Election 2013: Brian Bushnell

Brian Bushnell is one of five candidates running for the Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education in the 2013 election. Bushnell works in the financial industry and holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Eastern Illinois University. He lives in Lemont with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children.

He is running on a slate with fellow candidates Michael Clausen and Susan Petrarca.

Name: Brian J. Bushnell

Position sought: Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education

Campaign website: www.lemontschools.net

Family (name, relationship and age): Wife, Stephanie (counselor at LemontHigh School); Children, William and Sophia

Education (degree and school): Bachelor's degree in economics from Eastern Illinois University

Occupation: BMO Private Bank director/wealth advisor

Previous elected offices: None

Why are you seeking office?

In my job as director of a team of financial advisors, as a volunteer with Junior Achievement, and as a soccer coach, I’ve seen over and over again the importance of collaboration and communication, sound business principles, and teamwork. It’s especially important when it affects our children. While our district has pulled back from the brink of financial disaster, we have more work to do, and I believe with my background I can make a contribution.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

With my experience in many different areas of finance and my proven ability to work within a dynamic team environment, I can add tremendous value and help bring the best solutions for our children, our educators, and our tax payers. My wife, Stephanie, has worked in education for the past 10 years here in Lemont, so I truly understand the point of view of our teachers and can balance that with the needs of our children since both of mine attend the school currently.  Lastly, as a tax payer, it is essential we get value for the dollars we spend each and every year.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Reducing the average class size is job No. 1. With some class sizes reaching nearly 40 children, its puts our kids at a disadvantage in the classroom when they cannot get the attention they need at a very important time in their lives. We have some brilliant educators that are under considerable and unnecessary strain just trying to keep up with the growing demands in their roles.

What experience do you have, working as an individual or member of a team, which resulted in a successful outcome? As a member of the board of education, how will you apply your past experience to help build upon the school district’s successes and achievements – and work effectively with other members of the board?

I have 14 years of experience in the financial services industry, and currently lead teams of advisors guiding individuals, families, family-owned businesses, endowments and foundations. It is my job to ensure the families I represent make every dollar count when making financial decisions and that there is an efficient and defined plan in place. I believe I can provide guidance and bring these same principles to the School Board, if elected.

What do you think should be the top three goals for the board of education in the next couple of years? What will you do to help achieve those goals?

The number-one job we have is to reduce the class sizes to a reasonable level. Our children and educators deserve a better chance at being successful on a daily basis. Our second priority should be to create a fiscally sound balance sheet where the school system and the tax payer get value out of every dollar we spend. My third priority is to bring back the programs that give our Lemont schools the opportunity to give our children the "Best In Class" education they deserve. Our budgets have been slashed to the point where we have no formal programs for academic excellence (gifted), sports, music and art.

According to the Illinois Association of School Boards, “Good school boards make every effort to operate openly by encouraging public attendance at their meetings and keeping constituents informed of the district’s progress.” What will you do to help engage and inform members of the community?

We should explore every avenue possible, such as social media and other innovative areas of communication, to access ideas from our citizens and deliver updates in a simple and transparent manner. When a strong community like ours in actively engaged with our schools and the school board itself, our children benefit significantly.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

Our children, our educators, and our tax payers deserve the best with the dollars we have available. My mission is to work diligently and serve these groups well with a goal of a brighter future in which we can be proud.

Related Pages:

• Election 2013: District 113A Board of Education
• Election 2013: David Deitemyer
• Election 2013: Michael Clausen
• Election 2013: Susan Petrarca
• Election 2013: Patrick M. Kerrigan II

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