Politics & Government

Kathleen Roberts Candidate Profile

Roberts is an incumbent on the Batavia School Board. Read below for more information.

Name: Kathleen B. Roberts

Position sought: Batavia School Board Member

Home address: Batavia

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Age: 63

Family (name, relationship and age): Husband, Tom; Daughters, Annie, 27; Wren, 23

Education (degree and school): Bachelors in English and Education, Northwestern University

Occupation: Retired

Political party affiliation, If any: None

Previous elected offices: Batavia School Board, 1991-present; Vice president, Batavia School Board, 1993-2005

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Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:
Twenty years on the school board; former teacher, Chicago Public Schools; Volume editor, Childcraft Childrens Encyclopedia; Corporate marketing executive responsible for three corporate division and six affiliate companies, overseeing multi-million dollar budgets.
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 want to make there is a fair balance between the needs of the students, teachers and taxpayers.

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

My priority is to make sure we use money, materials, people, programs, facilities and time in the most effective, efficient ways possible.

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

I have 20 years experience on the school board so I have the skills needed to define and analyze the sensitive and complex issues faced by the school board.  I know how to navigate the system to get things accomplished.  My children have attended BPS from kindergarten through twelfth grade so I am familiar with all grade levels. My family is living on a fixed income so I can relate to those who are in a similar financial situation

•    How long have you lived in the district?

25 years

•    What's your favorite thing about the district?

Our administrators and professional and support staff are outstanding educators who are enthusiastic about their jobs and dedicated to helping our children become successful in school and in life.

•    What is the biggest problem in the district?

Money: The state's inability/refusal to pay the bills owed the district; declining property values resulting in declining revenue.

•    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?

Right now, teachers and administrators are reviewing the scope, objectives and costs of every district program.  This review will provide a logical and rational framework for future decision-making. The district already has extended its bond repayment schedule, tweaked the tax rate while maintaining a level payment for taxpayers, limited administrative salaries and hiring, raised fees, and consciously decided to do some manageable deficit spending. I do not see an operating referendum as a viable option at this time.

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

We recently set up an anonymous hotline for students to report themselves or friends needing help.  We also have run the first of two sessions on suicide prevention through the Batavia Parent Academy. And we have run and will continue to focus on this topic in student assemblies.  Teachers also have attended in-service sessions on identifying suicide indicators and responding appropriately.  We also have crisis teams that are available on a moment's notice.  I will encourage people to take advantage of these programs as well as encourage people to seek intervention through Tri-City Family Services and other groups throughout the Fox Valley.

•    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?

The vocational programs in nursing, auto repair, etc., available through the Fox Valley Career Center are outstanding. And our building trades and graphics programs also provide training in real world skills. With college being almost a necessity, we must continue to expand our AP offerings to help prepare college-bound students for their next educational endeavor. I do think we should put more emphasis on career exploration because students often are not aware of the vast number of career opportunities available to them or the requirements for entering those professions.


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