Durl Kruse for Mayor of Urbana, Illinois

Managerial and public relations skills are key to being a successful mayor. I have twenty-one years of successful professional and managerial experience as a public school principal and central office administrator. I worked closely with the public, supervised a diverse staff, prepared detailed budgets, and developed comprehensive plans. These experiences and skills will serve me equally well as mayor of Urbana. Since I am not a career politician, I will not bring any political baggage or obligations with me to the mayor’s office.

I have been involved in the field of education as a student, teacher or administrator most of my life. In 1972 I began my teaching career in Brooklyn followed by four years in New Orleans and finally seven years in Westville, Illinois. In 1983 I was hired as the principal of Bennett Elementary School in Mattoon, Illinois. Nine years later I transfered to Washington School and served as its principal for eleven years. During my final year in the district I was employed as a central office administrator primarily managing federal grants.

I believe education can be a transforming experience for a child. I strongly support public education and quality schools. As mayor I would be a strong advocate for the Urbana public schools. Our local school district is as vital to the future and well being of this community as any other city issue.

Professional Education

Concordia Junior College, Ann Arbor, MI
Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, IL
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL

Professional Positions

Elementary classroom teacher
District Reading Coordinator
Elementary Principal
District Gifted Coordinator
District Title I Director
Summer School Coordinator
District Special Programs Director

Professional Organizations

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
International Reading Association
Illinois Principal's Association
Illinois Association of Title I Directors
Educational Honor Society Phi Delta Kappa

Professional Honors and Awards

Phi Delta Kappa Education Leadership Award
Golden Spike Award from Illinois State Board of Education
Reading Recovery Leader from Illinois State University
President's Award from the Ministerial Alliance of Champaign-Urbana