Election 2013: Susan Petrarca

Susan Petrarca is one of five candidates running for the Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education in the 2013 election. Petrarca is the president and owner of a marketing services firm. She lives in Lemont with her husband, Rich.

She is running on a slate with fellow candidates Michael Clausen and Brian Bushnell.

Name: Susan Petrarca

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

Campaign website: www.lemontschools.net

Family (name, relationship and age): Husband, Rich

Education (degree and school): Bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from Northern Illinois University (1978)

Occupation: President and owner of marketing services firm for 13 years

Previous elected offices: None

Why are you seeking office?

Both my parents were teachers, and I believe a good education is vitally important in our complex, information-rich, fast-moving and competitive world. Now that financial accountability and responsibility is being restored to the school district, class sizes can and must be reduced. We can do this while living within our means and not returning to the reckless spending that brought the district to the brink of financial disaster and nearly a state takeover. Thankfully those days are over, and it’s time for a new board that can work together to do what’s best for the children of the district.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

Mike Clausen, Brian Bushnell and I are committed to a kids-first focus that puts their interests and welfare ahead of other agendas. We respect the taxpayers, parents and educators and will listen to all constituents. In addition, all of us either have financial experience, run our own businesses, or have children in district schools, and we’re all taxpayers.

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

Reducing class sizes.

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 am a local business owner with an extensive background in financial services and the investment industry. I have dealt with crisis management and complex projects; directed teams of professionals and collaborated with others; and managed multimillion dollar budgets in a 36-year business career. As a new board member, I'm committed to serving as a steward of the taxpayers’ money while working with educators to ensure the highest quality education for the children of the district.

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?

• Reduce class sizes and improve student achievement
• Continue the improvement of  the district’s finances to end state oversight
• Maintain accountability, transparency, and open communication  

The best way to achieve this is to work collaboratively and respectfully with all constituents and interested parties: other board members, administrators, educators, parents and the community.

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?

One thing I've discovered talking to parents, taxpayers, my neighbors and others in the community is that they are not shy about sharing their opinions! I intend to keep the lines of communication open and the dialogue going, and to listen respectfully to everyone's input.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

The relatively small size of the district should allow it to meet and exceed the needs of all students, to try innovative methods, and to become a microcosm of education excellence where students and teachers can flourish. We can and should take advantage of every strategic opportunity to make that happen.

Related Pages:

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

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