Patrick Patt: Independent Candidate for District 67 School Board Election

I am an independent candidate who is on the ballot for the District 67 School Board election on April 9th. I am completely self-funding my election campaign because of my life-long passion for education and my dedication to educational excellence. My 40 years of experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent will offer a wealth of knowledge to the school board and my position as an independent candidate will bring unique views to the table.

My present roles as a volunteer tutor at Everett School and as an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership demonstrate the on-going commitment I have to the field of education and to meeting the needs of all students.

I have posted my Biography and my Position Statement to inform Lake Forest voters about my background, my career in educational leadership, and my beliefs about meeting the needs of our community with a board that demonstrates openness, inclusion and  transparency.

PATRICK PATT    Years in Lake Forest: 23    Prior to his position as an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership, Patʼs career in education has encompassed 7 years as a middle school principal in Northbrook, 4 years as a school superintendent in River Grove and 18 years as the superintendent of neighboring Oak Grove District 68. While in District 68 Pat led curriculum innovations that brought second language instruction to all students in first through eighth grade, oversaw the expansion of the district as it tripled in size, passed four successful referenda, and insured the fiscal health of the district by monitoring the taxing process in Lake County. Through diligent review Pat noted an error in the county assessorsʼ office which, when corrected, led to increased revenue for a number of taxing jurisdictions in Lake County. Upon his retirement from District 68, Pat served as an Interim Superintendent in 3 school districts where he dealt with issues as complex as boundary changes, rapidly increasing needs for second language learners and negotiations with the federal government in the building of a middle school. During his career as an elementary school superintendent Pat also successfully negotiated over 10 teacher contracts. Occupation/Family: Adjunct Professor of Educational Leadership at Concordia University teaching graduate classes in Ethics and supervising Masterʼs Degree students in their year-long Administrative Internship program. Pat is married to Veronica Patt and has one grandchild at Sheridan School. Education: University of Chicago, post-graduate in Accounting and Finance; Loyola University, A.B.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision; Northeastern Illinois University, M.Ed. with Honors in Mathematics and B.A. with Honors in Mathematics/Education. Civic Experience: Volunteer tutor at Everett School; Board Member and Treasurer, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability; Past President and State Board Member of Illinois Common Cause; Board Member, Family Services of South Lake County; Volunteer academic tutor, Nuestro Center of Highland Park; Volunteer, Big Brother/ Big Sister of Lake County; Volunteer, PADS program of Lake County.

Position Statement: An exemplary board of education demonstrates three essential beliefs: 1) that providing a world-class education for every child is the first priority for financial resources, 2) that meeting challenges requires respect for and collaboration with all stakeholders in the community and 3) that openness and transparency guides every decision of the board. My experience as an educational leader has embodied each of those beliefs and is illustrated by a life-long commitment to meeting the needs of children with cutting-edge curriculum; by prudently managing the financial resources of five different communities; by engaging families and community members in the educational process and by earning a reputation for openness and honesty with parents, community members, unions and the media. With 22 years of experience in developing balanced budgets and tax levies I have the knowledge and skill to create prudent financial plans for District 67 which will allow us to weather challenges while remaining committed to our goals for educational excellence. I firmly believe that a key goal for the District 67 board must also include strengthening the social and emotional wellness of our children so theyʼre prepared to deal with a fast-paced world and ready to take their place as leaders in any field of endeavor they choose to pursue. My life-long involvement in education as a parent, teacher, administrator and community member demonstrates my dedication to making a difference in the life of every child and I pledge to bring that same commitment and dedication to the District 67 Board of Education.