The Wednesday Journal sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Journal’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
What do you see as some of the biggest challenges facing elementary and middle school students in our post-pandemic world? How would you work to support D90 students?
It often feels that the pace of change in our world is accelerating. With the advent of powerful artificial intelligence systems, it is difficult to determine what specific careers or future our children are preparing for. We can support our students by giving them strong foundations in critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to an uncertain future. In addition to these cognitive skills, District 90 must also continue thinking of the whole child and help build social and emotional competencies and promote health and wellbeing.
What does equity in education mean to you? How would you advocate for it if elected?
Equity is when every student gets what they need to be successful. To advocate for equity, it is important that Board members consider a wide range of perspectives. When I was a library trustee, we adopted an equity decision-making tool to help us assess decisions through an equity lens and avoid unintended consequences.
Is there any program or resource you’ve seen implemented in another school district that you think D90 students and families would really benefit from? How would it fill an existing gap?
I recently spoke with a community member who shared how other districts regularly hold information sessions around the special education process, to help all families build their background knowledge. This practice might be valuable to the District 90 community.
What is the most important facilities issue currently facing D90?
District 90 has been a careful steward of River Forest taxpayer money and takes a thorough approach to facilities management. The schools have a continual need to be creative around space utilization. While District 90 does not have any major facilities projects planned, the Board will need to continue to monitor space needs and be proactive about planning for changes that may become necessary.
There have been ongoing discussions and changes to D90 curriculum. Are you satisfied with those changes? What other curriculum do you think needs to be reviewed?
The recent adoption of a new ELA curriculum for all grades is an important change for students in the district. It should be a priority for the board to monitor its implementation and effectiveness. Another curriculum that will be reviewed over the next several years is the elementary (K-5) math curriculum. I am eager for this curriculum review to consider ways that the math curriculum should incorporate flexibility for students at different levels of learning, including resources and opportunities for both support and extension.
With a new presidential administration has come sweeping federal changes affecting public schools. How would you look to guide the district in this new climate?
It is currently a difficult climate for educators and schools, but as school board members, we still retain a large measure of control over the educational decisions made for our own community. We can continue to govern in accordance with our community values, including ensuring that all our students feel a strong sense of belonging. We can also look to build common practices in this current environment through communication with regional and state partners.