Cathy Dremel Candidate Profile

Name: Cathy Dremel

Position sought: School Board

Campaign contact information—

·       Website:

·       E-mail address:  thedremels@comcast.net

·       Phone: (H) 630-406-6787; Cell 630-669-3526

·       Address: 1361 Towne Ave., Batavia

Home address: Batavia

Age: 43

Family (name, relationship and age): Husband, Ray; Daughters, Emily, 13, Emily, 8; Son, Billy, 11.

Education (degree and school): Bachelors, DePaul University; MBA, Northern Illinois University

Occupation: Homemaker

Political party affiliation, If any: 

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

Business background, extensive volunteer experience, PTO board member two years, current board member of Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence.

Please limit answers to 75 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, grammar, spelling and length.

·       What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have been extremely happy with my family’s educational experience over the past six school years. As an active volunteer in a variety of areas, I am passionate about, and committed to, public service. Our children are our most important asset, so I am eager to join the BPS101 Board in continuing their good work.

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

Providing the high quality education our community has come to expect, while dealing with the faltering economy.

·       What sets you apart from the other candidates, if contested?

My greatest strength is that I don’t think I already know everything, so I am willing to do the hard work of educating myself. I also have a background in business, and am a frequent volunteer at school so I have a good view of both sides of the classroom. In essence, I come without an agenda, greatly respect the work of BPS101, and look forward to an opportunity to serve the residents of Batavia.

·       How long have you lived in the district?

Since Jan. 2005

·       What's your favorite thing about the district?

The strength of the community is my favorite part about living in Batavia.  

·       What is the biggest problem in the district?

I don’t see any particularly pervasive problem in Batavia. There are difficulties all over, but generally Batavia seems to be a caring and compassionate community.

Batavia School Board-specific questions

1.     According to district projections, Batavia Public Schools will face a $5 million deficit for the 2011-12 school year and this will likely reach $7.6 million in 2012-13, if the current tax rate holds. This year, the district needs to find ways to curb a $4 million deficit. Given these projections, how can the district keep its budget down? What are your solutions?

I don't think this is something anyone can be specific about without being deep in the process.  There are many complexities relating to school financing and it would be imprudent to recommend specific changes without having full financial information at hand. Generally speaking, we need to look at what items are mandated by law, and then examine how expenditures that we control support and move forward our district's mission.

2.     Our community has unfortunately endured its third teen suicide in less than a year. How will you address this issue as a School Board member?

This is obviously a community-wide issue. The elementary schools added a Wellness Program to their curriculum two years ago, and emotional well-being is one of its focuses. The Parent Academy recently had a program for parents and teens that was a dialogue on death and suicide. St. Charles has struggled with a similar sad history of recent suicides. There is no magic cure for this sad epidemic. I believe the Board’s role is to ensure that our schools are a safe place of belonging and learning for every student in the district, and to create an environment that respects the dignity of everyone in our community. 

3.     As today’s professions continue to evolve at a rapid rate, what resources or programs do you think are most important to offer to Batavia students?

Because the world changes so quickly, I think the most important thing we can do is teach Batavia students to be lifelong learners. Students need to leave school with an ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Hopefully they will also leave with new paths and new passions. Technology will change and jobs will change, but adults that are willing to learn new things and embrace their path in life with enthusiasm will be healthy, productive citizens.