Campaign Phone
6303999874
Naperville has been my home for over 40 yrs. I want to ensure our district remains strong and each student is challenged academically, supported emotionally, and is given the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential. We need to create an environment where students want to learn and attend school. I want to give them the joy of learning, nurture curiosity and inspire them to pursue their interests.
School districts are complex. Since being elected in 2017 and 2021, I’ve spent my time listening, learning, and tackling tough issues. My professional background includes leading large business and technical telecom teams, including a $1B procurement program and a $250M investment portfolio. I have a BS in computer engineering and an MBA. To be successful I built skills in negotiation, team building, leadership and communications. I bring knowledge, skills and passion to addressing the myriad of issues within 204.
1) Continue to evolve to allow students to achieve their best. This includes challenging students academically and supporting their emotional needs while providing an inclusive environment for everyone. Some groups of students struggle. We need to continue to look for innovative ways to engage all students and prepare them for the future.
2) Fewer people are becoming teachers. We need to extend efforts to attract and retain excellent staff and administrators. This involves furnishing our schools with resources, supporting career ambitions, and looking at ways to address class sizes.
3) The board will have a significant role in financial governance. With the passage of the $420M referendum we will upgrade each of our buildings. This work and spending will need to be carefully managed. On the operating side, the district is still underfunded at 85% of adequacy. We will need to continue to look for cost reductions, grants, and creative ways to achieve more with less.
3% of our district funding comes from the federal government. The majority of this is for Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Title 1 (low-income support), and National School Lunch Program. If the Department of Education is eliminated it is unclear if all the funding will move to other parts of the federal government. Any reduction in funding will have a significant impact on Indian Prairie.
Illinois categorizes districts according available funding available. With Tier 4 the most well-funded and Tier 1 the least. We are a Tier 2 district. As a Tier 2 district, any decreases in federal funding amounts will be impactful. We will need to pursue supplemental grants, look for cost reductions, advocate at the State and Federal levels for additional funding. While I have been on the board, despite this financial pressure, we have been a highly ranked district and supportive environment for all students. I am committed to ensuring this continues in the future.
Our district rolled out chromebooks to enhance learning and to prepare students for their future careers. I believe it will be difficult to find a job that will not require digital skills. Incorporating technology into the classroom allows lessons to be tailored. Students can advance or get additional support on topics. Interesting content can help engage students and challenge them. The digital connection also gives students the capability to perform research and explore new subjects.
I see the value of embracing technology, however it needs to be properly managed. Sites in the district are restricted. Students receive lessons in digital citizenship. These are critical guardrails. Additionally, because students can independently move from being on task to an alternate software package, teachers need to monitor student interaction with the technology. Overall, the balance between teacher led instruction and technology must be carefully balanced.
I was elected to represent the community and to effectively work with the Superintendent and my fellow board members. While on the Board I have been involved in significant, challenging initiatives, including, defining a district-wide facility plan, changing the boundaries throughout the district, creation of the first 5 year strategic plan, and passage of a major referendum. In each case gathering stakeholder input was a key component to decision making. My role is to listen, understand, evaluate, and ultimately, make a decision. Professionally, to be successful I built skills in negotiation. This skill is put to use when working with six other board members and the superintendent to make impactful decisions.
My reason for running is two-fold–first, I was raised with the belief that we have a responsibility to give back to our community and to do our part to make where we live the best it can be. Second, my own children have gotten an incredible education and as a family, we’ve had a wonderful experience being a part of District 204. Volunteering my time to serve on the 204 school board is a beautiful blend of giving back to my community while trying to do my part to help ensure each student and family in our district has a great education and experience. I’ve spent much of the last three decades in volunteer leadership roles, from PTA president to HOA director, and have served for almost four years on the 204 board of ed. As a longtime community member, parent, and educator, I have a multifaceted perspective and am honored to be able to represent our community.
