Politics & Government

Election 2013: Lisa Bishop

Lisa Bishop is one of six candidates running for four open seats on the Maercker School District 60 Board of Education.

Name: Lisa Thomas Bishop

Position sought: Maercker School District 60 Board of Education

Email address: LBFoodStylist@att.net

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Phone: 630.455.9097

Residence: Clarendon Hills

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Family: Daughter Madison, 17; son Tucker, 16.

Education: Bachelor's degree in food science/food and nutrition from Iowa State University.

Occupation: Food Stylist/Consultant, Lisa Bishop Food Stylist, Inc.

Years in District 60: 41

Previous elected offices: Maercker District 60 Board of Education Member

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: 

  • Maercker District 60 Board Member, 9 years
  • Business owner since 1989
  • Community Presbyterian High School Youth Leader since 1989
  • Headed successful Maercker District 60 Education Referendum
  • President, Community Presbyterian Church Pre-School Board, 2000-2001

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I feel it’s imperative to have some stability and experience on the board when the new superintendent, Dr. Jamie Reilly, takes the reigns at District 60 on July 1.

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

I don’t have a single agenda. I would like to help the new superintendent acclimate to the district, continue to make difficult financial decisions, protect programs, and seek continuous improvement.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Experience. I grew up in the district and attended kindergarten through 8th grade. My father served on the board for 13 years. I ran the successful educational referendum, and then joined the board because I wanted to be assured that the money would be spent in a fiscally responsible way to benefit the children and raise the bar with respect to curriculum and programming. I have served on the architectural search committee. I participated in teacher contract negotiations three times. I served as board president for four years.

What do you believe is District 60’s biggest strength?

Its people. A diverse and eager student body, dedicated and caring staff, strong and visionary administrators, and a thoughtful and collaborative board.

What do you believe is District 60’s biggest weakness?

The way in which schools are financed in the state of Illinois, as well as unfunded mandates put school programs at risk.

In terms of a school district, how would you describe a board that is fiscally responsible? Does District 60 currently have a fiscally responsible board?

A fiscally responsible board needs to think outside the box, looking not only at places to trim, but also thinking creatively to find new revenue sources. I think the current board has been fiscally responsible.

Related pages: 

  • Election 2013: Maercker School District 60 Board of Education
  • Paul Watkiss
  • Arthur Andersen
  • Pradeep Tekkey
  • Michael Gombosi
  • Patricia Dieball


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills