ensure our students that graduate from the school district are prepared and competitive for college or the workforce. I know these types of decisions are not popular, but have to be made. We need to look closely at all of our efficiencies and make sure we are maximizing our resources during these times. We will need to challenge ourselves to think outside the box when looking at ways to generate revenues or costs to be cut. Are there efficiencies to be gained? I think my ability to analyze and look at the pros and cons of each option will be an asset to the board.

***

Highland School District 5 board member

Steven Price

Highland

Age: 43

Job: Construction Superintendent

Phone: 618-654-8760

Web:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Email: None provided

Education: 2 Year College General Education

Previous offices: Current school board member

Qualifications: Just a regular family man who can represent how families feel within the district.

Top issues: Financial issues and maintaining a quality education for our children within the district.

***

Highland School District 5 board member candidates Duane C. Clarke and Rene P. Friedel did not respond.