Election 2013 Candidate: Karen Gibbs

Name: Karen Gibbs

Position Sought: School Board Member - District 101

Campaign Contact Information: kgibbs0204@gmail.com

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: My single most important priority would be to support the administration and teachers in delivering quality education to District 101 students, with a continuing focus on ensuring that every student thrives both academically and from a social/emotional standpoint. I also take very seriously the need to do so in a fiscally prudent fashion. I believe that it is crucial that we look at all alternatives to maximize resources. For example, last year we re-financed bonds early to take advantage of low interest rates.

Home Address: 3912 Central Ave, Western Springs IL 60558

Family Members:

G. Gary Gibbs, M.D., husband, 50
Malcolm Dunlop, son, 18
Gillian Dunlop, daughter, 16
Virginia Gibbs, daughter, 6

Education:

Georgetown University, 1987, B.S.F.S.
University of Virginia, 1989, M.A.
University of Virginia, 1992, J.D.

Current Occupation and Employer: Vice President and Senior Counsel, CVS Caremark

Political Party Affiliation:

Why are you seeking office?: I have served on the District 101 School Board since 2009. Our Board has done a strong job of collaborating with the administration and teachers to deliver an excellent education to students while being very mindful of the need to use taxpayer dollars prudently. By adding another term to my service, I would facilitate Board continuity. I believe that I have insights gained during my years of Board service and during my 18 years of parenting that will help the District as it works to integrate significant personnel changes (2 new building principals and 1 new assistant superintendent) in the next few years, as well as confronting sensitive issues such as the appropriate role of technology in the schools and the likely demand from the State that local districts share some component of the teacher pension fund shortage.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?: I have a substantial amount of experience as a parent, as a school board member, and as a volunteer in the schools. My oldest child is headed to college in the fall. The perspectives that I've gained from 18 years of parenting are invaluable. My experience on the board allows me to see the nuances of many decisions, and the importance of finding win-win solutions so as to facilitate strong relationships among the board, the administration, parents, teachers, students and taxpayers. I have also done quite a bit of "on the ground" volunteering over the years -- including serving as the co-president of the McClure PTO.

See also:

Election 2013: D101 Board