Morris District 101 school board candidate Steven Halcomb submitted this questionnaire, answering The Herald-News' questions about the 2017 board race.

Name: Steven Halcomb

Political party: Independent - No Party Affiliation

Age: 43

Address: 1405 W Sherrill Rd

Marital status: Married

Significant other: Linette Halcomb

Profession: Airline Pilot

Employer: Southwest Airlines

Email address: illini737@msn.com

Website: N/A

Children: (4) Alexis 20, Nathaniel 18, Erika 15, Katherine 13

Education: B.S. Education University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 96' (Dean's List)

Graduate University of Illinois Institute of Aviation 94'

Certified Flight Instructor

Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic License

Airline Transport Pilot

Why are you running for Morris District 101 school board?

-To bring a fresh perspective to the issues facing our community and ensure close parental involvement is always welcome in our district.

What are your qualifications to serve as a school board member?

-Formerly taught as an Assistant Professor at The University of Illinois specializing as a Flight Instructor. Additional emphasis in Vocational & Technical Education. Currently serving as a volunteer youth football coach with the Morris Warriors for the past 11 years. Also serving as a volunteer National Chief Judge in Collegiate Aviation Safety Competitions for 16 years.

What are the greatest challenges the district is facing in the coming years?

-Future selections in leadership and financial decisions

If elected, what will be your top three priorities?

1. Working with others to select the best leaders in our district

2. Continue to develop a positive winning culture in academics and athletics

3. Reaching out to the community to see what facility upgrades they are willing to support