by: Ayla McDonald
Voting is currently open for the upcoming term of the Parkland College Board of Trustees. Members of the Board of Trustees work together to govern decisions made by the College. Three candidates are running for the next six-year long term with the Board. The candidates are Bianca Green, Jonathan Westfield, and Douglas Jones. With elections coming up in April, voting-age citizens in Champaign School District 505 can vote for up to two candidates, either in person at a voting station or by mail.
At a Candidate Forum that occurred on Wednesday, February 28th at the City Building, the candidates introduced themselves to the community and answered questions from audience members. The Prospectus later heard from two of the candidates, Bianca Green and Jonathan Westfield, and their answers to questions are included below. Candidate Douglas Jones made no comment. A video recording of the Forum can be viewed at votechampaign.org.
What do you see for the future of Parkland in the next several years?
Jonathan Westfield: “-Greater development and involvement of students in the Parkland Entrepreneurial Network (PEN) specifically Cobra Venture and Pathway program.
-Being able to award Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees
-An increase in workforce development training in healthcare, manufacturing, technicians, construction and other specialized training that does not require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.”
Bianca Green: “I am very optimistic about Parkland’s future! The Parkland Administration and the Board of Trustees have worked hard to manage the financial challenges caused by the continued reduction in state funding. Although it hasn’t been easy, we have been able to balance the budget over the past three years despite these funding concerns and Parkland is in good shape. I expect we will continue to assess and adjust our program offerings, as needed, to make sure we are being responsive to the needs of our students and their future employers. In addition, we have some exciting things going on at Parkland right now. We are building an addition to the Precision Ag building, we are renovating the “S building,” we are working on a general update of our Career and Technical programs and we are exploring ways to attract more international students to the Parkland community. The aviation program has exceeded expectations up to this point and I believe we will continue to see increased interest in that program as there are fewer than ten collegiate aviation programs across the country. All in all, I believe the future is bright for Parkland.”
What needs to be improved at Parkland from your perspective?
Westfield: “As a recently appointed Trustee it would be hard to say what needs to be improved because many improvements have occurred over the past few years and more are slated for the future. I would say that I am impressed with the recent improvements to the Aviation and Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) certificate now being offered and the great potential that they for students. Additionally, I encouraged by Parkland’s efforts to increase its education marketing services in order to attract more diverse students.”
Green: “The easy answer would be to find a way to increase enrollment and retention. That being said, I acknowledge that enrollment in community colleges is down nationally and many of those challenges are driven by the economy. So, when it comes to areas of improvement that we may have more control over, I would like to find a way to increase the number of students participating in our career and technical programs. There are wonderful career opportunities just waiting for students in these areas and I believe we should explore all avenues that may connect us to future students who may not even realize these programs exist at Parkland. Although we focus quite a bit on trying to reach career and technical program students while they are in high school, I also believe there may be significant opportunities for finding non-traditional students who may be ready to make a career change. Our community needs an exceptionally trained workforce and Parkland can make that happen.”
Why are you running for the board?
Westfield: “When I submitted my letter of interest for appointment to the board, I stated that my desire to serve on Parkland’s Board of Trustees was based on the belief that for a community to succeed it must have community members that have a vested interest in its success and a willingness to work to make that happen. This still holds true for me today. For nearly twenty-seven years I have worked in positions that have allowed me to stay grounded and to better understand the diverse needs of the community. From working with CU Special Rec, the Urban League of Champaign County, as a Patrol Officer/School Resource Officer with the Champaign Police Department, as a former member of the Champaign Unit #4 School Board to my current position as the Coordinator for the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission’s Youth Assessment Center, I have been able to impact and improve the lives of many of those I have been fortunate to come in contact with.”
Green: “I believe in Parkland College. My collegiate journey began here after graduating from St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Like many Parkland students, my family’s financial constraints required me to put myself through school. I often worked up to three jobs at a time to pay for my undergraduate studies. Although I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and my law degree from Southern Illinois University, I am most thankful for the excellent education Parkland provided at a price tag I could afford. Those first two years formed the foundation upon which the rest of my education was built. I believe all students should have the same opportunities that were available to me – particularly when facing financial challenges. I want to continue to be a part of the solution to that problem.”
Why should people vote for you?
Westfield: “I believe that a person should make the most informed decision when it comes to voting and vote for the candidate that most aligns with their beliefs and understandings. Those that are looking to see growth and development of workforce and entrepreneurial programs along-side traditional degree granting courses I welcome their support.”
Green: “I have the experience needed to continue to serve the citizens of District #505. It has been an honor serving on the Board of Trustees since being appointed in 2015. I was elected to retain my seat in 2017 and I have continued to focus my time and attention on learning what it takes to run a first-class community college. I understand the need to balance the interests of our students, faculty and staff with fiscal responsibility that will ensure the future success of the college. My only agenda in serving on the board is to give back to an educational institution that served as the foundation for my personal and professional success. I hope to continue volunteering my time and talents toward the goal of preserving Parkland’s national reputation for excellence.”
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For more information about the candidates for the Parkland College Board of Trustees or about how to vote, visit votechampaign.org.
