Huntley Education Association
750 Academic Dr.
Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-659-3700
Fax: 847-659-3720
Email: HEA@district158.org
Website:http://www.HuntleyEducationAssociation.org
School Board Candidate
Questionnaire
Members of the HEA appreciate your interest in becoming part of the District 158 School
Board. We would appreciate it if you would complete the form below and email it back to
Jen Weichle by Tuesday, March 10, 2009. If you have any questions please call Jen (847-6595810) or email her at jenweichle@comcast.net
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name: Michael Skala
Age: 37
Home Address: 10612 Michael Street, Huntley, IL 60142
Business: Innovative Component Sales, Inc.
Job Title: Owner and President
Child’s Name
Age
Schools he/she attended
Charlotte
13
Leggee, Marlowe
Anna
9
Leggee
Organizations of which you are a member and/or officer (please give title):
Leggee PTA, member
Marlowe PTO, member
Resurrection Catholic Church
 Eucharistic minister, reader, small group bible study leader, youth ministry leader, chair of the building
and grounds committee, member of the finance committee, former chair of the pastoral council
Huntley Park District, soccer coach
Northern Illinois Dog Club, president
McHenry County Precinct Committee Person, Grafton #1
Why are you running for the District 158 School Board at this time?
I still have a passion and desire to serve the residents of District 158. The District has come a long way since I was
first elected in 1997, and I want to make District 158 a world-class educational system for students. The community
is seeing the benefits of improved and enhanced academic programs and of prudent financial planning. The results
are improved test scores and achievement levels and a District that is now on solid financial footing. I will continue
to work respectfully with fellow board members, administrators and the community to raise educational
expectations so that all District 158 students reach their fullest potential.
What specific or unique skills/experiences would you bring to the D158 Board that either fill a gap, or
complement/supplement the Board members who are not up for election?
Kim Aschenbach and Julie Hunter, Co-Presidents ● Mark Stahl, Vice President ● Christy Henderson, Secretary ● Chris Laird, Treasurer
Because I both live and own a business in Huntley, I am keenly aware of the financial constraints being felt by
taxpayers right now. Because I am also a parent, I am very interested in making sure that District 158 is taking steps
toward providing a world-class education that adequately prepares every student for success after high school;
whether that means getting into the college of their choice or being adequately prepared to enter the working world.
Because my spouse is an educator, I am very appreciative of the importance of being able to attract and retain
quality staff at all grade levels. Because I bring all of these perspectives to the Board, I am able to make fair and
balanced decisions that represent the best interests of students, taxpayers, and staff members.
What do you consider to be a Board of Education’s role in the education process in D158?
A board member’s role is to hire a superintendent and set policy which reflects the values and priorities of the
community. A board member is also responsible for all of the high-level decisions that are made regarding budgets,
educational outcomes, and safety for students and staff.
How would you define your leadership style?
I am known for working collaboratively with fellow board members, staff, local municipal officials and state
legislators to move District 158 forward. I can respectfully disagree with people who have opposing views on issues,
and I am very good at building consensus on important issues that affect education.
In your opinion how do the responsibilities of Board Members transcend beyond the Board Room?
As elected officials, school board members should adhere to high moral and ethical standards. They have a
responsibility to represent District 158 with integrity in public. Board members should also participate in
community outreach efforts, and attend community events outside of District 158. Board members should show an
active interest in the day-to-day operations of the schools and should volunteer in classrooms as their schedules
allow.
What are the three major issues facing D158 and what would you do about each?
Improving the Educational Program during difficult economic times:
It is very important to me that we not only maintain the quality of educational services we provide to our students,
but constantly strive to improve them. As board members, our job does not end with making sure District 158 is an
educational leader in McHenry County or even in Illinois. We must strive to make District 158 a world-class
school district so that our students are able to compete for jobs in a global economy. These are very difficult times
for people in the community and the Board must be sensitive to financial limitations. However, the Board must not
let the current economic conditions become an excuse for not continuing to strive for world-class educational
opportunities and achievement.
Housing the growing high school population
For the next eight years the High School population will grow substantially every year. This is due to the fact that
each existing class is larger than the one above it. However, this year’s kindergarten class is smaller than this
year’s first grade class. First of all, information must be obtained so that we can find out if this year’s kindergarten
class size is an anomaly or the beginning of a shift in student enrollment numbers. After this information is
obtained, the Board and staff can explore options of how best to educate and house the students. The community
can then be surveyed to gauge their support for various potential solutions.
Kim Aschenbach and Julie Hunter, Co-Presidents ● Mark Stahl, Vice President ● Christy Henderson, Secretary ● Chris Laird, Treasurer
Improve the relationship between the board and all of the District’s stakeholders.
The stakeholders of the District, including students, parents, community members and staff members, are vital to
the education of all of the students. The Board needs to always respect the relationship with each stakeholder so
that the education offered to our students can continue on the road to becoming world-class.
Kim Aschenbach and Julie Hunter, Co-Presidents ● Mark Stahl, Vice President ● Christy Henderson, Secretary ● Chris Laird, Treasurer