With the passing of the bond referendum, the Board will continue to monitor the implementation of the planned updates and the financial commitment for each. We also have contract negotiations in the near future, and will rely on our excellent relationship with our unions to ensure that we can compensate our employees as well as we can while maintaining a balanced budget. Additionally, the regular cycle for review of curriculum, professional development, programs, and improvements helps to make sure that we are a constantly evolving district. One area that IS growing and changing and will require some additional focus in the near future is how the district is managing the influx of English Language Learners and newcomers. The significantly increased growth in the number of these students we serve requires that as a district we focus on how to best meet the varied needs of not only these students but the staff and administration
In this rapidly changing landscape, my role as a board member to stay up to date on the most current education policy and to monitor it (at the federal, state, and local level) for potential effects on our students. The funding we receive from the Federal Dept. of Education (roughly 3% of our budget) is likely to continue albeit through another channel—for example, the funding for the Federal Child Nutrition Program may come from the Dept. of Agriculture. Regardless of what changes may come, I will continue to focus making sure our students have what they need to reach their highest potential, both though decisions at the board level and advocacy at the state, local, and federal level.
The integration of digital literacy has a profound impact on K-12 curriculum. It enables our students to be well-prepared for the digital world in which we live and their future world. Learning how to discern accurate and unbiased information from legitimate sources online is a crucial skill to hone from an early age. Digital learning also helps our students practice critical thinking, analysis, working together, digital citizenship, creativity, and offers educators a way to differentiate more easily within the classroom. In this way, educators can better provide personalized learning to meet each student’s needs.
Some of the challenges that our students and educators face are balancing screen time with face-to-face interaction, staying on track given potential online distractions, and making sure our students have access to reliable connectivity outside of the classroom.
We are lucky to employ an exceptional administrative team. They are the subject matter experts in their fields, and as a board, we value and respect their recommendations greatly. That being said, as board members, we have a responsibility to serve as the community’s voice in decision-making. Balancing these equally important sources of input can be a challenge; however, the history of mutual respect between administration and the board allows us to have frank and open conversations about what potential changes community members would like to see, and we are most often able to compromise to arrive at a solution that meets the needs of as many stakeholders as possible.
Campaign Phone
6302673440
I decided to run for reelection to continue my Servant Leadership in the district. I am proud of the academic successes we have had in recent years, with statewide and national recognitions. I am proud of the focus we have given to students’ social and emotional wellbeing, and I desire to uncover more innovative ways to bring resources in this arena to our students. Top priorities for me are: 1)On-budget implementation of the referendum we passed in November; 2) Continue to be a district that is seen as a top and desired employer destination by a diverse and highly qualified teaching staff pool; 3) Be a district focused on providing a stellar educational experience for all students, preparing them for success in their chosen college or career pathways upon graduation; and 4) Continue to advocate for a change in funding through Evidence Based Funding, desire for 204 to be able to spend at least the state average on our students (formula allots $15K for 204 vs state spends approx $17K).
Most critical issues: 1) Advocate for our district to receive increased state revenue for our student funding as shared above; 2) Ensure equitable learning spaces exist in our schools throughout the district. First step was passing our referendum and now board monitoring to stay on budget; 3) Ensure we meet all students’ academic needs as shared above, whether college OR career pathway is their choice upon graduation. I am and will continue to be a strong advocate for increased dual-credit choices for our students. Some IL students graduate with an associates degree, our students should have that opportunity as well; 4) Continue to support student requests for increased mental and emotional health resources. We've been creative finding support for students and families socially and emotionally when needs arise. I'll continue to advocate for us to find more mental health resources at school and as well, parent and student university weekend seminars that have been well attended.
Potential DOE closure requires understanding the financial contribution 204 receives from the federal government. Our revenue is funded by local property taxes (76%); 20% from the state; and 4% from federal sources, and not all from the DOE. Student low-cost and free lunches are managed by the Dept of Agriculture, (interestingly, this benefits all families, with approximately $1 off of every school lunch); and the Department of Health and Human Services provides Medicaid for eligible students.
