Election 2013: Ken Knicker

Ken Knicker is one of nine candidates running for the Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education in the 2013 election. Knicker, 68, has been a board member since 2001. He has a Bachelor of Science in economics from Benedictine and a Master of Science in educational administration from Northern Illinois University. He lives in Wheaton with his wife, and has three children who attended District 200 schools.

Name: Ken Knicker

Position sought: District 200 Board of Education

Campaign contact information:

• Website: Under development
• E-mail address: kknicker@comcast.net           
• Phone: 630-808-1944
• Address: 1592 Hemstock Ave., Wheaton, IL. 60189

Age: 68

Family (name, relationship and age): Married with 3 adult children, all products of District 200 Schools. Four grandchildren, 2 who reside in District 200 and one will begin Kindergarten in fall of 2014.

Education (degree and school): BS Economics from Benedictine University. MS Educational Administration Northern Illinois University.

Occupation: Retired

Previous elected offices: Board of Education Community Unit School District 200

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I began my career as a teacher in District 200. I feel I understand education and the importance of having exceptional schools in our communities.  College and career ready children are a high priority for me.

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

I want to continue the quality education of our children within the funding our district has available.

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

Continue providing excellent education for the children of our communities with a balanced budget and increasing our fund balance moving forward is my priority. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My total understanding of education and the need to have quality leadership, teachers, and aides providing the highest quality education. School systems cannot be run and managed like a business, children come first.

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

Lived in Wheaton for 36 years. Been involved with District 200 for 43 years.

What's your favorite thing about Wheaton Schools?

I believe we have the highest quality of teachers working with our children. 

What is the biggest problem in Wheaton Schools?

Continuing financial cuts from the state for mandated programs forces us to find different ways to fund the quality programs we have in our schools.  We are making it work, but it is not easy. 

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

I support the referendum to build the program driven design of the Jefferson Early Childhood Center.

Related:

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