2011 Election: Tina M. Zekich, Orland School District 135 Board Candidate

Four candidates are competing for three seats in this year's race. In Patch's issue-specific questionnaire, candidate says she opposes House Bill 1886 and explains why cuts to specialist positions should be a last resort.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge(s) the district faces, and how do you propose to overcome it (them)?

On time State payments is our greatest challenge. We need our funding sources to protect our programming, students and community. We need to demand that our funding is on time from our State Capitol.  

Enrollment has gone down in District 135 steadily since 2005. How would you cut costs in the district to stay in line with the needs of the student population, but also not to overburden taxpayers in a weaker economy than years past when enrollment was higher?

Look at staffing historically and the future projections of enrollment and then make responsible cuts where necessary. 

Two options to cut costs brought up by staff and current board members is to eliminate some specialist positions (P.E., arts, social work, media specialists) and to close Park School. Do you think either of these are viable options? Why or why not?

I think these are last resort options. I would like to see our resources support specialists positions for P.E., arts, social work and media. These are important arenas in our children’s lives.

During a recent board meeting, D135 HR director Julie Oberwise said one group with rising enrollment numbers are children who need early intervention services. Given that the district is looking to cut costs, how can the district continue to support this group?

This population of our district is supported by government mandates. We have a successful early intervention program that meets the needs of our children.

Staff recently brought up buying Tax Anticipated Warrants to loan money out to other school districts and accumulate interest on the return. If the district has enough money to be able to loan out to other schools, should the district still be requesting the maximum tax levy possible? Why or why not?

I was not part of that decision making. 

House Bill 1886 and other proposed state legislation involve the possibility of consolidating school districts across the state. What are your thoughts on such an action, and how it could affect District 135?

No, this would be a short term solution. As a district we are currently operating in the black and with consolidation we would be forced to take on other districts outstanding debt.

Are there any technological investments the district should make, for example e-readers to take the place of buying new editions of textbooks?

The district has completed research in this area and have determined that at this time it would not be financially responsible to invest in e-readers.

District 135 has shown efficiency by doing certain contracting work in-house, such as repairing Orland Junior High’s west wall after the bus crashed into it. Are there any other tasks the district outsources that you think could be done in-house and should be done that way?

With my knowledge base I believe that the district is doing a great job with in house activities and would not change this at this time.

Does the current board engage in enough debate and discussion before voting?

The current system has many stages before it comes to vote. Board members have the opportunity for discussion from committee of the whole to board updates and closed sessions prior to voting on that issue.

Do you have any past arrests and/or convictions?

No.