The DOE does provide essential funding for Title 1 schools (those serving a higher percentage of low-economic families), and we have 4 such schools in our district. If the DOE does close, advocacy for Title 1 funds to be administered through another federal agency will be a top priority for me.
Additionally, I will advocate that the Office for Civil Rights remains operational under another agency, as this office plays a critical role in ensuring all students have access to a quality education.
Digital literacy integration offers many opportunities for students and educators. The ability to hold remote classes during disruptions (e.g., weather or health outbreaks) is a game-changer in education. In addition, there is a global call for students to develop technological skills to prepare for a future-ready workforce. Critical thinking and teamwork, demonstrated through our elementary SAMS classroom activities and coding programs, are key benefits. However, students must also understand the responsibility that comes with digital access. Teachers must guide students to use digital platforms responsibly, conduct proper research, and verify source credibility. Digital literacy also includes ethics, online privacy, and the long-term impact of online actions. Digital citizenship, where students engage respectfully online, is essential. Students must understand that anything posted online can follow them into adulthood, a concept that educators and parents must reinforce.
When making difficult decisions community input is vital. Our board ensures that involvement: 1)The referendum decision included open community forums held at neighborhood schools and residential meetings; 2)Boundary decisions implemented in 2022 were guided by a community steering committee, shaping recommendations given to the board; and 3) During the 2020 COVID health crisis, public speakers provided essential input, between the community and the district. Like the board, our administration is ever-present, listening to our stakeholders, engaged in conversations throughout 204, demonstrating their accountability and commitment to transparency.
Community input is crucial, and I strongly value the perspectives of all stakeholders as I navigate difficult decisions on behalf of our district. However, my ultimate responsibility is to ensure that every decision I make is in the best interest of our students and staff—that guiding principle will always shape my final determination.
Campaign Phone
6304004131
I believe in the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” I grew up in a community that cared about me, starting with my parents and extending to teachers, and neighbors. Their support shaped who I am today, and I want to give back by continuing to serve as a Board member.
I believe every child deserves access to a strong public education. My background in Communication, Law, Higher Education, and the Arts helps me understand policies, educational systems, and how to make thoughtful decisions that benefit students. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I value diverse perspectives in shaping education.
Over the past four years, I’ve worked on issues like remote learning, boundary changes, and improving school facilities. With the passing of the 204-bond referendum, we now have an opportunity to make critical improvements. I want to continue listening to parents and supporting our schools to ensure every child’s success. It would be an honor to continue serving our community.
1) Mental Health: Post pandemic, addressing students’ mental health became a priority. Thanks to the Superintendent’s team and innovative solutions, we expanded services, offering over 6,000 therapy sessions. Our District is now a model for others, with over 20 districts adopting parts of our approach. The demand for support continues to grow, and supporting these services remains a top priority. 2) Managing Facilities: With 74% of voters supporting the referendum, it’s clear that our community values safe and modern schools. I’m committed to using these funds to improve our schools, ensuring they are secure, well-equipped, and nurturing spaces for learning. I’m excited to collaborate with parents, teachers, and students to bring these improvements to life. 3) Academic Rigor and Equity: I prioritize academic rigor and equity across all 34 buildings. I aim to maintain high standards while addressing each school’s unique needs, ensuring every student has the support to succeed.
We rely primarily on local funding, with 83% coming from local sources, 14% from the state, and just 3% from the federal government. While 3% may seem small, it amounts to nearly $15 million. This is funding that plays a critical role in supporting schools with high concentrations of low-income students, providing professional development for teachers, improving technology, and funding special education services for students from pre-K through 12th grade.
