Election 2013: Jan Shaw

Jan Shaw is one of nine candidates running for the Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education in the 2013 election. Shaw, 55, is a retiree who worked as a software developer for telephone switching systems at AT&T/Lucent and a substitute teacher in District 200 schools and Glenbard high schools. She graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in math and from National Lewis University with a certificate to teach high school math. She lives in Wheaton with her husband, Craig, and has four sons in their 20s. 

Name: Janet “Jan” Shaw

Position sought: District 200 Board of Education

Campaign contact information: 

• Website: http://janshaw200.com/
• E-mail address: janshaw200@yahoo.com
• Address: Wheaton, IL

Age: 55 (56 on election date)

Family (name, relationship and age): Husband, Craig; and sons, Mike, Brian, Will and Phil (all in their 20s)

Education (degree and school):

• Purdue (BS in math, minors in economics and computer science) 1978,
• National Lewis University—certificate to teach High school math 2004

Occupation:

• Retired.
• Developed software for telephone switching systems at AT&T/Lucent (1979-2002). 
• Substitute taught in many District 200 schools and Glenbard high schools. 

Political party affiliation, if any: This contest is non-partisan

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:  I have been following school board decisions and occasionally attending board meetings for 20 years.  I am a certified teacher and have successfully raised four sons, who are now living their American Dream.

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

At the December 2012 School board meeting, I witnessed the board decision to raise the tax levy to the maximum allowed by law with no discussion of the need for the money, or discussion of the residents’ ability to pay (only Mr. Gambaiani voted No). I heard one board member imply that those who cannot afford their taxes should move. I decided that the taxpayers need someone who will look out for their interest.

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

Representing Taxpayers for affordable, quality schools. The purpose of schools is to educate children. Through curriculum, sports and extracurricular activities we must inspire all students to become the best they can be. The “American Dream” is achievable by all. School policies must give teachers the freedom and resources to be their best, so that they in turn will inspire students to be their best. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I will do my homework and ask questions. I am the only one who has vocally opposed the Jefferson Early Childhood Center (a.k.a. pre-school) referendum. CUSD 200 received a capital improvement grant for $14.46 million last May. That is enough money to build an appropriate new pre-school. That money is in the checking account, while they ask the taxpayers for permission to go millions further in debt.

Let Patch save you time. Get stories delivered to your inbox—sign up for our email newsletter. Fast signup here. You can also like us on Facebook.

To send a letter to the editor about the upcoming election, email Charlotte@Patch.com.

How long have you lived in Wheaton? If applicable, how long have you been involved with Wheaton? 28 years

What's your favorite thing about District 200? 

Community support: Parents tend to be involved in their children’s lives, children come to school ready to learn, and there are plenty of volunteers to help with field trips, classroom parties or activities. 

What is the biggest problem in District 200?

We, like the rest of the country, are suffering from the worse economy since the great depression. Too many of us are unemployed or underemployed. The school board can help by spending and taxing less.

What is your stance on the Jefferson Early Childhood Center referendum?

I am opposed. 

The $14.46 million capital grant is enough to build an appropriate early childhood center without the referendum. Overall district enrollment is down (about 8 percent since 2001). 

Related:

• Election Central: District 200
• Election 2013: Joann Coghill
• Election 2013: Bruce Fogerty
• Election 2013: Barbara Intihar
• Election 2013: Ken Knicker
• Election 2013: Harold Lonks
• Election 2013: Jim Mathieson
• Election 2013: Kyle Nenninger
• Election 2013: Brad Paulsen
• Election Central Wheaton: 2013 Elections