Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
As a devoted mother of four CPS students, my entire adult career has been dedicated to advocating for our students, families and teachers. My experience as a teacher, a parent, a central office staff member, and a Local School Council chairwoman reinforced my belief in the importance of engaging parents and communities in education. I have witnessed both successes and challenges within CPS, fueling my passion for its mission and its families. All of my experiences have filled me with passion for CPS, its mission, and its families. This personal connection, combined with my extensive experience, will empower me to be an effective voice on the Board of Education. My ultimate goal is to develop and implement solutions for all students in Chicago schools, and I am committed to working tirelessly toward that vision.
Why are you the most qualified candidate?
I have been involved in CPS for almost 30 years. As a parent I sent all four of my children to CPS K-12 schools. As an education professional, I taught 3rd grade at Hartigan and Dulles Elementary Schools, served as a Local School Council parent representative and chairwoman, and served on the Local School Council Advisory Board. My dedication to education goes even further—I currently work as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist at CPS and help run a CPS Parent University. My connection to CPS, as a parent, a teacher and a community member, gives me a unique understanding of the system. I have seen where CPS has been successful and where they face challenges. I stand firm in my belief that every child regardless of income, race, religion, or circumstances, deserves a safe, rigorous, high-quality education.
I have witnessed children and families thrive at CPS, while others struggle. My diverse experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the education system, particularly in Chicago Public Schools. Serving on the Board of Education would be the perfect way to marry the knowledge I have earned with my sincere desire to improve student outcomes and experiences across Chicago schools. It would provide me with the opportunity to use my experiences and insights to make a broader impact on education policy and practices for all of our students.
What is the biggest issue facing your specific school board district?
There are many pressing issues facing our district, but one of the biggest is ensuring that we meet the diverse needs of all our students. District 4 families are focused on providing rigorous literacy and numeracy curriculums that truly serve the best interests of our kids. At the same time, we must prioritize building bridges between the district and the (CTU) to avoid work stoppages and ensure a stable learning environment. Parents in our community also want to maintain the right to choose the best schools for their children that deliver a high-quality education. Lastly, the safety of our students—both physically and mentally—remains a top priority. Families want to feel confident that their children are safe, supported, and able to thrive in a nurturing school environment.
How has your district been impacted by the shuttering of CPS schools?
While District 4 hasn’t experienced a significant number of school closures, we are deeply connected to the broader CPS system and have felt the ripple effects. School closures in other districts have strained shared resources, impacted overall enrollment, and eroded trust in the school system. Families in District 4 understand that schools are more than just places of learning—they are vital economic and social drivers in their communities. The disinvestment in Black and Brown neighborhoods affects all of us, and it’s clear that when any part of CPS struggles, the entire system feels the impact. We must work together to reinvest in our schools and rebuild that trust to create a stronger, more equitable future for all students. We felt the community impact when some of our schools were forced to merge about a decade ago.
How have your district’s schools been impacted by students who are new arrivals to the U.S. and how should CPS best accommodate those students and families?
Our district’s schools have experienced an increase in enrollment due to new arrivals to the U.S., which has created a greater demand for bilingual education teachers and additional resources. To best support these students and their families, CPS should expand dual-language academies and increase the availability of ESL programs, particularly through Parent Universities, so both students and their parents can receive the support they need. In addition, we need to hire more bilingual social workers to address the emotional and social challenges these families face as they adjust to a new country and school system. CPS must also ensure there’s a system in place to consistently track and follow up with these families, providing ongoing support to ease their transition and ensure they thrive both academically and personally.
How do you believe the school board should handle the looming fiscal crisis at Chicago Public Schools?
