Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I’m running because I love Chicago and care deeply about its future. I believe strong public schools are the foundation of a strong city — helping children succeed, supporting families, strengthening our workforce, and keeping Chicago a place where people want to live and build their future.
After more than 20 years in public service with the Chicago Park District, I understand the responsibility of serving residents, managing public resources, listening to communities, and supporting employees. I want to bring that experience to the Board of Education and keep the focus where it belongs: on students, families, academic achievement, and accountability.
Are you in support of the most recent CPS budget that relies on uncommitted state funding?
We need a budget based on secured revenue, responsible spending, and realistic projections. Students and schools should not face mid-year cuts because anticipated funding does not materialize. We should continue pursuing additional state and local revenue while identifying efficiencies and protecting the investments that most directly support student success.
How will you work with CPS officials and staff to balance the district’s budget?
I would work collaboratively with CPS officials and staff to examine the data, prioritize essential services, pursue additional revenue, and make difficult decisions when necessary. Every decision should be transparent, financially responsible, and focused on protecting student outcomes.
Other than the budget, what is the single biggest issue facing Chicago Public Schools?
Beyond the budget, another issue is student achievement. Too many students are performing below grade level in reading and math. We need to focus on strong instruction, early intervention, reducing chronic absenteeism, and accountability for results.
What is a top issue for students, schools and families in your specific school board voting district?
In District 7B, I’ve heard a variety of concerns including academic achievement, special education, and school safety. Families want to see students making progress academically, ensure students with disabilities receive the services and support they need, educators feel supported, and schools where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
If you accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, how will you maintain independence from those donors?
As an independent candidate, I will listen to all stakeholders — including parents, educators, unions, and school choice advocates — but my decisions will be guided by student outcomes, data, fiscal responsibility, and what is best for the students and families of District 7B and Chicago.
How can current board policies and procedures be improved?
When I am on the Board, I will work collaboratively with all Board members to strengthen policies and procedures, with student outcomes at the center of every decision. We need to use data and evidence to set clear goals, measure results, and change course when something is not working.
I will also make sure parents, students, educators, LSCs, and other stakeholders have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them. Good governance means working together, listening to our communities, and remaining accountable for the results we deliver for students.
How should CPS and the board work to address declining enrollment?
CPS and the Board should address declining enrollment with a data-driven, student-centered approach. We need to understand why families are leaving or choosing other schools and use that information to strengthen academics, school safety, special education, and school choice as well as being realistic about capacity and the financial impact of operating underenrolled schools.
Do you foresee a need to close some district schools?
We have to acknowledge the reality that CPS has schools with significant unused capacity, and continuing to operate empty or severely underenrolled buildings comes with real financial and educational costs. These are difficult decisions, but avoiding them does not serve students.
Should CPS implement AI in its classrooms? What, if any, guardrails should be put in place?
There should be limits on AI and device use in classrooms. While students need to learn how to use technology safely and responsibly, there must be balance. Technology should support learning, not replace critical thinking, writing, grammar, creativity, or the role of teachers. AI should enhance education—not replace foundational skills students need to develop independently.
The board currently includes one Honorary Student Member. As the board has recently tripled in size, should that number be expanded?
I would support expanding student representation as the Board grows. Students are directly affected by Board decisions and should have a meaningful voice in those discussions.
How will you be responsive to student-led issues?
Student input should be part of the decision-making process, especially on issues that directly affect their education and school experience. I will listen, review the data and evidence, and work with students and other stakeholders to find practical solutions.
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?
Bridgeport/Chinatown