CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  Donald K. Schorr         Position Sought:  School Board - Pekin School District 108

1.  Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking the office of school board member to further my dedication of ensuring bright future for my children and grandchildren.

2.  What are your qualifications for this office?

I have volunteered thirteen years at various 108 schools and believe I can bring in fresh ideas and an open mind to this office.

3.  Have you ever owned or managed a business?  If yes, please explain.

Yes, I have helped my parents in the management of their business.

4.  Do you have any experience with labor relations?  If so, please explain.

Yes, I successfully negotiated our last contract at Prairie Farms Dairy, ensuring a 6 year continuation of our Labor Force.

5.  What role, if any, do you believe the school district should play in the attraction of new residents to Pekin?

New residents of Pekin will look at the quality of education the school district provides along with a strong labor force that is working together to provide a better way of life for their family.

6.  Given that one of the critical elements in business retention and attraction is the quality of the local educational system, what would you do to develop the relationship between the education and business communities?

I would offer myself and encourage other board members to make themselves available to all business leaders for open disscusion on any concerns.

7.  What do you see as the role of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations in local education?

As stated in the previous answer business and education has to work together to ensure Pekin's success.

8.  What are your thoughts on school district consolidation?

School consolidation is a good idea but at this time it is not possible because of our laws.  If our laws are changed in the future and it proves beneficial to the children I will back it.

9.  What are your thoughts about James Field?

James Field can be a bright spot for our community if developed properly.

10.  What are your thoughts about the school district's current finances?  Are there opportunities to cut expenses?  Specifically, where are those opportunities?  Are there areas where spending needs to be increased?  Specifically, where does spending need to increase and where would that money come from?

At this time the finances being handled properly thanks to Matt as with all things the correct way to do things is to have people in place that know how to do their job correctly.  If cuts are needed materials come before people.  Teachers can teach without materials but materials cannot teach.

11.  What do see as the role of a school board member?

The role of a school board member is to listen with an open mind and use common sense deal with problems and create solutions honestly and without discrimination.

12.  If elected, what would be your top three priorities?

First priority will be to the children of the district and making sure they get the best education possible.  Secondly maintain fisical responsibility to the tax payers.  Thirdly be an advocate of the city in all aspects of my life.

13.  At the end of your term in office, how will you know if you've been successful?

If I can walk away at the end of my term with my head held high and I believe I have accomplished my goals to ensure that the community is better than when I began, I know I would have been successfully.