District 87 Board of Education Election: Robert (Bob) Friend

Your Name: 

Robert (Bob) Friend

Position Sought:

Glenbard High School District #87 School Board 

Campaign Contact Information:

Robert C. Friend
Lombard, Illinois 6018

friend8452@aol.com

630-932-8452

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

To maintain a high standard of success for all students. 

Your Home Address:

Lombard 

Family Members:

Wife - Susan
Daughters Jennifer, 29 and Jill 24

Education:

Daley College - Associate's Degree in Transportation Management, 1975
Oklahoma State Tech - Associate's Degree in Diesel Mechanics, 1977

Current Occupation and Employer:

Retired from United Parcel Service, 34 years of service

Political Party Affiliation:

Independent

Why Are You Seeking Office?

I seek re-election because I have a proven leadership record and very strong commitment to provide an excellent, well-rounded education for the more than 8,800 students in District 87. I have developed effective working relationships with the current board, the elementary feeder district boards, and other school districts in DuPage County. These relationships provide valuable knowledge and experience that I can use to build upon Glenbard’s tradition of excellence. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

With ten years of elementary school board experience, I understand the importance of linking curriculum and student preparation for high school. I attend events regularly at all four schools to better understand what makes each school unique. Through my leadership role with the Partners for Educational Progress, I have learned more about the needs of students and faculty. I am willing to listen and be open-minded to ideas that come before the board.

Issue 1: What do you think the greatest challenges the school district faces in regard to preparing students for life in a 21st Century world?

•Effectively implementing the common core standards into the curriculum
•Maintaining a strong financial position in order to provide a responsive curriculum, relevant student services, current technology
•To be open-minded and embrace change
•To provide appropriate and challenging curriculum for students who plan to attend college, a trade school, or enter the work force upon graduation
•Raise the graduation rate and lower the failure rate
•Maintain an environment that encourages all students to be life-long learners

Issue 2: What if anything would you change at the district to make it more efficient or cost effective?

During my time on the board, there has been a constant effort to be as efficient as possible throughout the district. There must be a dedicated and ongoing emphasis on cost effectiveness. 

Buildings are well-maintained in order to not only serve the current students and staff well, but to remain in excellent condition for the future. This is an important cost effectiveness process

Issue 3: What, if any, changes would you make at the district in regard to the role of technology in students' education.

The role of technology in education is rapidly changing. Balancing costs, the concern about near-instant obsolescence of products, access for all students, and compatible equipment for all classes is a major challenge. 

Providing downloadable and up-to-date “electronic textbooks” will be a positive step for all students.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

I take my school board role very seriously and actively pursue educational opportunities that prepare me to be an effective board member. I maintain a Master School Board Member status from the Illinois Association of School Boards, which requires earning 50 core educational credits/year.