Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running because CPS needs strong, independent leadership focused on its long-term future. My first priority is bringing financial stability to the district through responsible budgeting, right-sizing, prudent fiscal decisions, and advocating for more equitable funding.
I also want to reimagine teaching and learning so every student has a pathway to success whether that is college, the trades, an apprenticeship, military service, or the careers of today and tomorrow.
Finally, we must confront chronic absenteeism, declining enrollment, and the loss of confidence in our school system. My north star remains students, parents, and taxpayers. I am running to help build a CPS that is financially sustainable, academically strong, accountable to voters, and worthy of the trust of Chicago families.
Are you in support of the most recent CPS budget that relies on uncommitted state funding?
No. I voted against the most recent CPS budget because it relied on state funding that had not been committed and departed from the plan prepared by district officials and recommended by the Superintendent we hired to lead CPS. I believed that approach was fiscally irresponsible and could further weaken the district’s long-term financial stability.
How will you work with CPS officials and staff to balance the district’s budget?
I will work closely with the Superintendent, finance team, and district leadership to build a credible, balanced budget based on realistic revenue and responsible spending. That means right-sizing CPS, aligning staffing and facilities with enrollment, protecting classrooms and student services, and bringing our labor partners to the table to identify savings and reforms.
At the same time, we must continue advocating in Springfield and Washington for more equitable funding, stronger reimbursements, and pension parity. One-time revenues may help bridge a gap, but they cannot replace a long-term plan for financial stability.
Other than the budget, what is the single biggest issue facing Chicago Public Schools?
Beyond the budget, the biggest issue is whether CPS is willing to reimagine itself. We must right-size the district to reflect enrollment while rethinking teaching and learning so students are prepared for college, trades, apprenticeships, the military, and the jobs of today and tomorrow. This is about building a stronger, more relevant school system that meets current and future student needs.
What is a top issue for students, schools and families in your specific school board voting district?
A top issue in District 8A is making sure families have access to the services and facilities they need close to home. That means expanding full-day preschool and pre-K, strengthening services for students with disabilities, and making long-overdue capital improvements across our schools so every student learns in a safe, modern, and supportive environment.
If you accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, how will you maintain independence from those donors?
My north star is students, parents, and taxpayers not donors or special interests. Campaign support does not buy my vote. I will continue doing what I have done since January 15, 2025: evaluate every issue on its merits, disclose conflicts when they arise, recuse myself when appropriate, and make decisions based on what is best for CPS students and the long-term health of the district.
How can current board policies and procedures be improved?
I am hopeful that the implementation of three standing committees will allow the Board to do more focused, substantive work in each core area before matters come before the full Board. Committees should strengthen oversight, improve transparency, create more opportunity for public and expert input, and give members the time needed to ask deeper questions and make better-informed decisions.
How should CPS and the board work to address declining enrollment?
CPS must address declining enrollment by becoming a school district families actively choose. That means improving academic outcomes, reducing chronic absenteeism, expanding access to high-quality early childhood education, special education, CTE, trades, and college pathways, and investing in safe, modern schools.
At the same time, we must responsibly right-size the district. Enrollment, building utilization, academic performance, community needs, and future programming should be examined through a transparent Blue Ribbon Commission process. We cannot maintain the same footprint while serving significantly fewer students.
But right-sizing alone is not enough. We should ask a bigger question: How do we design schools around students and families rather than asking students and families to fit into the system we already have? Models like the Academy for Global Citizenship challenge us to think differently about what a school can provide and how the school experience can center the whole child and family.
Our goal should be stronger schools, innovative learning environments, better opportunities, and a CPS that families are excited to choose for their children.
Do you foresee a need to close some district schools?
Possibly — but only after a serious, transparent process. CPS must study enrollment, utilization, academic outcomes, building conditions, neighborhood needs, and future programming before making decisions about closures or consolidations.
I support creating a Blue Ribbon Commission made up of educators, families, students, labor, community leaders, and independent experts to examine the district’s footprint and make long-term recommendations. School closures should never be used simply as a short-term budget fix.
The larger goal must be to right-size and reimagine CPS — strengthening teaching and learning, expanding opportunities for students, investing in the schools we keep open, and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education regardless of ZIP code.
Should CPS implement AI in its classrooms? What, if any, guardrails should be put in place?
Yes, AI is here to stay, and CPS has a responsibility to prepare students to use it thoughtfully, ethically, and effectively. The question is not whether AI will be part of education, but how we integrate it without weakening the fundamentals of reading, writing, mathematics, critical thinking, and human interaction.
I would support a districtwide working group of educators, students, parents, technology experts, and academic leaders to study best practices and make clear recommendations for classroom use.
Guardrails should include age-appropriate use, strong student data and privacy protections, transparency when AI is used, teacher oversight, safeguards against cheating and overreliance, and regular review of bias, accuracy, and instructional impact.
AI should be a tool that strengthens learning not a substitute for teachers, thinking, creativity, or the core academic skills every student needs.
The board currently includes one Honorary Student Member. As the board has recently tripled in size, should that number be expanded?
Yes. I would support adding one additional Honorary Student Board Member and then reviewing the structure again within the next 24 months. As the Board grows, student voice should grow with it. Any expansion should be thoughtful and ensure students have meaningful opportunities to influence policy, not simply symbolic representation.
How will you be responsive to student-led issues?
I believe student voice must lead to action. I will continue engaging Student Voice Committees, Student Government, and programs like the Mikva Challenge to hear directly from students about what they need.
When students at a local high school advocated for a Divvy station on campus, I worked with local elected leaders to help move that request toward reality. At another school, Mikva students invited me to hear concerns about serious building conditions. Those issues were elevated, deemed critical, and are now being addressed.
Being responsive means listening, following up, connecting students with decision-makers, and making sure their ideas and concerns result in real action.
Did you attend Chicago Public Schools? When/Where?
No
Have you sent your children to Chicago Public Schools?
No
Have you ever served on a Local School Council? When/Where?
No
Have you ever worked for Chicago Public Schools?
No
What neighborhood do you live in?
Garfield Ridge