To address CPS's budget challenges, I would start by advocating for an independent audit of the district's $10 billion budget. Transparency is key to ensuring that every dollar is being used wisely. Beyond that, I'd look toward innovative solutions, like forming strategic partnerships with major corporations based right here in Chicago. Imagine the potential if companies like Google, Microsoft, and the more than 30 other Fortune 500 companies headquartered in our city joined forces with CPS. These companies could offer not just financial support but also invaluable resources and real-world opportunities for our students. I’ve seen this kind of collaboration in action when Lettuce Entertain You partnered with my 3rd-grade class at Hartigan Elementary—sponsoring holiday gifts, a downtown trip, and a special Christmas lunch. Partnerships like these could help bridge funding gaps while enriching the educational experience. Let’s build bridges between the business world and our schools to create a brighter future for Chicago’s students.
A moratorium on closing CPS schools is set to expire in January. Should CPS consolidate more schools?
I do not support closing schools due to low enrollment, as that should be a last resort. Instead, we should focus on enhancing the offerings and resources within these schools to attract more students. Schools are vital economic drivers and social anchors in their communities, and investing in them can revitalize neighborhoods. It’s crucial to engage the community in these discussions, as they play a central role in shaping the future of education in our neighborhoods and citywide. Investing in our neighborhood schools and communities will create an environment that draws families in rather than reducing options.
What is your position on closing selective enrollment schools?
I believe selective enrollment schools, magnet schools and other options play a vital role in our education system. Eliminating these options would only serve to create a worse educational experience for the students, and I believe parents should have the option to choose what is best for their children. The challenge of funding inequalities should not be addressed by redistributing resources away from high-performing schools. Instead, we must find alternative sources of funding and streamline the CPS budget to eliminate inefficiencies. Ultimately, our goal is to grow educational equity while preserving the exceptional educational landscape already embedded in many schools across CPS.
What is your position on charter schools?
Every CPS school has a place in the system. Charter school students are CPS students and should be treated accordingly. Charter schools are an important option for families who feel that neighborhood, magnet, and other selective enrollment schools are not right for their child. Each one has a unique pedagogical culture and profile that makes it the right choice for some students. I am in favor of preserving the charter school communities that exist. As an elected school board member, I want to talk to anybody who wants to talk about student outcomes and student experiences.
Is your campaign being supported by the Chicago Teachers Union?
No
The Chicago Teachers Union wants the district to focus on retrofitting schools with equipment that will battle the effects of climate change. Is spending money that way right now a good idea with the massive deficit the district faces?
Yes, energy efficiency initiatives not only help to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability, but they also present a significant opportunity for cost savings within the district. Over time, the district can reduce its energy expenditures, allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources. If elected to the board, I will advocate for the use of performance contracting procurement to finance energy-saving capital improvements, as permitted by state law. This approach has been successfully implemented by hundreds of school districts across the state, yielding both financial and environmental benefits. Through these savings, CPS can reinvest in further capital improvements, enhancing the district’s overall sustainability and fiscal health.
What is your biggest priority and what do you hope to accomplish on the Chicago Board of Education?
My top three priorities as a member of the Chicago Board of Education are: ensuring equitable school funding, improving student mental health, and fostering authentic community engagement.
As an elected board member, my first step will be a thorough review of how the district’s funds are currently being allocated and their impact on student outcomes. We must evaluate which investments are driving student success and where improvements can be made. I will focus on identifying alternative funding sources to address budget challenges, aiming to eventually reduce our reliance on property taxes. This approach will help to balance funding inequities without taking away resources from schools that are already using them effectively.
Prioritizing students’ mental health is essential. I will advocate for schools to set up peer support groups and ensure that behavioral specialists, social workers, restorative practices coordinators, and other professionals are readily available to support students’ well-being and mediate conflicts.
With years of experience as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist at CPS, I understand the importance of meaningful engagement with parents and the community. I will actively listen to stakeholders, including Local School Council (LSC) members, and invite them to board meetings before policies are crafted. By involving student and parent voices, I will ensure that our policies reflect the needs and priorities of the entire CPS community. I am committed to being accessible and responsive to all constituents.