Donna Wandke​ For Naperville CUSD 203 School Board: Patch Candidate Profile

Name: Donna Wandke

Age: 48

Position Sought: Naperville Community Unit School District 203 School Board

Family: Our family has lived in Naperville for more than twenty-three years. My husband, Norm Wandke, and I have three boys. Our oldest, Kevin (age 20), is a sophomore at the University of Illinois. Ryan (age 17) is a senior and Alan (age 15) is a freshman at Naperville Central High School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education:

Master of Education, 1997, National-Louis University
Concentration in Administration and Supervision
Bachelor of Science, 1991, Elmhurst College
Double Major: Mathematics and Athletic Training

Occupation:

Youth Ministry Leader, Good Shepherd Church, April 2007-present

Mathematics Teacher, Naperville North High School, August 1992-June 2000
Assistant Athletic Trainer, Naperville North High School, 1992-1996
Teacher of Math Methods for Elementary School Teachers, North Central College, 1999-200

Why are you running?

I have served on the District 203 School Board since 2013. I have committed myself to representing our community by asking the questions that you would want answered. My experience as an active school volunteer, mother, junior high ministry leader and educator makes me the ideal candidate to help prepare District 203 for the future. I am seeking re-election so that I can advance the district and continue to serve our community with my skills and passion for education.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Currently serving on District 203 School Board since 2013.

Campaign Website: vote4wandke203.com

What do you hope to accomplish in office?

I am committed to excellence in education for all students while being financially responsible to our taxpayers. I have voted to abate taxes and have supported the early buyback of bonds. I am determined to save our taxpayers money while still maintaining rigorous standards for our students.
Ensuring that all students have access to rigorous curriculum and are growing academically, socially and emotionally is what drives all of my decisions concerning students. I have already spoken about my diligence to our taxpayers in being fiscally responsible but the other half and equally important are the students in our community. As a district, we are able to access data and can now identify achievement gaps within each of our schools. Although we are a district, each school is unique in its culture, achievement gaps and needs for students. In order to serve all students we will need to consider these differences and address them with unique resources depending on need. Just as we ensure a student with special needs is provided for, all of our students should be considered as individuals and provided with what they need. Students who are struggling will need support to catch up while students who are excelling will need to be continually challenged so that there is growth in all students. It is my goal to ensure this as we set outcomes for the upcoming years. District 203 is a high achieving district but we must continue to look to the future and research ways to better serve and educate our students. Sitting back and resting in our achievements will only allow us to begin to fall behind. There is always room for improvement and as the school board makes decisions, this is the focus of my efforts.

How would you hold local government employees accountable?

Just as students are assessed and held accountable to their academics, teachers and administrators are evaluated in relation to their goals which now include student achievement as part of the assessment. Everyone in the school district has an obligation to do what is best for student learning both academically and in other areas of student growth including social and emotional learning.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

Illinois State funding is in the midst of a number of changes that will affect every school district in the state. The largest changes may be new school funding reform and the consideration of a property tax freeze. District 203 has planned for the future and has policies in place to cover expenses in the event of delays in state funding. However, as our reserves have grown it is the responsibility of the school board to balance school funding with consideration of the tax burden on our community. I am committed to finding that balance and supported abating (returning) the debt service tax to our community to reduce taxes $3.2 million dollars. I will continue to consider how we can find this balance in the years to come as well. Our district has been analyzing financial projections while considering expenses with and without the property tax freeze. The board should continue to be financially responsible by representing our community taxpayers and making the most of our education system. Programs and expenses should be continually reviewed by the school board and administration for relevance and cost effectiveness. In addition, we need to educate ourselves and speak to our legislators in Springfield to communicate the effects of some of the proposed changes. In February, I did just that as I attend the Alliance Leadership Summit in Springfield.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am currently serving as an elected member of the Naperville School District 203 School Board since 2013. Over the last four years I have supported many initiatives including:

- Financial decisions and budgets that are balanced and efficient
- Expansion of all day kindergarten to the entire district
- Digital Learning including Chromebooks and structural upgrades
- Expansion of summer school programs with the intention of closing the achievement gaps
- Capital improvements including safety enhancements
- Successful contract negotiations with all of our bargaining organization

What else would you like voters to know about you and your positions?

As a school board member it is my most important responsibility to be the voice of our community as I serve in my elected position. Communication occurs in two directions so as I continually seek input from our community, I ask that the community provides insight on the issues that come before the board.

I believe that District 203 is a leader in education and I have been honored to serve our community on the school board for the last four years. I would like to gain your support and vote on April 4th to serve our community for another four years.

Photo provided by Donna Wandke