Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running to protect our public schools from those looking to privatize and profit from them and to keep them open and serving the communities in which they are located.
Are you in support of the most recent CPS budget that relies on uncommitted state funding?
Yes, because that state funding is committed via Public Act 100-0465. Our state legislators need to fulfill the promises made to our schools when that law was passed.
How will you work with CPS officials and staff to balance the district’s budget?
I will continue to advocate for the distribution of funds allocated via Public Act 100-0465 and will also work with CPS, city, and state officials to close corporate tax loopholes, and enact other progressive funding sources.
Other than the budget, what is the single biggest issue facing Chicago Public Schools?
The inequitable distribution of funding and resources across our neighborhood schools.
What is a top issue for students, schools and families in your specific school board voting district?
Overcrowding and large class sizes as well as the expiration of the moratorium on school closures.
If you accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, how will you maintain independence from those donors?
The groups that have endorsed me have done so because of our shared values related to student-focused education and support for school workers and staff. I will continue to hold fast to my values and know the groups that have endorsed me expect me to do the same.
How can current board policies and procedures be improved?
The board needs to improve transparency and consistency in communication with CPS families.
How should CPS and the board work to address declining enrollment?
Neighborhood schools should receive the resources and funding needed to make them more attractive to the students and families in the communities where they are located. There also needs to be improved communication from the district with families related to the quality of the schools around them.
Do you foresee a need to close some district schools?
No. Closing schools harms the communities in which they are located. The Sustainable Community Schools model should be implemented in schools rather than closing them.
Should CPS implement AI in its classrooms? What, if any, guardrails should be put in place?
There should be a moratorium on the use of AI in classrooms and a reduction in the use of technology as a primary teaching tool. The district needs to recenter the teacher-student relationship in order to improve day-to-day educational experiences.
The board currently includes one Honorary Student Member. As the board has recently tripled in size, should that number be expanded?
Yes
How will you be responsive to student-led issues?
I will use Student Voice Committees as well as student members of LSCs as primary sources of information related to student-led issues.
Did you attend Chicago Public Schools? When/Where?
No
Have you sent your children to Chicago Public Schools?
Yes — my sons are graduates of Clissold Elementary school.
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?
Morgan Park