Wendy Farley: Barrington 220 Candidate

Name: Wendy Farley           

Age: 42
Family: Married to Brian Farley, proud parents of four children
Education:  Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate, Louisiana State University
Occupation: I recently left my job as a business executive and attorney to become a stay-at-home mom.
Previous Elected or Appointed Offices (please include years of service): None

Other community involvement: Member of Barrington Community Unit School District 220 Enrollment Monitoring Committee, Member of Hough Street School PTO, former President of Toastmasters, former member of the Board of Chicago Boys & Girls Club

Position sought: Member of the School Board, Barrington District 220
Campaign E-mail address (for publication): wendyfarleyforschoolboard@yahoo.com
Phone (NOT for publication): 847 387 3188
Campaign committee: Friends of Wendy Farley
Campaign Website: www.wendyfarleyforschoolboard.org
Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/WendyFarleyforschoolboard 

Why are you running?

My husband and I chose to live in the Barrington area because the schools are ranked one of the best in the state.  As a parent of four children who will be in the School District for the next two decades, I want to secure our children’s future in District 220. A successful public school system is vital to a prosperous community. I am committed to continuing the level of excellence provided by District 220 schools.  

In what ways would the school district benefit from your service?

I am an attorney with over 15 years of experience negotiating contracts. My experience will be beneficial when the teacher contract is negotiated again in two and a half years.  In addition, I have government affairs experience.  I can assist the School Board in setting legislative strategies as we continue to face funding cuts from the state and federal government. 

What is the biggest challenge the school district faces and what should be done to address it?

The School Board must be much more proactive to ensure the state does not push its financial problems on District 220.  Currently the state, not local school boards, fund District 220’s teacher pension plans.  Springfield is considering forcing local school boards to fund teacher pension plans.  Local school boards don’t have the funds to do this. As a former Vice President of Government Affairs for a Fortune 50 company and Legal Counsel on Capitol Hill, my government affairs experience would be valuable in assisting the School District with this looming issue. 

What do you think the district does well?

The Board deserves credit for their hard work in continuing to balance the budget each year. District 220 continues to receive the AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s financial rating service.  The Board should continue its strong focus on maintaining a balanced budget.

In addition, District 220 offers top programs that should continue to thrive. The District has many innovative offerings including the broad curriculum at Barrington High School, gifted and talented programs, and foreign language programs.  It is programs like these, coupled with the general excellence we see in District 220 schools that make living in the District highly desirable.  This drives up property values and produces top-tier graduates who often return to the area and contribute to the betterment of the community.

What should be some of the school district’s priorities over the next four years?

Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility

As a candidate, parent, and former business executive, I feel we all benefit from the school district maintaining a high level of fiscal responsibility. One of my main goals as a member of the District 220 Board is to ensure that we work hard to maintain our balanced budget and high credit rating. Through smart financial management and transparency in how money is allocated, our district will continue to thrive.

 Demand Excellence in Education

Good schools impact everyone in the community. Young families, retirees, and everyone in between enjoy the benefits of a school district committed to excellence.  Like many people in the District, I chose to live here because the schools are one of the best in the state.  Maintaining this commitment to excellence will continue to attract new homeowners and keep our community thriving during these challenging economic times.

Proactively Approach Legal and Legislative Issues

After spending the better part of two decades as an attorney, my insight into legal and legislative issues fills a void in the District 220 School Board. The recently approved teachers’ contract will be up for renewal in two and a half years, and my experience in contract negotiations will be a benefit to the Board. More immediately the Board needs to take a proactive approach to ensure the state’s financial problems don’t become our District’s financial problems 

What else would you like voters to know?

I have been endorsed by the Daily Herald stating, “Farley, an attorney, brings an impressive resume that includes experience in government affairs, something that could prove to be an asset in advocating with the state over teachers' pensions and other state-aid issues.” 

I have been endorsed by Senator Dan Duffy who states, “Wendy Farley’s experience as an attorney and government affairs professional will serve the District 220 School Board well. I admire Wendy’s dedication to maintaining a balanced budget while continuing to provide an excellent level of education to students in District 220.”

David Nelson, Cuba Township Supervisor and former Mayor Barrington has also endorsed me.  He states, “Wendy Farley's resume speaks for itself.  She has been an attorney for many years with vast experience negotiating contracts, something that will be valuable when the District again negotiates the teacher contract.  Additionally, Wendy has government affairs experience that will help with legislative issues such as state and federal funding.  I think Wendy Farley would be a great addition to the District 220 School Board.”

I have received endorsements from Sam Oliver, former member of the District 220 Board, and Nick Sauer, Lake County Board Member and former District 220 School Board member.

 Please vote for Wendy Farley on April 9.  Thank you for your support.