Michael Raczak For IPSD204 School Board: Patch Candidate Profile

Name: Michael Raczak

Age: 65

Position Sought: Indian Prairie District 204 School Board

Family: Mimi, wife, 57; Kristin, daughter, 34; Anne, daughter, 29

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

Education: BS. Ed - Elementary and Special Education; MS. Ed - Special Education

Occupation: Retired Educator - Retired educator for over 35 years -teacher, special educator, consultant, and principal

Why are you running? I have served on the Board of Education for the last four years. Last election, I ran under the premise that the Board would be well served by having an experienced educator to assist members to make sound decisions. Given the current Illinois financial crisis and an ever-changing educational picture, I continue to believe my experience would serve the community well.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Indian Prairie Board of Education, 2013-2017; Vice President, Indian Prairie Board of Education, 2015-2017

Campaign Website: www.raczak204.com

What do you hope to accomplish in office?

Indian Prairie District 204 is characterized by academic and extra-curricular excellence. I hope to assist the Board of Education not only to maintain but improve our reputation. I believe my educational experience will be an asset to the district.

How would you hold local government employees accountable?

District 204 staff is evaluated on a scheduled cycle. Our Board evaluates itself yearly with the assistance of the Illinois School Board Association. In addition, school board members conduct a self-evaluation after each meeting.

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

An excellent school board provides the very best education possible given the financial resources that are given to us by our taxpayers. Over the course of the last 8 years, financial cuts have occurred to spend within our means.

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

I have served education for over 40 years as teacher, consultant and administrator. I have served as president of two state organizations, the Association of Illinois Middle Schools and The Association of Persons with Severe Handicaps.

I have served on the Board of Education for the last four years. Academic excellence continues to thrive.

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

I have been going to school continuously for 60 years! I want to put my experience to work for the Indian Prairie District 204 community.

Photo provided by Michael Raczak