Election 2013: Donna Wandke

Name: Donna Wandke 

Position sought: District 203 School Board

Campaign contact information—

• Website:www.vote4wandke203.com
• E-mail address:  vote4wandke203@gmail.com
• Phone:  630-712-5664
• Address: 1946 Hidden Bay Ct., Naperville, IL 60565

Age: 43

Family (name, relationship and age): My family has resided in Naperville for over 19 years.  I am married to my wonderfully supportive husband Norm and we are raising three boys who attend Steeple Run, Madison, Naperville Central and previously Scott Schools.  Yes, that is four schools because we have blessed to have children across the spectrum of learning from special education to PI+, an honors magnet program.  Through my children we have had the pleasure of experiencing many programs provided by the district including band, orchestra, athletics and clubs.

Education (degree and school):

• Master of Education, 1997, National-Louis University

Concentration in Administration and Supervision

Overall Grade Point Average 4.0/4.0

• Bachelor of Science, 1991, Elmhurst College

Double Major:  Mathematics and Athletic Training

Overall Grade Point Average 3.9/4.0

Occupation and Work History:

Responsibilities:  speaking, teaching, initiating and running student leader program, planning special events and serving 160 students and their families

Responsibilities extended beyond the classroom to include:

Responsibilities:  Instructor for Mathematics Methods for Elementary School Teachers

Responsibilities:  Engineering and Purchasing departments

Responsibilities:  Claims department, budgeting and additionally designed and wrote program for payroll

Political party affiliation, If any: Independent

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

In addition to my extensive work experience the following volunteer experiences and awards show further qualifications for the balance I would bring to the District 203 School Board.

• “Those Who Excel” District 203 Community Award

• Chaired and/or participated in eight Home & School Committees
• Initiated and developed Chess Program at Scott School
• Initiated and developed Curriculum Connections at Scott School
• Volunteered at: Scott, Steeple Run, Madison and Naperville Central
• Attend Board of Education and Home & School Board meetings
• Committee Chair Boy Scout Troop 75
• Mathematics Tutor
• Den Leader Cub Scout Pack 565 and Hiking Club Chair
• President of Hobson School Parent Board and Advisory Board Member
• Hobson Owl Award for outstanding contributor to Cooperative Preschool
• Soccer and Chess Coach

I am running for District 203 School Board because this position will allow me to serve our community using my expertise in both education and administration. My passion for education has driven me to serve for hours in Naperville classrooms working along side students ranging from preschool to college age.  My background will provide balance, a broad perspective and a complete package of what is needed from a School Board Member.  

Implementation of the Common Core Standards is one of the largest state mandated changes that currently challenge our district.  The Board of Education will make many curricular decisions as we transition into these Common Core Standards.  As a person who has experience with curriculum adoption, district level curriculum committees and extensive curriculum research, I will provide insight and guide our district into the future by asking appropriate questions and working within limited state funding.

I have the most experience within District 203 and will bring a balance to the Board. From 1992-2000, I was a mathematics teacher at Naperville North. During this time my involvement progressed beyond the classroom to district level committees with a focus in curriculum. Outside of my educational experience, my mathematical and statistical skills served me well as I oversaw budgets from many organizations, developed programs for payroll and worked in purchasing.

I have lived, worked and volunteered in Naperville for over 19 years.  All of this time I have had the pleasure of working with students and have a pulse on what students need from our educational system.  As a parent I have experienced a broad spectrum of services from special education to honors in our District.  Having children in elementary, junior high and high school adds to my balance and diverse perspective.  

The people that make up our community caring for each other and dedicated to a high level of education.  There is an African proverb “It takes a whole village to raise a child” and many people in our community have contributed to helping raise my children.  As I serve, I too have had an impact on many students and would love the opportunity to continue to serve students and our community on the School Board.

Naperville is a very competitive community from the classroom to the stadium, which raises not only the standards for our students but the pressures and stresses that weigh on them.  Some competition can be healthy but too much can cause a negative social and emotional impact on our children.  Keeping the well being of our students in mind should be included in the efforts of a quality School Board member such as myself.