Karen Baird

On the Record

What experiences do you have that make you a good candidate for office?

Currently serving as a school board member, serving both the policy and personnel committees. Elected to office in the 2009 election. Volunteer in Johnsburg for the last 10 years. Involved with the community and children of our district daily.

What are your top two or three priorities if elected?

To continue to serve our community by being fiscally responsible. By setting policies that guide our superintendent and staff.

Would you support freezing your taxing district’s levy until housing prices rebound? Why or why not?

While it would be ideal to not pass the burden onto the tax payers, the current situations with the finances of the State of Illinois, puts additional financial constraints on local school districts. District 12 continues to creatively reduce in many areas while costs continue to rise. Without these dollars programs and services would be reduced. The reality is, without a reliable flow of money from the state, districts are left with few alternatives.

What one decision by the school board do you most disagree with and why?

As a new board member I struggled with the policy on expelling students. No one ever wants to expell a student but certain situations call for it. After reviewing and changing some aspects of this policy, I feel we have created a more partial and clearer policy for our students and faculty to follow.

What was the biggest accomplishment of the board in the past year?

Over the last two years we have consistantly reviewed our finanaces and consolidated our debt. We have taken advantage of the lower interest rates that are being offered. This has enabled District 12 to reduce the number of years due on several bonds.

Why should voters elect you to office?

I feel I truly understand all the aspects and responsibilities of being a school board member. I am an active member of the community and make every effort to make myself available to the tax payers of our district. With three children in the district I am strongly invested in the future success of Johnsburg District 12 in the years to come.