Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running because every child in Chicago deserves a high-quality public education regardless of their family income or ZIP code. I bring the perspective of a former bilingual middle-school math teacher, a public-policy professional, and a current Board member who has had to make difficult decisions about academics, facilities and CPS finances.
My experience spans classroom teaching, policy advocacy and community organizing. As a teacher, I saw how housing, food insecurity, trauma and inadequate supports affect academic outcomes. As a policy advocate, I have worked on the structural issues that shape families’ access to opportunity. On the Board, I have worked to translate those experiences into concrete investments, including healthier school buildings, clean-energy infrastructure and career pathways.
I also bring a demonstrated commitment to independent decision-making. I do not believe the Board should be a rubber stamp for any stakeholder, whether that is City Hall, a union, a charter organization or any other interest. My responsibility is to students, families and the public.
Are you in support of the most recent CPS budget that relies on uncommitted state funding?
I voted for the budget, and I stand by it. I wasn’t going to accept a budget built on furloughs and layoffs when there is real money on the table if the state chooses to prioritize students.
Illinois is set to receive up to $768 million from the Meta settlement over teen social media harms. That money exists right now. It has not been spent. The Illinois Federation of Teachers and Chicago Teachers Union have already called for it to go toward the school funding crisis, and I’ve already been in conversations with state legislators about securing school funding. The choice in front of Springfield this fall veto session is whether to send that money to classrooms or let it go somewhere else.
This budget is a bet that we fight for that funding rather than accept cuts to kids preemptively. I did not vote for a fantasy. I voted to force a fight that needed to happen, and based on the conversations I’ve had so far, I believe that fight is winnable.
How will you work with CPS officials and staff to balance the district’s budget?
I support a hiring freeze and cuts for central office positions; leaning on our city’s elected officials with Springfield relationships to advocate for more funding; and prioritizing using school building space efficiently to generate revenue and meet other community needs. I would also consider the possibility of new revenue sources to increase funding, provided that I do not support raising property taxes or implementing regressive taxes that primarily affect lower-income communities. I do not support raising property taxes, but, a tax on the highest income-earners to address the public education funding shortfall would be appropriate.
Other than the budget, what is the single biggest issue facing Chicago Public Schools?
The average age of our facilities is 86 years old and we have a $4B backlog of critical repair needs across the District. Our aging school infrastructure is not attractive for prospective CPS families, it is not equitable for students, and it is not cost-effective with our current methods of patchwork and band-aid repairs.
What is a top issue for students, schools and families in your specific school board voting district?
One of the biggest concerns I hear in District 6A is about the condition of school facilities. Families want students learning in safe, healthy buildings — not classrooms affected by aging infrastructure, poor air quality, lead, or mold. That’s why I created the Healthy Green Schools Fund and pushed for investments that can address these issues while lowering long-term operating costs. I also hear strong interest, from District 6A families, in ensuring students have access to career-connected learning opportunities that prepare them for good jobs after graduation.
If you accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, how will you maintain independence from those donors?
My sole responsibility is to the students and families of CPS, and District 6A in particular. I’m proud to earn support from people and organizations that share my commitment to public education, but no endorsement is a blank check. It’s easy for politicians to trash special interests, but, can they walk the walk? I have already shown I’m willing to disagree with allies when I believe it’s in the district’s long-term interest — including opposing a high-interest operating loan despite CTU’s support for the measure. I will continue evaluating every issue on its merits using evidence, community input, and sound judgment.
How can current board policies and procedures be improved?
The Board can make the biggest improvement by strengthening long-term financial planning and transparency. We should evaluate major spending decisions over multiple years, clearly explain tradeoffs, and avoid one-time solutions that create bigger challenges later. Better budgeting will help protect classroom investments while building public trust, the most valuable resource we have – and the hardest one to obtain – as elected officials.
How should CPS and the board work to address declining enrollment?
Declining enrollment requires thoughtful planning. CPS should strengthen neighborhood schools, expand early childhood education, continuing to strive to improve academic outcomes, invest in modern facilities, and make schools attractive to families choosing where to live. Decisions should reflect demographic trends while minimizing disruption to communities.
Do you foresee a need to close some district schools?
I would consider school closures in case where student safety is at risk.
Should CPS implement AI in its classrooms? What, if any, guardrails should be put in place?
I believe that CPS students should not have access to generative AI applications until the District has had more time to be intentional about training staff and implementing policies to establish safeguards on AI usage. There must be a clear approval process for applications using generative AI that involves parents, students, educators, researchers, and privacy experts. I also support limits on screen time for all grades.
The board currently includes one Honorary Student Member. As the board has recently tripled in size, should that number be expanded?
Yes, and I also believe the Honorary Student Member should have more authority and involvement in Board decisions.
How will you be responsive to student-led issues?
Students experience our policies every day, and their voices should help shape our decisions. I will continue meeting with student councils, visiting schools regularly, and seeking feedback through public meetings and advisory groups, as I have done during my first term on the Board. Student perspectives should inform decisions on academics, safety, extracurriculars, mental health, transportation, and school climate. At the same time, effective governance requires balancing student input with feedback from families, educators, school leaders, staff, and community members, alongside data and district-wide considerations.
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?
West Town