Election 2013: Michael Hawbaker

Campaign Info

• Position sought: School Board Member for Pleasantdale School District 107
• Residence: Burr Ridge

Personal Info

• Family: Jennifer Hawbaker, wife; Olivia Hawbaker, daughter, 10; Madeleine Hawbaker, daughter, 8; Ava Hawbaker, daughter, 7; Isaac Hawbaker, son, 5
• Education: Doctoral degree in Pharmacy, Chicago College of Pharmacy- Midwestern University
• Occupation: Pharmacist- Hospital and Community 

Candidate Questions

Previous elected offices:

University Liaison

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

My occupation requires my efforts in team building and optimal decision making for the desired health outcomes.  This approach also applies while making School Board decisions.

Actively involved with community events

Resident in district 107 since 2006

Father of four beautiful children who attend the Pleasantdale Elementary School.

Why are you running for this office?

I offer a positive and practical approach for making effective decisions on behalf of all stakeholders including our children,  our neighbors, and our community.  Having four children attending schools, and my dear friends and neighbors whom I deeply respect residing within District 107 is a great incentive and the primary reason I am running for this office. 

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

My priority will be to ensure that our most valuable assets, our children, receive the best education possible while simultaneously representing and protecting the interest of taxpayers.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Having four children attending schools in District 107; I may have the most personal interest in the decisions that affect our students' education, safety and their future.  My clinical experiences have also gifted me with a rational approach to problem solving and strategic planning. In addition, my considerable business experience positions me to make decisions that are financially advantageous and sound.

How long have you lived in District 107? 

I have lived and been involved in District 107 for 6 years.

What do you believe is District 107’s biggest strength? 

District 107's biggest strength is our passion and love for our children and community.  With that being our driving force for progress and development, Pleasantdale has acquired the best teachers and administration, PTA, Board members, and volunteers who enthusiastically work on behalf of students.

What do you believe is District 107’s biggest weakness? 

Weaknesses are often times the same for every district, but I feel that District 107 has overcome many of those common problems.  One weakness that still exists is the lack of a smooth transition from old concepts to new ideas and implementation.  This may be due to gaps in communication among several entities involved.    

In terms of a school district, how would you describe a board that is fiscally responsible? Does District 107 currently have a fiscally responsible board? 

A board that is fiscally responsible prioritizes necessary expenditures through strategic financial planning.  Key components of such planning include creating accurate financial projections, managing investments, limiting spending to available resources, and aggressively seeking available resources.  I believe that the District 107 Board has been fiscally responsible as evidenced by healthy fund balances, tax abatements, and reducing debt.