2013 Election Profile: Eva Renee Powers

Address: 500 block of Springbrook Trail North, Oswego

Campaign contact information: Msevamba2007@yahoo.com

Family: Daughter named Jasmine La’Shay Patton and a son named Steven Jose Brown, two grandchildren: Adrianna Lynn Perez and Omar Gabriel Patton Jr. Adrianna and Omar attend school in District 308.

Education: Aurora University with a dual MBA in Technology and Operations Management and Human Resource Management, BA in Organizational Development.

Occupation: Owner of Ms. Eva’s Consulting Services and Ms. Eva’s Janitorial Services.

Campaign Questions

Why are you seeking office?

I am running for the seat on the District 308 School Board to serve the administration, community, parents and students. I understand the importance of providing solutions to problems. I moved to the Village of Oswego to ensure that my children would get the best education. It is time to recognize diversity exist; one child is not more important than the other. All children deserve the best education the schools can offer and it is up to administration, parents, students, teachers and District 308 School Board to make that happen. District 308 is now a diverse community with that said we should accept and celebrate diversity.  District 308 is going to continue to grow and the district has to make sure it is using all the resources available to deal with the anticipated growth. It is time to think outside the box.

What set you apart from other candidates?

What sets me apart from other candidates is that I am a team player, loyal, a problem solver and ready to serve. I want the best for the students and want to ensure community and parents are receiving timely information. The past is important, but it is also important to concentrate on the future as well.

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

If elected to the board, my top priority will be to address the needs of the administration, parents, students, teachers and community and offer solutions. I will push to improve communication, education and safety of the students with the community without violating Illinois Statutes and other laws and participate in making District 308 School Board a “world class” District.

What do you consider to be the main issues facing the Oswego 308 School District today?

There are three significant issues facing District 308 School Board: Enrollment is continuing to grow (overcrowding in the schools) and there is a need for diversity on the leadership team and teachers. The District 308 Board has made the necessary changes and obtained the necessary funds for the overcrowding in the schools but nothing about diversity. The District 308 School Board should look into recruiting minorities to go along with the change in the demographics.

How do you feel about the proposed school sales tax for District 308 and Kendall County? Would you support it?

I support the proposed school sales tax for District 308 and Kendall County if it is going to benefit the students. Increasing the proposed school sales tax can assist the district in getting back on track.

What suggestions do you have in the future for re-drawing boundary lines for schools as the district continues to grow?

The one suggestion that I have in the future for re-drawing boundary lines: The district should forecast five years out. The district will need to make sure it can handle the amount of students entering the district as well as exiting from the district. There definitely has to be a balance to prevent unforeseen problems.