District 113 School Board Candidate Q&A: Mark Mulert

Background: Mark Mulert has lived in Deerfield for 27 years. The structural engineer and software developer has two children currently enrolled in Deerfield High School. Mulert was a member of the District 113 leadership team last fall.

Highland Park Patch: Why run for the school board?

Mark Mulert: I decided to run for a seat when I found out two members are resigning. I am passionate about education and the development of our young adults; I have extensive volunteer and non-profit board experience and I will be a hard-working and effective member of the school board. Past dedicated and passionate board members contributed to the excellent schools my family now enjoys. I am ready to “pay-it-forward” and continue the effort to keep up the quality of our schools. I want to be sure the next generation of parents will be as proud to have their children attend school in District 113 as I am.

HP Patch: What are some of the things you would like to see change if elected?

Mulert: The district is, overall, in good shape. However, I think the infrastructure of the schools does not meet the needs of the students and staff. I would like to see improvements to remove much of the functional obsolescence of our physical plants. I believe these improvements would result from the proposed long-term facility and technology plan. At a school program level, I would to see a reverse of the trend at Deerfield High of students skipping actual dance events in lieu of alternate plans with their classmates. I think this is detrimental to school spirit.

HP Patch: Given the state of the economy, some residents feel that the school districts are wasting too much money on programs, pensions and the cost of each student to the district is too high. How do you feel about the current state of the district’s financials? 

Mulert: The district has been in a cost reduction mode for several years since recent revenues have shrunk. Over $3 million has been trimmed from the operating budgets. The multiple districts in our area have combined some of their purchasing activity to enjoy price reductions from higher volumes. Despite the challenges, our AAA bond rating is an indication of the positive assessment of our financial strength from outside rating bodies. Since I have two children at DHS, I evaluate the costs and benefits of our schools each year when I look at my tax bill. The district is clearly providing high-quality education and a positive life-preparation experience for my kids and I think the cost is appropriate. It is a great “value." My wife and I lived in Deerfield for over 12 without kids and during that time the tax burden was acceptable because a strong and healthy school system has a positive impact on the community and property values. I do not think the district costs are too high and I do not think we are wasting money on programs.

HP Patch: How do you plan to vote regarding funding distribution in the coming years?

Mulert: I will evaluate each funding issue on its own merit and vote for or against based on that assessment. I don’t believe that a fixed plan for future votes on funding is prudent nor would it be in the best interest of our schools and community.

HP Patch: Talk about the future of the high schools — should District 113’s referendum for funding to improve the high schools pass, do you feel the tax payer’s money will be well spent? How will you communicate with residents that are opposed?

Mulert: The current school facilities have been well managed and many of the components, such as HVAC systems, pools, and even buildings at HPHS, have been stretched far beyond their design life with creative maintenance and hard work by the district and school staffs. Many aspects of the physical plant were simply not designed for the current energy or technology demands. In order for the buildings to be effective in the future a significant overhaul of many components is in order. I was a member of the community team that evaluated the Wight architectural proposal, the community feedback and the staff feedback last fall. This group worked with Wight and the District 113 staff to revise and refine the plan to strike an appropriate balance between cost and critical repairs that are needed to support effective education of ALL of the students. I firmly believe that this is a well researched plan with significant community feedback and the taxpayers’ money, my own included, will be well spent. As a board member, open and direct communication with all community members is essential - whether they are in agreement on any particular point or not. So I would work tirelessly to ensure that those opposed to the referendum remain involved so they can influence the project as it proceeds.

HP Patch: District 113 has Academic Watch Status by the standards of No Child Left Behind. What are some things the school board can do to help the schools meet these standards?

Mulert: First, we should be sure that the No Child left Behind (NCLB) standards and the range of students impacted by the Watch Status are clearly understood by the board. The board should then request action plans from the school staff who are most closely involved with the education of these students. Special consideration should be given to plans for effectively improving the performance of these students. Any such plans can then be evaluated for expansion potential in order to improve the education of all students.

HP Patch: Highland Park High School students have begun the planning process for a teen center. While this planning process is completely independent of the schools, what are some things the school board can do to provide and endorse safe places for students and teens to go after school?

Mulert: One of the main reasons I support a balance of academic and extra-curricular activities is that the extra-curricular clubs, productions or teams provide just such a safe option for teens. At recent board meetings I’ve seen kids from the robotics club and from poetry competitions, and my own children participate on sports teams. All of these activities are great alternatives to ‘getting in trouble’ or just ‘hanging out’.  The board should actively promote, and consider expanding, our extra-curricular programs.

HP Patch: District 113 has students that come from low income and non-native English speaking families. How will the school board reach out to these families to involve them in their neighborhood schools and children’s education?

Mulert: The current Equity in Excellence program is a great project and this should be promoted and expanded. Continued use of bilingual messaging and, where possible, bilingual staff, should also be considered. Inclusion and equal education for ALL students, regardless of social, economic or cultural background is very important to me. Our son Kevin is biracial and so our family is more keenly in tune with potential racial issues than most.

HP Patch: How will the school board promote partnerships between all parents, teachers and the board?

Mulert: Direct communication is a key to effective partnerships. Promoting open dialogue will also lead to better partnerships. Actively recruiting parents has worked with me as a parent in the past, so I would suggest this approach. High school staff should be tasked with identifying parents who are likely to participate or whose children would most benefit. Finally, meaningful partnership programs must be created, or parents will not follow through.