:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Q6WXYOF4K2QL26NX7M53EVKZBE.jpg)
Name
Edward J. McNally
Age
54
Current occupation
High School Science Teacher
Education
Dual Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Athletic Training
Master’s Level work in Biology and Exercise Physiology
Immediate family
Wife (Lisa), Son - Eddie (Age 12), Son - Owen (Age 11) Daughter Annie (Age 7)
Civic involvement
Current D-303 School Board Member, with attendant committee chair assignments
Illinois Coaches Association - Soccer Chairman 20-plus years
IHSA Volunteer Statistician 20-plus years
Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Sectional Coordinator
Multiple Committees at Proviso Township High School District 209, including Union Executive Board
Previous public offices held
Current D-303 School Board Member
Current Committee Chairs - Learning and Teaching Chair, Community Relations Co-Chair
Previous Committee Chairs - Learning and Teaching Co-Chair, Policy Co-Chair
Why have you decided to run for election/reelection in the St. Charles School Board race?
In short, to assure fiscal prudence, sound educational policy and transparency in the decision-making process within the school board. We need to balance high-quality, efficient education with fiscal responsibility to the community that largely funds that education.
We have an exceptional staff in our district. I have long maintained that the two most critical components for effective schools are competent teachers and motivated students, two assets we have in abundance. We need to assure that the teachers have the necessary tools to continue to provide high quality education to our students.
I hope to provide more transparency regarding decision-making in the district. Often decisions are made without adequate time for the public to understand policy ramifications, both educational and financial. I would like to think we have made headway in this regard, but I am interested in continuing meaningful community engagement regarding decisions being made within the district.
What project most needs to be completed in St. Charles School District 303? And how would you work to ensure the project is actually finished and done well?
Our most obvious priority is the consolidation of middle schools at the downtown campus. The decision has been made to consolidate Haines and Thompson into a single building, making ours a two middle school district. The timing of the project is important, and it should be completed as quickly as feasibly possible while minimizing disruption to the community, families, students and staffs at the schools. As a current board member, I have weighed in with my input regarding the initial project as well as the timing for its completion. I have differed regarding some of the particulars. For example, I suggested more modest upgrades at Thompson, in a modular fashion, to attend to immediate needs, with an eye toward additional future work should it be required. I felt this would allow the flexibility to save money while keeping us in position to react should the need arise for additional construction.
What experience and/or strengths would you bring to the school board if elected/reelected?
I have been a teacher for over 25 years, giving me an understanding of the ultimate impact of educational decisions being made. My background as a business owner, along with a degree in accounting, affords me the ability to view the financial decisions with a critical eye as well.
My experience as a board member has provided an insight into the inner workings of the decision-making process within the district. I am able to articulate my views in favor of or opposition to proposals brought to the board.
I have been in agreement with many decisions. More importantly, I have been opposed to some initiatives. In such cases, I am able to confidently express my opposition, knowing it is based on sound logic and informed reasoning.
Are you generally in favor of increasing school spending, lowering school spending, or maintaining school spending – keeping in mind that such decisions can affect local homeowners and the taxes they pay? Please explain your answer.
My inclination is always toward lowering spending. We are charged with responsibly handling public funds, so the level of school spending should be set by determining what is needed to properly sustain the schools, bearing in mind that the schools are funded by taxpayers who are dramatically overburdened in this state. Efficiencies should be found to reduce spending whenever possible. Although there has been some economic turnaround, this should not be a signal to move away from fiscal prudence.
We have to always be cognizant of the fact that we are spending the money of taxpayers in a state with just about the highest rate in the country.
What types of new technologies (computers, other devices/software) or styles of learning (such as blended learning) should the district focus on and/or implement in coming years?
District 303 has been keeping up with technology in education. The goal is to ultimately move to a 1/1 device-to-student ratio. We have been fairly current on software and learning technologies. Blended Learning is a model for using these technologies, and there can be tremendous utility in their use. However, I am concerned about students becoming over-reliant to the point that it supplants thought processes, particularly in the lower grades. Basic skills and socialization provide a strong foundation for all future learning, and so must be stressed. As a Science Teacher, I have seen the benefits of things like virtual labs. I have, however, also witnessed students heavily relying on and being distracted by technology, so my concern regarding this area has less to do with how much technology we implement than it does with how we properly implement and monitor its use.
What differentiates you from the other candidate (s) running for this seat?
I am able to see issues from more angles than most. I view decisions not just as a citizen, parent, or taxpayer, but as a teacher, former business owner and experienced board member as well. My degree in accounting is also helpful in this regard.
Outside of politics, what are some of your interests?
Given the ages of my children, my interests are generally focused around family, my kids’ activities, and church/community events.
Why should people vote for you in this race?
My background and experience place me in a position to provide oversight to help ensure that we are being fiscally prudent with taxpayer dollars while making sound educational decisions. It is my goal to work toward greater transparency regarding decisions made by the board and administration.