:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/3XJ6C5LWLSXIKUDHYVLTSVGPEE.jpg)
Morris District 101 school board candidate Kim Puckett submitted this questionnaire, answering The Herald-News' questions about the 2017 board race.
Name: Kim Puckett
Political party:
Age: 49
Address: 2005 Prairie Rose Drive Morris
Marital status: Married
Significant other: Chris
Profession: Teacher and Realtor
Employer: Minooka Community High School and RE/MAX Top Properties
Email address: kimpuckett2005@yahoo.com
Website:
Children: 3 – Cole- 19, Keegan- 13, Kenzie- 12
Education: Bachelors- Eastern Illinois University, Masters in Educational Administration- Lewis University, Certified in Special Education, Elementary Education, Type 75 – Educational Administration
Why are you running for Morris District 101 school board?
Quite simply, I am running for school board for Morris District 101 to help my community. I realize that the next several years are going to be very important to the students and staff of Morris High School, due to the change of the administration because of the retirement of Dr. Halloran and Mr. Hussey. Having the right people in those top positions is crucial to the success of the district. The staff and students can be affected negatively by a poor administration. Given my experience in education, I believe that I would be an asset to the District 101 school board. Having one son that has successfully completed his education through Morris High School and having a very positive experience, it is my desire to see the excellence continue.
What are your qualifications to serve as a school board member?
Having been an educator for 20 plus years, I feel that I am very qualified to serve as a school board member. I have taught at every level from 3rd grade through high school throughout my career. I am highly qualified in many areas as well as I have a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Therefore, I am quite familiar with the day-to-day operations of a public school, as well as the challenges that they face.
What are the greatest challenges the district is facing in the coming years?
The biggest challenge that most, if not all, of the public schools are dealing with in the state of Illinois is the financial deficit that the State is creating by not funding programs that have been promised. The decisions that have to be made about future of programs due to this deficit, while maintaining the best educational opportunities for students is a huge challenge.
The second challenge that I feel the district is facing is providing challenging coursework necessary for the students. College and universities are continuing to raise their standards for their incoming freshmen students, Morris High School needs to stay current to ensure that our students are prepared for the rigors of college.
The final challenge I feel is important is the changing of the administration due to retirement in the coming years. It is crucial that the proper administration is hired to continue the work that has been set in motion by the current administration.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities?
To be honest, I do not have a set agenda behind my running for District 101 School Board.
My top priority is to assist in any way that I can to maintain the excellence in education and programs that Morris High School provides to it’s students.
My priority is to ensure that the teachers and staff feel supported and have the resources that they need to serve the students to the best of their abilities.
My priority is to serve my community in a way that I feel I am very qualified to do so.