Jill Martin Raymond
March 29, 2011 1:10PM
Office Sought: School Board Member, Steger School District 194
Name: Jill Martin Raymond, 3440 Florence Avenue, Steger, Ill. 60475
Date of Birth: August 24, 1965
Contact Information: jillmraymond@d
Home Phone: 708-754-4041
Education: Illinois State University, bachelor’s in psychology
Governors State University, master’s in psychology, certification in school psychology
Concordia University, master’s in educational leadership, certification in school administration
Occupation: Chicago Heights School District 170, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services
Income: Chicago Heights School District 170
Spouse: Don Raymond, Matteson School District 159
Children: Alexander, 18, Peter, 15, Anna, 11
I have a brother employed as a high school teacher in Aurora, Colo., my brother-in-law is employed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at O’Hare International Airport, and my husband is employed by School District 159 in Matteson, Ill.
Previous other elected offices: Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library Trustee, 2001, Elected to Steger School District 194 Board of Education in 2003, currently the board secretary
Never been arrested, no criminal record
Political Experience:
Eight years on the Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library and eight years on the Steger School District 194 School Board
Important Issues:
School finance and closing the achievement gap. School funding continues to decrease, which impacts the local school board’s ability to retain quality teachers and support staff as funding cuts are made. The decreased funding also impacts the extra-curricular/enrichment programs and many necessary resources for our students at all ability levels. I believe it is important and necessary to support early intervention through our preschool programs and all-day kindergarten along with the intervention support for our struggling students and enrichment activities for our high achieving students. I also believe it is important to bridge the home and school connection to give parents the support they need to assist them in being actively involved in their child/children’s education.
Explain something significant...
I would continue to support retaining quality teachers, early intervention programs, programs aimed at supporting students of all ability levels, and promoting the home/school connection. Retaining staff and academic programs are important areas to focus on when developing the budget. I would continue to support the effort of the administrative team and the dedication of our top quality teachers at the elementary schools and junior high school. Steger School District 194 schools continue to provide students with an excellent educational foundation and well rounded experiences.
Crating local jobs...
I don’t know that the office of school board member can necessarily help create local jobs. I think that through being fiscally responsible and focusing on the needs of our district, I can assist in the efforts to retain our quality staff. I believe that by providing the students of Steger School District 194 with a solid, well-rounded educational foundation they will be on their way to being successful, productive members of our community which hopefully leads to future employment opportunities.
Do you believe the current way Illinois pays for education is working?
I do not believe the current way Illinois pays for education is working. I think education needs to be a top priority in the Illinois budget. I know there are many other worthy agencies that also need to be at the top of the list but education affects everyone.
Would you make any changes to the budget?
I would like to review the current budget for School District 194 in an effort to prioritize our district’s needs if/when we need to reduce our staff. It is important to communicate as a team with the superintendent, administrators and school board members to develop a plan with a focus on student achievement.
