Elections ’11: Tia Robinson, Candidate for Dist 428 School Board

Tia Robinson, Candidate for Dist 428 School Board (Incumbent)

Background:
I have an earned MBA and M.S. Managerial leadership from National Louis University, B.S. Speech Pathology from NIU, and an A.S. Business from Kishwaukee College. I have lived in Dekalb for over 20 years and raised three children who attended DeKalb Schools.

My educational and professional background has prepared me well for my continued role on the school board by allowing me to expand my knowledge of school law, school finance, and school governance from theory to practice.  As Academic Dean at Northwestern College and a Doctoral Student in Counseling and Adult Higher Education from Northern Illinois University, I have a clear understanding of both public education and higher education that will continue to compliment my service and role on the school board.  For example, I’m not simply reading about the challenges our children face but I’m living it and working in the trenches at all levels of education to improve these outcomes.

During my 8 year tenure on the school board, I have worked diligently to improve academic standards/student achievement, improve district facilities, increase parental involvement, make fiscally responsible decisions, hire and retain qualified teachers, and address the diverse needs of the community.  In doing so, I have served on the following district committees: curriculum, discipline, facilities & finance, policy, multicultural/diversity, collective bargaining, communications, and strategic planning.  Additionally, I have made solid decisions to advance the district vision and mission based on research, sound data, and best practices.

Why should people vote for you?
Because I have a genuine passion for all levels of education with a clear understanding of school policy, governance, and finance. I have served the district and community for 8 years.  Although challenging, I’ve continued to make the best decisions for the community as a whole which includes, our children, our families, our taxpayers, and our teachers.

Eight years ago, I heard the community ask for better facilities, a more rigorous curriculum, qualified teachers, quality instruction, and fiscal responsibility; to name a few.  I have worked diligently to develop a vision and plan to support the expectations of the community.  In doing so, passing a referendum to build a new high school, increasing academic standards and closing the achievement gap, supporting the professional development of new and existing teachers, supporting the needs of parents, redistricting, working to develop a district scorecard, while continuing to always delivering a balance budget without deficeit spending.

In all that I have worked to improve there is still work to do and my decision to seek re-election is to have the opportunity to continue the work that I have worked collaboratively with the board, superintendent, district employees, associations, etc. to achieve.  The parents, children, and community deserve consist leadership that understands the challenges of the district as well as the challenges we face from Springfield.  I believe that I am the best candidate for the position and that 8 years of consistent service, a professional background in education, a strong educational background, a parent, and long-term community member has provided me with a unique background that compliments my qualifications to serve the community, children, parents, and taxpayers collectively.