SJO School Board Candidate Les Hoveln Q and A

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board.

Why are you running for school board?
Frankly, I have missed it.  I was previously on the board for 12 years (2003-2015) and was President from 2011-2013.  In that time, I was fortunate to have worked with several great board members, administrators, and staff members at SJO.  I feel that my past experiences on the Board and my 34 years in the banking industry, I can be an asset to SJO.

What is the biggest challenge facing school districts?
School Funding and the overall financial condition of the State of Illinois.  This will continue to challenge the Board to provide the best possible education for our students while keeping a close eye on our finances while trying to minimize the tax burden on the taxpayers of our district.
 
What is SJO’s greatest strength?
  Our Administration, Staff and Community.  Our administration and staff truly care about our school and are committed to providing the students at SJO with the best education possible.  I also believe that our community is a strength to our district as well – whether it has been a referendum for a school building project or supporting our student/athletes at sporting events, the residents of our district have always been there for us.  Without their support, SJO would not be where it is today.
 
What do you think your biggest strength is regarding serving on school board?
I believe my biggest strength I can offer the district is my past experience on the SJO Board and my years of financial experience outside of the Board which I previously mentioned.  During those previous years on the Board, I  was involved in several building projects, negotiated several teachers contracts, hired several administrators, teachers and coaches and worked with the administration on numerous budgets and even worked thru a bus garage fire.  As a property owner in the district, I have a vested interest in the effects of the Boards decisions on the taxpayers of the district.
 
Tell me about your family.
I have been a life-long resident of the district (Class of 1980)
Married for 34 years (Lori also Class of 1980)
Twin Sons (Alex & Blake Class of 2012)
Born & Raised in Royal, Il 

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