Q&A With School Board Candidate Rosemary Swanson

Rosemary Swanson is a veteran school board member with 12 years of service under her belt. She is the business manager at , an academic bowl question provider in Wheaton, and graduated from North Central College in Naperville. Swanson has had three children go through District 200 schools and has served on district committees including Report Card, Testing, Health and Library committees throughout her 32 years as a Wheaton resident. She has Master Board level training from the Illinois Association of School Boards and volunteers for the disability ministry at College Church. 

Wheaton Patch: What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Rosemary Swanson: For the same basic reason I ran the first time: I love the communities of our district and believe there is no higher contribution than to ensure our children are well prepared for their future. 

I am always inspired by the character and potential our students, and I want to make sure their school experience is one of excellence that prepares them for any path they choose in our global world.

Patch: What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Swanson: To provide a steady hand to continue moving us forward as we navigate through challenging times. Despite the economy, our students only get one chance at each grade level in their school career, and we can’t slow down. As we wrestle with the economic realities of today, we need to keep dreaming and planning big things for our students’ tomorrow. I believe I have the experience and discernment necessary to strike that balance.

Patch: What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Swanson: As a 32 year resident, with 21 years of parent volunteering, I understand the values and traditions of the communities served by our district. My 12 years of Board service have given me a deep background knowledge about our programs and our people.  I have a strong work ethic and good number/analytical skills. I try to set a tone of graciousness and respect at the Board table that will inspire the best in our staff. 

Patch: How long have you lived in Wheaton?

Swanson: On April 7, Ron and I will be married 32 years, all of which we spent in Wheaton, in the same house, where we raised all three of our children.

Patch: What's your favorite thing about Wheaton?

Swanson: The people and the memories.  We have raised our children here and now it’s fun to see all their friends as young adults.  It’s a solid community that values diversity, service, the fine arts, and education.  Also the Popcorn Shop, eating Dairy Queen by the fountain, 4th of July fireworks…it will always be home!  

Patch: What is the biggest problem facing District 200?

Swanson: The unpredictability of state funding/mandates piled on top of the general economic crunch.  Last minute funding cuts/defaults in the millions of dollars, and unfunded mandates, tend to put districts in a reactive mode, rather than building for the future.  Increasing our fund balances would help us be less affected by the state, but needs a careful eye to make sure we are not doing that at the cost of student opportunities. 

Patch: What ideas do you have for District 200—whether new ideas or on current issues facing the board?

Swanson: Future initiatives: expand AP enrollment across student groups; dual college credits with COD; online learning opportunities for specialized courses; more information online including user friendly budgets/financials; expanded foreign language; in-district student internships; having a student-Board liaison or other regular student feedback mechanism.  I am a strong supporter of the fine arts and other extra curriculars that build character and life-long skills.

Patch: What are your thoughts on these issues: eliminating class rank, academic achievement, Hubble? 

Swanson: Class Rank : I want to make the decision based on data.  I understand the problem of our students getting penalized because we are a high achieving district. We also want our students motivated to stretch themselves and work hard.  If possible, allowing families to choose how to send transcripts (weighted/ unweighted, ranked/unranked) would be ideal.  I also favor more options for “I” level classes taken for “A” level credit with extra work. 

Hubble: I support our Board decision to sell the property and put it back on the tax roll. It fulfills the promise we made to voters during the referendum. The green space is unbuildable, and we specified that a developer work with the park district to keep the space for public use.  The value of the property is its potential to stimulate downtown growth and raise the entire EAV, which generates our operating funds.

Academic achievement:  Our test scores are high and rising, and we continue to receive numerous awards. I support the initiatives of our new superintendent to make sure the goal of preparing our students for college and career in the 21st century is understood at every grade level, beginning in kindergarten.  We need to make sure we continue to retain highly qualified teachers and invest in technology.