For Batavia Students
Improve Academics, Increase transparency,
Expect higher results with higher tax dollars!
Jeff Ekstrom’s statement on school district improvements:
“The first issue to tackle is improving test scores and proficiency rates throughout the district. We would take a close look at the current curriculum, collaborate with the teachers, and formulate a plan to fix the troubled areas. Also we will take a look at surrounding school districts and compare their curriculums to Batavia’s. This will allow us to see what is working and what is not working within those districts. Have open and honest communications with the teachers and community.”
Kris Rayman statement on critical items to address within the district:
“A lack of focus from the district and accountability are the biggest reasons why our academic performances are dropping. Students should be expected to turn assignments in on time, as an example. We are not preparing them for college or work after high school if they are conditioned to view assignments as optional or are able to turn them in weeks late.
The current board president even acknowledged that academics has not been the primary focus. The district decided about 5 or so years ago that protecting feelings was more important than expecting academic excellence. Since that time, the number of students not reaching proficiency levels in ELA and math has increased by 50%.
The critical item that parents are demanding that can be done quickly, i.e. first, is being transparent to them and the taxpayers. I will fight any attempts to exclude or spin any information that a parent or taxpayer would want to know. The district needs to stop worrying about how something will derail their agenda. What’s best for parents, students, and taxpayers should be the focus of their agenda. Also - the district needs to stop fearing information getting out that will make it accountable. The district must be willing to be accountable to parents, students, and taxpayers.”
15/03/2023
Watch: Batavia District 101 school board candidates discuss issues Six of seven candidates for Batavia Unit District 101 school board met with the Daily Herald Editorial Board to discuss issues in the campaign.
27/02/2023
Did you know? Batavian's pay ~$900 more per student than nearby districts? Our proficiency rates continue to drop since 2017!
17/02/2023
Info on the referendum on the ballot 4/4/23. It WILL NOT raise your taxes, but they are not telling you what would happen to your taxes if it does not go through.
Referendum | BPS101 On Tuesday, January 10, the Board of Education met to deliberate placing a referendum question on the April 4, 2023, ballot. With over 14,000 votes cast on November 8, 2022, the District’s referendum failed by a slim margin of 24 votes. Following the November decision, the BOE collected input from...
17/02/2023
April 4th 2023!
KANE COUNTY EARLY VOTING AND VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT DATES & LINK:
https://www.kanecountyclerk.org/Elections
April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election, Early Voting
March 10 – April 3, 2023 Kane County Main Office 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg B Geneva
March 20 – April 3, 2023 Locations to be posted in the next few weeks.
08/02/2023
Jeff has lived in the district for the last ten years, with his wife and two children; one child attends Batavia High School (freshman) and the other child is a junior at a special needs program through the district. Jeff is an international airline pilot and is a proud union member and leader of airline pilots. Jeff has been the Vice Chairman and Membership Committee Chair for the Association of Union of International Pilots. Jeff is a large advocate for special needs community and volunteer efforts support that community.
08/02/2023
Gabrielle has lived in Batavia for 6 years with her husband, three children and she is the legal guardian of a special needs sister. Her children are in 6th grade at Rotolo and a Junior & Senior at the high school. She is active in local community groups, coaching volleyball, baseball, softball & basketball, and active as the Booster Liaison for the HS Volleyball team. She often volunteers for special community events like Toys for Tots and also runs an adult women’s volleyball league. Gabrielle’s education and professional experience include Special Education and she obtained a Bachelors in Special Education from NIU.
08/02/2023
Kris and his wife Betsy have lived in the district for 17 years. Their son is at RMS, and their two daughters are at BHS. Kris has been actively involved in the community for activities ranging from Feed My Starving to coaching his children's sports teams. He currently coaches his son's Batavia feeder basketball team that is aligned with the BHS basketball program. Prior to this, he coached several seasons for his kids' TCSA soccer teams and BYB baseball teams. His commonsense approach to problem solving is needed on the board. Kris is running on three key items: 1. Most critically, we need to improve our children's education. Batavia's test scores are significantly below other schools in the area. 2. We need to be good stewards of our residents' tax dollars. We pay significantly more in taxes per student than nearby districts. 3. The district needs to be transparent to parents and taxpayers. This is true not only for the major items that everyone hears about; this is true regarding direct questions from parents.