I feel like my work on D87’s board is not complete yet. We have so many exciting projects ahead of us which will make the learning environment in D87 even better than the fantastic environment we have now. I want to continue to add my voice at the table of decision making for all students of D87.
Continue to try to tear down the barriers to equity in our educational system. Working with admin to identify areas that can be improved for each specific school. What is needed at one school is not what is needed at another. Finding those specific items and working hard to accommodate the needs of the students attending is what we strive to do. We are seeing our test scores rising when we work to get the right resources in the right space.
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Not only is it important to attract and retain highly qualified talent (which is hard in these times of educators being vilified) but it is also extremely important to attract and retain diverse candidates. Kids learn best when they can see themselves in the adults in the building. Representation matters.
Passing the County Sales tax is one huge step to addressing school safety. The money can be used to address areas where there are weaknesses. I am very proud that D87 is a leading district in the state for school safety. Our director of safety and security has given presentations at state wide conferences on the steps D87 has taken to protect our kiddos. There is always room for improvement, but that takes money. The sales taxes generated would help fill those gaps. The mental health needs of our students also need to be addressed to improve school safety. Students are struggling more than ever right now. Like it or not it is falling on districts’ shoulders to help those students beyond just classroom skills.
Campaign Phone
(309) 287-594
My desire to support Bloomington School District began as a parent of two former District 87 students, volunteering in the classroom and activities my children were involved in. Soon after, I became aware of a much bigger need beyond my family, which became my driving force behind my continued dedication to make Bloomington-Normal a better place for all children. This commitment has kept me involved on the school board since my original appointment in 2017. I plan to continue my work to improve academic achievement, enhance the curriculum to support this goal and advocate for fiscal responsibility in the district.
There are specific suggestions being evaluated in the district to address achievement gaps that occurred during the pandemic. A new study has found evidence that phonics programs can help support students in improving their reading scores. My idea is to create volunteer tutoring opportunists that provide students with extra chances to read to an adult, further enhancing their reading skills. This not only helps build confidence but also provides a positive way to foster community involvement, allowing everyone to be part of the solution, which can be reinforced at home.
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I strongly agree with the current concerns surrounding public education. The challenges posed by the pandemic have underscored the critical need to recruit and retain qualified educators dedicated to fostering student success. Investing in our educators ensures they have the resources to address achievement gaps effectively. Educators are vital in building student confidence and creating positive learning environments. By prioritizing the recruitment and retention of diverse, talented educators, we can enhance education quality and support all students in their learning journey.
As a board member, my goal will be to deepen the partnership with the Bloomington Police Department and the Director of Safety to ensure the district proactively seeks ways to improve safety. It is also important to propose reviewing and monitoring what other schools are implementing to see if they are doing things that would benefit our district and ensure all of our schools are as safe as possible.
Campaign Phone
309-828-8545
I am a candidate for re-election, because I feel there is still work to do as we complete the planning and renovation of our "new" Oakland Avenue building, which will house the Area Career Center next fall, and our Raymond pre-school in the fall of 2026. This is an exciting time for our district's early education program. I want to continue to serve the community by helping to develop policies that bring about constructive change in our local schools. The next four years will be challenging for our public schools, as we continue to address safety, technology, finances, and a teacher shortage. I want to be a part of the decision-making. My guiding principle in making decisions is what is best for the students.
1. Early Childhood Education- Expanding our current half-day program to all-day, so that all students have a great start to their educational experience. Providing interventions and special services as needed and maintaining small class sizes
2. Technology - Continue to "level-up" the use of technology in our classrooms, by upgrading devices and internet services in the student's home so that all students continue to have unlimited access to educational opportunities.
3. Teacher Training -Continue to invest & expand professional development activities so that our teachers have access & training in the latest methodology and equipment.
4. Provide our students with the necessary support service, counseling, tutoring, mental health, etc.
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The education a student receives is directly related to the quality, training, and experience of their teacher. Recruiting and retaining the best teachers allows us to maintain consistency and stability int the instructional program. It also adds to a positive school culture. Additionally, experienced teachers can serve as a mentor to new teachers thus creating a supportive and collaborative learning community.
Illinois has a teacher shortage, especially in math, science technology and special education. Pension reform is needed to restore benefits for new teachers to make the profession more attractive. The General Assembly also needs to be encouraged to again offer teacher scholarships in areas where we currently have a shortage.
We must ensure a safe learning environment for all students, with an emphasis on both their physical and emotional needs. Proposals include:
Enhanced Building Security - we currently have surveillance cameras, controlled access to our buildings, and three School Resource (Police) assigned to our buildings. Equipment needs to be updated to include facial recognition.
Anti-bullying Programs- that are on-going and include awareness campaigns, counseling, and strict disciplinary responses.
Mental Health Services- providing access to mental health professionals, peer support groups, and offering mental health education to students and staff. Engaging parents, police, and community organizations to create a supportive network for students.
Campaign Phone
309-662-4012
Campaign YouTube URL
I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education in 2023 and am currently serving as a member of the District 87 Board of Education. The Bloomington School District has played a significant role in my life. I am a Bloomington High School graduate and worked as a school psychologist at the elementary and junior high school levels in the district for most of my career. I want to continue to participate as a member of a board that consistently makes choices based on the best interest of the community and students.
A strong public school system is critical to the community. Some examples of the quality educational opportunities available to all District 87 students include: expanding early education programming; expanding Career and Technical Education opportunities; providing a strong multilingual program; providing a comprehensive special education program for eligible children; supporting District administrators in their efforts to recruit high quality staff; supporting ongoing in-service and professional development opportunities to retain high quality staff; and adopting high-quality curriculum to meet the needs of all students. As a member of the Board of Education I would continue to support these efforts.
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Retention and recruitment of quality educational professionals is critical to address the academic and social/emotional needs of students. Teachers and school staff must be able to develop strong positive relationships with students. It is especially difficult to fill positions in the areas of special education, elementary education, bilingual education, science, math, and computer science/technology. Current vacancies in District 87 confirm the need for personnel in these areas. The district recruits at career and job fairs; has expanded the onboarding program for new teachers; and supports professional development and career growth to retain high quality staff.
I do not have specific proposals to address school safety. I recognize that school safety is a critical responsibility and support the district’s focus on providing a safe environment for students, staff, and parents. District 87 employs a Director of Safety and Security and three School Resource Officers. District 87 maintains close relationships with local law enforcement and first responders; conducts regular safety drills and training with students and staff; regularly upgrades facilities; and updates technology procedures. In 2022 the School Board adopted a Secure Gun Storage Resolution which requires schools to educate parents about the critical importance of secure firearm storage in keeping schools and students safe.
