Election 2013: Young Ra-Hurka

Name: Young Ra-Hurka

Position sought: Member, Board of Education, Gower School District 62

Address: Burr Ridge

Family: Thomas Hurka (41, spouse), Kaitlyn Hurka (11, child), Alex Hurka  (7, child)

Education: University of Rochester, BS, BA; State University of New York in Brooklyn, MD

Occupation: Physician (Internal Medicine), Loyola University Medical Center

Previous elected offices: Board of Education, Gower School District 62 (2009-present)

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I currently serve on the Gower School District Board of Education.  I have been an active member of the Gower PTO and currently am serving as the co-vice president.  I am a mother of two children attending Gower.  I have regularly volunteered at the schools in many capacities from the lunch room to the library.  I have been practicing Internal Medicine for over 12 years and am an assistant clinical professor at Loyola University Medical Center. 

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I first ran for a position on the Board 4 years ago to become more involved in my children’s educational experience.  I have learned much about the inner workings of the school district and what it takes to continue the Gower tradition of excellence and growth.  Although we have accomplished much in the past 4 years, there are still many changes in the works and others that are coming soon.  As a part of the slate of four candidates including Ryan Asmus, Joe Schulte, and Ramona Stephens-Zemaitis, I am seeking the opportunity to continue to provide a thoughtful and positive voice to represent our students and community. 

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Currently, Gower is in the process of implementing many significant changes.  This includes school building improvements, Common Core adoption, principal and teacher evaluations, and recent changes in the administration with a new superintendent and principals.  It is imperative that we succeed in fully implementing these changes while we continue to transform our schools into leaders in innovative learning and positive growth for all students of every ability and background.  

What sets you apart from the other candidates? In addition to serving on the Board, I spend much of my free time volunteering at the Gower schools.  Some of the highlights of my involvement include developing and organizing the Multicultural Fair and the Math Team for the current fifth grade class.  I have volunteered to teach the Junior Achievement program for various grades.  For the past 5 years, I have been a regular parent volunteer at the Gower West library.  I joined the Gower PTO Board this year as the co-vice president after serving as a chairperson for a variety of events and fundraisers.  I truly enjoy being a part of the Gower family.  

How long have you lived in District 62? I have lived in the district since 2004. My children began attending Gower since 2007.

What do you believe is District 62’s biggest strength? The biggest strength we have at Gower is our people.  We have great teachers, staff, and administrators who are very dedicated to the students and their education.  The current members of the Board work in synergy while we respectfully consider each others’ differing points of views.  We have great kids who want to learn and families who value and support their education.  The greatest privilege that I have had while serving on the Board is that I have come to know many of the people who make up the great Gower family.  

What do you believe is District 62’s biggest weakness? Although Gower is a great school district, it has its share of challenges.  The contentious teacher’s union contract negotiation has left scars that have to be healed.  We need innovative changes to our curriculum to meet the 21st Century  skills and new Common Core standards while continuing “just right learning” for all students of varying abilities.  Currently, the district is in healthy financial shape.  But there may be increasing financial strain in the near future due to looming pension reform as well as the need to adopt and maintain proper technology for more engaged learning.  

In terms of a school district, how would you describe a board that is fiscally responsible? Does District 62 currently have a fiscally responsible board? I believe the current Board is exercising a great deal of fiscal responsibility in allocating the taxpayers’ money wisely. We regularly discuss the need for and the value of many programs and purchases.  The Board vigorously discusses all substantial purchases and investments.  The Board thoughtfully allocates money to support programs such as interventional summer school, technology such as SMART Boards, and adding a new classroom teacher when the enrollment swells.  During my time on the Board, I am proud to say that the district has balanced the budget and maintained a healthy fund balance, which sometimes required making tough choices.