Randy Sidio For IPSD 204 School Board: Patch Candidate Profile

Name: J. Randy Sidio

Age: 42

Position Sought: Indian Prairie School District Board Member

Family: I am divorced. I have a son that is seven. He attends Reba Steck Elementary School.

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

Education: I graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in 1992.I received my BA in History from Aurora University.

Occupation: I am a Financial Consultant with Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. in Naperville. I have been in the financial industry since 2008.

Why are you running?

I am running to insure that my son, and all district students, have the opportunity to receive an excellent education. IPSD 204 is going to be facing many tough financial decisions in the next few years. I know that my background in the finance industry can be a valuable asset.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

Campaign Website: http://www.sidioipsd204.com/

What do you hope to accomplish in office?

I hope to explore options for the IPSD 204 to maintain their sound fiscal status without taking away from the core curriculum for the students. The teachers have a contract expiring soon and I want to make sure we are able to retain the best teachers in the district as well as hire great teachers.

How would you hold local government employees accountable?

I would follow the pertinent policies and procedures that the board mandates relating to any government employees.

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

All financial decisions need to be made in the best interest of the students of IPSD 204. Their academic success and safety needs to be a priority. The public should be involved in all these decisions. Their input will be critical in assisting the board make tough financial decisions.

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

I have worked with a successful wealth management team for the last nine years. we strive to always put the client first and make sound investment decisions. We are also a relationship based team, We know our clients goals and needs and help them achieve these goals. This philosophy will translate directly to making sure the students are put first in all decisions, meeting and understanding the public's needs, as well as working with legislators in Springfield.

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

I am a product of IPSD 204. I attended middle school and high school in the district. I worked summers during college doing landscaping based projects. When I ran out of money for college I spent five years as a custodian in the district. My ex-wife has taught in the district for over fifteen years so I witnessed first hand how teachers can make a difference in students lives. My son is a first grader in the district. I am the only candidate with an elementary age child. I am invested in this district for at least another eleven years.

Photo provided by J. Randy Sidio