More and more local candidates have decided that the internet is a good place to campaign.

Running for re-election in Cary is taxpayer advocate Chris Jenner. Here’s where you find his web site.

Here’s some of what the school board member who probably was the first in Illinois to proposal anti-pay-to-play legislation for a local tax district:

I am seeking re-election to the Cary D-26 school board. I’m very proud of what the D-26 board has accomplished over the past four years.

I’ve gained a good understanding of how the system works and what the main problems are. I’d like to continue working on the improvements that need to be made to maintain D-26’s superior delivery of educational services and bring us to a stable financial model.

I started following education closely in the late 1990s after reading several articles questioning America’s intellectual superiority. Education is a fourth need for survival, right behind food, clothing, and shelter. My involvement in education is driven by wanting our children to become a literate and educated electorate, and to be highly functional and successful in a global economic society.

When reviewing school performance, one can’t help but compare educational results with the level of spending. The primary purpose of schools is to educate children — not to be free health care centers, jobs programs, or government fund raising operations.

Excellent education requires outstanding staff and programs, and engaged parents. It also demands that every dollar is spent as efficiently as possible, and has education of the students as the top priority.

For your children, your budget, and our community, I’m humbly asking to earn your vote on April 7.

I back up the importance I hold of educating children by my words, votes, and initiatives. Details follow, statements and votes can be verified in online meeting minutes. Call or email me to set up a neighborhood meeting if you would like to share your concerns about Cary’s K-8 schools, and to get to know me and my philosophies — and/or to help the campaign.

Phone 847-421-7655
Email cjenner01@yahoo.com

What Chris Jenner would Strive to Accomplish in his Second Term

• Continue to support a zero-based budget process to balance the district’s budget
• Expand, formalize, and closely monitor the bidding process to improve spending efficiency
• Continue to support and monitor implementation of Learning Expectations to keep D-26 academically strong
• Develop a plan to significantly reduce the district’s long-term debt
• Initiate a plan that will make D-26 a leader in renewable energy in schools
• Continue to identify and publicize government mandates and programs that force spending with little to no benefit to D-26 students
• Resolve funding issues with money saved from reduction of waste, fraud, and corruption, rather than higher taxes

Chris Jenner’s Support of Children’s Academic Experience and Achievement

Chris Jenner led

• D-26-specific Learning Expectations that exceed Illinois State Standards
• Establishment of the Board of Education Curriculum Committee and goals

Chris Jenner supported

• Superintendent’s recommendation for class size guidelines
• Recommended reduction in 3rd/4th grade class size guidelines
• Plan for Brian Coleman to prepare for and become District 26 Superintendent, and his subsequent professional development
• Adoption of Glencoe science curriculum recommended by teachers and administration
• Approval of Educational Support Personnel handbook and associated compensation and merit pay provisions

As a public school system “outsider” I’ve taken the step of visiting every D-26 facility (including the Transportation Center) at least once annually while school is in session to stay in touch with what goes on in our schools.

I also support the Cary 26 Education Foundation by participating in Foundation events, setting up the Motorola Foundation to match donations to the Cary 26 Ed Foundation, and leading Board of Education sponsorship (with our own personal funds!) of a hole in the Foundation golf outings.

Chris Jenner on Fiscal Responsibility and Good Government

Chris Jenner led and authored

• Voluntary Transparency (Policy 2:250)
• No Pay for Play (Policy 4:60)
• Accountability in Vendor Selection (Policy 4:60)
• Resolution asking legislators to oppose the proposed tax swap (April 21, 2008, sec. 9.2)
• Resolution calling for legislation to exempt schools from the Prevailing Wage Act (August 18, 2008, sec 9.2)

Chris Jenner supported

• Directing adoption of a zero-based budgeting process
• Sale of the Administration Center Building
• Policy limiting board member expense reimbursement (Policy 2:125)

Chris Jenner opposed and voted against

• Display or adoption of any budget in which planned spending exceeded revenues
• Complying with government mandates that spend money with no academic benefit or are unfunded
• Any motion that would lead to a net tax increase on Cary residents