Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running for the Chicago Board of Education because I believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. With over 26 years of experience in education, including leadership roles that turned around struggling schools, I have seen firsthand what works to drive student success. My goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education. I am committed to focusing on equity, supporting teachers, and advocating for policies that prioritize academic achievement and prepare our students for the future. Most importantly I am running because I am a mom. I know what parents want and need to ensure that their child has a great education. I will fight for all 330,000 children just like I am fighting for my daughter.
Why are you the most qualified candidate?
I have the MOST educational experience of any candidate in the race. My qualifications stem from a diverse range of experiences across education. I have served as a teacher, principal, Chief Academic Officer, and Chief Schools Officer, where I led initiatives that raised academic performance and graduation rates. My role as Chief Schools Officer for LEARN Charter Network saw significant improvements in student outcomes, and I pioneered innovative programs, including bilingual education and Spanish Immersion. Additionally, I’ve developed and implemented performance frameworks and key performance indicators for multiple districts. These experiences provide me with the strategic vision and practical know-how needed to serve effectively on the Board of Education on day one!
What is the biggest issue facing your specific school board district?
The biggest issue facing District 1 is ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all students. Only 32% of the students is reading on grade level and 24% is on grade level for Math this is unacceptable. This is why I believe that parents should have the right to choose the best schools for their children. Additionally, funding disparities continue to create challenges for schools. We must focus on distributing resources equitably, improving academic support services, and ensuring that all students—regardless of their zip code—are provided with the tools and opportunities necessary for success.
How has your district been impacted by the shuttering of CPS schools?
District 1 has not been impacted directly by school closures.
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 schools have seen an increase in students who are new arrivals, particularly in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. These students bring unique challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences, but they also present an opportunity to enrich our learning environment. CPS should expand bilingual education programs, hire more support staff to assist with English Language Learners, and provide resources to help families navigate the school system. Community partnerships and parent engagement initiatives are essential to helping new families feel supported, which will ultimately lead to better academic outcomes for their children.
How do you believe the school board should handle the looming fiscal crisis at Chicago Public Schools?
The fiscal crisis requires a balanced approach that protects essential services while seeking innovative solutions to reduce costs. We must first focus on maximizing efficiency within the current budget, identifying areas where administrative costs can be reduced without affecting student services. We need to see where there is a return on our investment in our budget and maximize that spending. We also have to continue to fight for our schools at the State and Federal level. CPS is the largest school system in Illinois and the 4th largest in Illinois and we deserve to have the equitable funding we deserve.
Additionally, pursuing external funding sources such as grants, corporate partnerships, and philanthropic contributions will be essential. We have to also work on increasing our enrollment numbers. We have lost 111,000 children over since 2004. Transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process will ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of students and families in mind. Prioritizing student outcomes, even during difficult financial times, must remain our primary goal.
A moratorium on closing CPS schools is set to expire in January. Should CPS consolidate more schools?
While school consolidation may offer a temporary solution to under-enrollment and budget constraints, it should be approached with caution. Closing schools disrupts communities, especially in neighborhoods where schools serve as vital community hubs. Before any decisions on consolidation are made, we need thorough community engagement and careful analysis of the impact on students, families, and the broader community. Rather than focusing solely on closures, CPS should invest in underperforming schools, create innovative academic programs to attract students, and work to make schools more equitable and sustainable for long-term success.
What is your position on closing selective enrollment schools?
Selective enrollment schools play a valuable role in providing advanced academic opportunities for students across Chicago. Rather than lessening access to them, we should work to ensure that they are accessible to a broader range of students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Expanding access and support programs will help ensure that these schools serve as pathways to success for all students.
What is your position on charter schools?
Selective enrollment schools play a valuable role in providing advanced academic opportunities for students across Chicago. Rather than lessening access to them, we should work to ensure that they are accessible to a broader range of students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. Expanding access and support programs will help ensure that these schools serve as pathways to success for all students.
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?
Retrofitting schools for climate change is an important long-term investment, but we must balance it against immediate needs given the district’s budget deficit. The focus should be on measures that directly impact student health and safety, such as improving air quality and energy efficiency. We should also explore external funding sources for these initiatives, such as federal or state grants for green energy projects. While we cannot ignore the importance of sustainability, our top priority must be ensuring that students have safe, well-resourced learning environments today.
What is your biggest priority and what do you hope to accomplish on the Chicago Board of Education?
My biggest priority is ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or where they live. I want to close achievement gaps, especially for underserved communities, by advocating for equitable resource allocation, expanding support for special education & English Language Learners, and strengthening teacher professional development. Additionally, I will work to increase community engagement in the decision-making process, ensuring that families have a voice in shaping the future of our schools. Ultimately, I hope to create a more inclusive and effective education system that prepares all students for success.