Scott Linn: District 102 School Board Candidate

Name: Scott Linn

Age: 60

Family: Marla (spouse), Brittany--age 27 and Bradley--age 24 (children) 

Eduction: A.B. in Political Science from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign campus, 1974) and J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law--1977.

Occupation: Attorney. I own and operate the Deerfield-based Law office of Scott Linn.

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Vernon Township Democratic Precinct Committeeman--1988 to Present.

Community involvement: Member, District 102 Future Planning Committee; Member, District 102 21st Century Technology Committee; Assistant Coach, Buffalo Grove Park District Girls Softball; Member, Temple Jeremiah Men's Group; Board Member, Anti-Defamation League Executive Board of Greater Chicago. 

Position Sought: Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102 Board Member.

Campaign E-Mail address: slinn@att.net

Campaign Committee: Citizens To Elect Scott Linn

Campaign Website: N/A

Campaign Facebook: Scott Linn For Aptakisic-Tripp District 102 Board Member.

Campaign Twitter: N/A. 

Why are you running?

Because of my passion for and commitment to education. Education is the key building block in our children's future. The United States cannot adequately participate and compete in the global world and economy, without our children being given an education which will allow them to do so. My children were given a superb education by District 102 and the SEDOL Program. This is my way of giving back to the community and helping future generations.  

In what ways would the school district benefit from your service?

My background and previous participation in various District 102 school committees will be of great value as a Board member. I have lived in the district for several years and am very familiar with its needs, including education-related needs. Further, I have been a member of the Future Planning Committee and 21st Century Technology Committee. In addition, I have attended most Board meetings over the last few years. This has given me insights and perspectives into the district's present and future needs. 

What is the biggest challenge the school district faces and what should be done to address it?

 Making sure that the synergy between teachers, students and the community is maintained. This has been the underpinning of District 102's great success. The district has put together a fabulous team of teachers and administrators. This has fostered innovative, effective programming, which incorporates state of the art technology, into the curriculum. Strong community support for this type of programming and learning, has been crucial to the district's success. This support must be maintained. Another challenge involves the State of Illinois financial situation. At present, State funds make up very little of the district's overall funding formula. However, a reduction in these funds would negatively affect the future funding formula and financial planning. Further, some state legislators have proposed shifting pension cost obligations from the State to local school districts. If this becomes reality, the district's financial situation will be adversely affected in ways that cannot now be determined. 

What do you think the district does well?

The district does a number of things well, including: (a) attracting and retaining superb teachers and administrators; (b) putting together an excellent curriculum which is consistently reviewed and improved upon, by both teachers and administrators. The emphasis on such things as "social-emotional" learning as opposed to just test score achievement, has better prepared students for high school and beyond; (c) maintaining a great record of financial stability. The district has executed a sound, long-term financial plan and avoided budget deficits. This has led to the district's getting a AAA bond rating from both Standard and Poors and Moody's; (d) the Board, the administration and the teachers have developed an excellent working relationship. This relationship has been a major factor in District 102 continuing to be one of the finest school district's in the northern suburbs. The district has not been disrupted by contentious teacher strikes or contract negotiations. 

What should be some of the school district’s priorities over the next four years?

Over the next 4 years the district's priorities should include: (a) the attraction and retention of excellent teachers and administrators: (b) maintaining and enhancing the positive relationship and synergy between the Board, the administration, the teachers and the community as a whole; (c) maintaining the district's strong financial posture. This has allowed the district to retain great teachers, continue implementing its excellent curriculum and plan for the future; (d) continue incorporating state of the art technology into the classroom. The role of technology in learning will only increase over time. The district must keep pace with this trend; and (e) work to enhance parental involvement from the various cultural and ethnic groups which are becoming an ever bigger part of the district's changing demographics. The district has already begun doing this and should continue those efforts. 

What else would you like voters to know?

That District 102 is one of the top elementary school districts in all of Illinois. For that to continue many, if not all, of the things I have discussed [here] must continue to be priorities which are accomplished. No one or two factors have led to District 102's success. The community must take an active role and continue to be engaged in the governing process. That is a major reason why I am running for the Board. I will work to encourage community participation.