Election 2013: Sandra Wagner

Position Sought

Moraine Valley Community College District Board of Trustees, District 524

Campaign Contact Information

n/a

Hometown

Palos Hills

Family Members

Husband: Eugene Wagner

Children: Sarah, Matthew, and Susan

Education

St. Xavier University, B.S. Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Current Occupation and Employer

I was a fitness instructor in the Southwest Suburbs for 30 years.

Political Party Affiliation

None.

Why are you seeking the position?

As a current member of the Board of Trustees at Moraine Valley Community College, I am committed to helping maintain the growth and excellent reputation of Moraine Valley Community College. I would like to be re-elected and continue to serve the community as its representative to the Board.

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

To represent the citizens of the communities the college serves, keeping in mind the educational needs and financial concerns of Moraine's students and community members.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My 12 years as a current Trustee at Moraine Valley Community College sets me apart from most of the other candidates. I served four years as Chairman of the Board, followed by four years as Vice-Chairman. The approval of the recent referendum and consequent building projects (which finished on time, and under budget) took place during this time.

Unique to my candidacy is my 20-year affiliation with the MVCC Foundation. As a Foundation Board Member, and supporter, I have worked to help raise money for scholarships, underwrite programs at the Fine and Performing Arts Center, and support other college endeavors.

What facilities would you like to see added to campus?

Currently, I am looking forward to the completion of the Health Education and Wellness Center on campus. It will replace outdated facilities and equipment and provide needed classroom and fitness spaces for students, and all residents of the communities Moraine serves. Future building projects will be considered according to the College Master Plan, which is required by the State of Illinois, and projects the growth of the campus.

What could be done to improve campus safety? Does anything need to be done?

Since Moraine has one of the lowest crime rates for any college campus in Illinois, I am not aware of this being an area of concern right now. The college has recently upgraded its camera system thanks to Federal grant money received.

Raising tuition costs is a big concern for students. What could be done to keep tuition from rising?

The simplest answer to this question is for the State of Illinois to pay their portion of the funding for MVCC. Currently, the state pays 9% (down 6% since 2009), local taxes account for 31%, and tuition 57%. Ideally, each should pay one third.

The burden should not continue to fall on the students and their families. Since it doesn't look like the state will come through soon, exploring additional funding sources and paying careful attention to all expenditures is crucial. The goal should remain, however, to maintain the excellent education and top notch campus for which Moraine is known.

Have you ever been arrested or sued? If yes, please say what the charge was, and the case's and/or lawsuit's outcome.

No.

Any other information pertinent to your campaign.

I have been a resident of Palos Hills for 37 years and I live less than a mile from the campus. Each of my children, my husband and I have attended the college at one time or another.

Read about other candidates seeking a seat on Moraine Valley's board.