Waterloo District 5 board member

Dwight Boehm

Waterloo

Age: 52

Job: Veterinarian

Phone: 618-939-7656

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Email: None provided

Education: University of Illinois BS /DVM

Previous offices: Monroe County Animal Control Administrator

Qualifications: I was appointed to the board 15 months ago and I've been working with the board on current issues. I been a business owner for the last 22 years in Waterloo. I wish to continue serving on the Waterloo school board.

Top issues: One of the top issues for our district is finding a new superintendent for the 2014-2015 school year. I would like to pursue using electronic devices in the classrooms to further educate our students. We need to continue to uphold our high standards for our children's education during these challenging economic times.

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Waterloo District 5 board member

John Caupert

Waterloo

Age: 45

Job: Director, NCERC Biofuels Research Center

Phone: 618-978-8037

Web:

Facebook: Johnny Caupert

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Email: jcaupert@htc.net

Education: Master's Degree, Southern Illinois University

Previous offices:

Qualifications: I am running for Waterloo School Board to get back to the A, B, C's. I am an effective administrative leader, who will bring accountability to the school board. My seven years' experience, working with the state university system in Illinois, has prepared me to manage the constraints of a fiscally challenged system. My 16 years as a business creator, in the private sector, will allow me to balance the budget. My commitment to education will drive me to create the best possible academic opportunities for our students. Having grown up on a diversified grain and livestock farm in Southern Illinois, I have a tireless work ethic. That work ethic is complimented by my Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Southern Illinois University, where I serve as President, College of Ag. Science Alumni Society Board of Governors. I am routinely called upon by the Illinois General Assembly and the United States Congress to testify on the importance of quality education. All these skills will come together, to serve the owners of the Waterloo Public School, the citizens of the community!

Top issues: Nearly 90 percent of Illinois students go to public schools. Due to fiscal constraints in the state of Illinois, public education is paying a significant price. 63 percent of revenue for a public school comes from local property taxes, while 26 percentof funding comes from the state. At the same time funding resources are being diminished, the cost of education is skyrocketing. Unfunded mandates by the state of Illinois are crippling our public education system. When elected, I am going to work with the school board to assist the administration in overcoming these fiscal constraints. By working together, in a unified effort, we will balance the budget of the Waterloo School District, while at the same time create the best possible academic opportunities for our students.

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Waterloo District 5 board member

Kevin Wheat

Waterloo

Age: 46

Job: Managed Repair Supervisor

Phone: 618-977-0479

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Email: wheatkja@htc.net

Education: High School Education

Previous offices:

Qualifications: I have lived in Waterloo my entire life and enjoy being involved in the community.

Top issues: I want to help keep balance between our community and school district.

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Waterloo District 5 board member

Steve Wheat

Waterloo

Age: 50

Job: Auto Body shop manager

Phone: 618-939-3775

Web:

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Email: None provided

Education: Graduate Waterloo High School

Previous offices: none

Qualifications:

Top issues:

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Waterloo District 5 board member

Thomas Schrieber

Waterloo

Age: 56

Job: Chief Engineer at Harrisonville Telephone Company in Waterloo, IL

Phone: 618-939-6555

Web:

Facebook: Thomas R. Schrieber for Waterloo School Board

Twitter:

Email: tschrieb@htc.net

Education: B. S. in Business with majors in Personnel and Production Management, Eastern Illinois University

Previous offices: Incumbent Waterloo School District 5 Board Member

Qualifications: I am a current board member on the Waterloo School District 5 Board of Education; appointed to the board in December of 2010. I serve on the Transportation Committee and Buildings and Grounds Committee; also served on the 2010 Strategic Planning Communication Committee. I have had three children graduate from the school system and been involved in a many school activities and functions. For many years I served as the Chairman of WHS Band Parents Variety Show. My professional career has been spent in the area of management, specifically in telecommunications. I have managed departments with a host of personnel. I was a bank director for ten years. I understand sound decision making, fiscal responsibility, doing the right thing, and what it takes to drive and achieve in the face of complexity and adversity. As an engineering manager, I believe in well thought out decisions and getting the proper information to make the best decision. I have faithfully served on the Board the past two plus years which has given me valuable experience in facing the challenges ahead in our district.

Top issues: The reduced funding in education from the State of Illinois is a top issue. Waterloo School District 5 is projected to be at $1.6 million deficit in education funding in June of 2013. This year's general state aid was prorated at 89 percent, which gives us a loss of $316,000 in revenues. The most recent governor's budget address projected an 82 percent proration which is $642,000 less for next year's revenue. Another key issue for the board will be to hire a new superintendent in 2014. In addition, the need to implement new technology and learning devices in the classroom for our students will emerge. These new architectures will necessitate re-engineering and reallocation of limited resources. We must continue to do more with less financial resources. We must strive to achieve even higher standards in education by reallocating resources and using technology to solve learning issues, engaging students to a higher level of academic and technological achievement. This will be a very challenging task, but an exciting and rewarding one which will require creative decision making and perseverance for the Waterloo School District 5 board member.

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Waterloo District 5 board member candidate Gary Most did not respond.