Therese Lahart
March 29, 2011 12:30PM
Updated: March 29, 2011 12:30PM
Office sought: School Board Member Palos Heights District 128
Name: Therese Lahart
Address: 12442 South Meade; Palos Heights, IL 60463
E-mail: telahart@hotmail.com
Education: BA Mathematics St. Xavier MA Education St. Xavier University
Occupation: Adjunct Math Instructor Local Community Colleges
Adult Children: Tim—recreational therapist; Bridget—Special Education Teacher, Dan—retail store manager, Meghan—Doctor of Physical Therapy
What other elected offices have you sought? What year?
I have been an elected School Board Member for 20 years.
Are there any other issues you want to bring to the public’s attention? If so, what?
Adequate school funding is always an important issue with any educational organization. Our district is fortunate in that we do not rely on State funding for the majority of our operating budget. In these difficult financial times, our district has had a balanced budget for the past 4 years. I am fortunate to serve on a Board that continues to be fiscally responsible while still offering our students and teachers an excellent environment for teaching and learning. Our teachers and students work very diligently to make AYP every year. I am very proud of all of the educators and students in District 128.
The buzz from Springfield is school consolidation. District 128 is a small successful district. I am opposed to forced school consolidation. Large districts throughout the state are failing. I truly do not believe that large bureaucracies ever save the taxpayers any money…they just seem to create top tier jobs for somebody’s political cronies. Local control of finance and curriculum is very important.
Our district is beginning the process of creating a Strategic Plan. I think that this process will enlightening and give the district direction for continued success. I look forward to working with administrators, teachers and local community members to develop the plan and then provide the support necessary to see the plan implemented.
