Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I’m running for true equality amongst our schools, and to bring teacher and parent voice to decision-making tables. I’m running to expand our sustainable community school model across the city so all of our communities can have equitable access to resources. I’m running against more of the same: officials with no skin in the game who are more concerned about a political career or future favors than our children.
Are you in support of the most recent CPS budget that relies on uncommitted state funding?
Yes, I voted for that budget because both budgets are making assumptions about funding. I was not satisfied with cutting thousands of staff members at the beginning of the school year. Our state government has a constitutional responsibility to our students to provide a quality education, and our shortfall is becoming wider and wider, even under new reforms.
How will you work with CPS officials and staff to balance the district’s budget?
We need to take a closer look at our vendor contracts. Technology is a very large expense for the district and research is suggesting we’re not getting our desired outcomes.
Other than the budget, what is the single biggest issue facing Chicago Public Schools?
CPS is a tale of two cities: some schools are high-performing and others are barely functioning. We must improve the equity in our system. Neighborhood schools, especially in black and brown neighborhoods, have some of the lowest achievement and our students deserve better. Too many students are not currently prepared, and the achievement gap in this city is striking. In the conversations that I have had, parents want to make sure that their schools are well resourced, with access to counselors, arts programming, and accessible early childhood education. This is why I’m a supporter of our new funding model as well as our sustainable community schools- these guaranteed positions and neighborhood resources will improve the education of our students and the quality of life for our neighbors.
What is a top issue for students, schools and families in your specific school board voting district?
Language access and poverty. Working in North Side schools, I see language barriers everywhere I look, particularly with those in the immigrant community. Their parents’ earning potential is blocked for the same reasons. Many children have to shoulder the burden of all English communications in their family, and it’s a huge responsibility for them. We must expand ESL programming and ensure that programming with a diversity of languages is being offered in the schools that have high levels of ESL students.
If you accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, how will you maintain independence from those donors?
I am going to continue to follow the will of parents and relationships that I have here on the North Side of Chicago — the parents, teachers, and administrators that I interact with are the experts on their situations. Our students should also have voice in what’s happening with them, and I am accountable to my constituents and them alone.
How can current board policies and procedures be improved?
This year, we’ve worked hard on getting trained as board members, and many of us will become nationally board certified in the next few weeks. The trainers have service experience and help us think through our realities. We are beginning the process of organizing into committees as well, so we can take deeper dives into policymaking. I’m proud to have been elected by my peers as chair of the Student Success Committee, and hope to continue my leadership development with the Illinois Association of School Boards.
How should CPS and the board work to address declining enrollment?
I would support funding policies that increase equity and decrease the funding disparity across zip codes. I would support funding policies that are sustainable rather than regressive. I would support funding that returns more art, music, STEM and other programs that children enjoy so much, the reasons, they want to go to school, I fully support the new funding model - it takes a very strong step towards equity and we must keep our eyes on schools that receive new resources and ensure that we invest in what works. Parents need to be involved in their communities, and especially in their schools. They need to be at the table on their LSCs and I plan to include parents during my decisionmaking on the school board.
Do you foresee a need to close some district schools?
Our communities are weakened and made less safe whenever we close schools. That’s not an opinion; this is what the research suggests. We need to find ways to utilize our schools to better support our communities and integrate programs and services, and not put the safety of our students at risk. This is why I support expansion of the Sustainable Community School model across the district.*
Should CPS implement AI in its classrooms? What, if any, guardrails should be put in place?
What education is meant to do is produce critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and constant inquisition. Adults should be wary of AI for any and all uses because it’s not fully understood. Children are left vulnerable to unknowable consequences. I do not support the use of AI in classrooms.
The board currently includes one Honorary Student Member. As the board has recently tripled in size, should that number be expanded?
I’m interested in expanding this number. A student for each side of town isn’t unreasonable.
How will you be responsive to student-led issues?
I would include them in the decisionmaking process. As an incumbent, I’ve been honored to work with our honorary student school board members, and have voted in support of their proposed resolutions for mental health support. I also include meetings with students every time I visit a school in my district. We should have a youth advisory council for the district made up of students from each school. The mayor’s office has a youth commission, and I think we can also refer to that body for advice when needed. Other nonprofit organizations like Mikva Challenge have regularly testified in front of the committee, and to discuss these issues with them not just as witnesses but as constituents would be incredibly beneficial to the work that the board does.
Did you attend Chicago Public Schools? When/Where?
Sullivan High School '95; also attended Gale Elementary and Decatur Classical
Have you sent your children to Chicago Public Schools?
Yes; Gale Elementary, Disney Magnet, and Northside Prep
Have you ever served on a Local School Council? When/Where?
Yes, Gale Elementary (2016-18)
Have you ever worked for Chicago Public Schools?
Yes, 2000-08
What neighborhood do you live in?
Rogers Park