Election 2011: Michael Kuhn

campaign info

• Position sought: Hinsdale High School District 86 School Board Member
• Website: 123d86.com
• E-mail address: 123hinsdale86@gmail.com

• Home address: Hinsdale
• Age: 47
• Education: MS in School Counseling, National Louis University; BA in Business Administration, Management Communications, Elmhurst College
• Occupation: Small Business owner/student
• Political party affiliation: None
• Previous elected offices: Eight years - District 86; two years - AYSO
• Related experience: I have been involved with education in the community for 18 years, first as member of the Hinsdale 86 Caucus and currently as a board member. As an audience member I watched and learned how a school district operated. I used my experience as a small business owner and compared the operation of it to a school. Both are similar, but a school board member’s job is more about governance and less about managing.

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

At last year’s state and national school board conferences, they asked people to rerun for their positions. The reason was that schools need people that value public education and don't use their position to push their own personal agenda. Today school boards are being taken over by people who do not value public education. 

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

I want to continue my work on the facilities committee, and I believe that having someone who knows the history of the schools is a benefit to the district. The board is currently working on a master planning document for the schools, and I would like to finish that work.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? 

I think board members need to think about the students first when making decisions; sometimes we lose sight of why we have schools. I am very proud of both schools and want to make sure every student is prepared for life after high school.

How long have you lived in District 86? 

I have lived in the district for 40 years and graduated from Hinsdale Central.

What's your favorite thing about District 86?

 The students impress me all the time. I attend at least one event at each school a month, and every time I do I am very proud of the students. Our schools offer many programs and activities for the students. I want to make sure these opportunities continue to be available.

What is the biggest problem in District 86?

The facilities are the biggest problem. The board needs to continue to plan for the future of both schools. Hinsdale Central is 60 years old, and Hinsdale South is 40 years old. Education has changed since both buildings were constructed, and they need to be updated.