Every student would feel the impact without the Department of Education. Federal funding supports the national school lunch program, which helps lower meal costs for all students who purchase lunch. In response, we would need to advocate for these essential programs and push for continued funding at all levels of government to support our schools and students. As we have always done, we would continue reviewing the district’s budget, prioritizing key programs, and using resources efficiently to minimize the impact on students.
Digital literacy is important for preparing students for the future. Technology brings both benefits and challenges. As a college educator, I’ve seen how technology makes information easier to access, keeps students interested, and offers more chances to work together. However, technology can also be distracting, and with the rise of misinformation, students need to learn how to spot false information from an early age.
Teachers not only need to know their subject well, but also need to be skilled with technology, all while managing the classroom and supporting each student’s needs. While technology has its benefits, it also comes with challenges. It’s our job to teach students how to think critically about the information they find and how to use technology responsibly.
When making tough decisions, I believe in balancing feedback from the community with input from the administrators. Administrators are the subject matter experts, as they know the operational needs and how to best make changes in the district. The community, including parents, teachers, and other stakeholders, understands the values and needs of our schools. Listening to their feedback is important to making good decisions. During my first term, I’ve seen how important community input has been, especially on issues like bringing students back to in-person learning and re-districting. We gather feedback through surveys, town halls, and direct conversations, and each board member serves as a liaison to specific schools and parent groups. By keeping communication open, we can make thoughtful decisions that consider both the expertise of the administrators and the values of the community.
There’s a quote that perfectly sums up why I’m running: “I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. And then I realized I was somebody.” I’m running because I care—I’m a parent, educator, homeowner, and business owner, deeply invested in this community. My husband and I chose to raise our family here because of the incredible schools, the dedicated teachers, and the engaged community. While many students thrive, the achievement gaps persist. As an educator, a curriculum writer, and a professional development specialist, I’ve seen these challenges firsthand. We need evidence-based practices to support all students effectively. Our school board must prioritize student success, equity, and safety. Schools should be places where every child feels valued and supported. Now more than ever, we need leaders who listen, advocate, and take action. I’m ready to serve and would be honored to earn your vote. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
The most critical issues are updating the curriculum to meet modern standards while addressing the achievement gap, providing quality professional development (PD) for educators, and building a more diverse and equitable school community. A curriculum audit can identify gaps and align materials with research-backed programs that support diverse learning needs. A phased rollout with ongoing teacher support ensures success. PD should be personalized, evidence-based, and collaborative, incorporating mentorship and professional learning communities while measuring effectiveness through student data. Building an inclusive community requires recruiting diverse educators, eliminating systemic barriers, and strengthening family and community partnerships. Additionally, enhancing special education services with adequate resources, training, and support will help meet the needs of all learners. By prioritizing these issues, we can create a more effective system for all students and educators.
If the Federal Department of Education ceases to exist, IPSD204 must ensure student civil rights and equitable education remain a priority. Without federal oversight, protecting these rights would fall to the state and local level, making it crucial to embed equity into our district’s foundation. Every student—especially those historically below proficiency—must receive the support needed to succeed.
To address this, we must equip educators with research-backed curriculum and professional development proven to close the achievement gap. Equity must shape instruction, resource allocation, and student support. DEI should be fully integrated into classrooms and policies, not limited to after-school programs or interventions.
As states take on more responsibility, we must proactively build a culture of belonging. By fostering strong school-community relationships, we can ensure all students receive a high-quality education, regardless of federal involvement.
Integrating digital literacy into the K-12 curriculum is essential for preparing students for a technology-driven world. Benefits include enhanced engagement, critical thinking, career readiness, personalized learning, and collaboration. However, challenges like equity gaps, teacher training, cybersecurity risks, screen time management, and assessment limitations must be addressed. Schools must educate students early and often about digital harms, fostering awareness of online safety, misinformation, privacy, and responsible device use. Ensuring equitable access to technology, providing ongoing professional development for educators, and establishing clear digital citizenship guidelines are crucial for maximizing benefits while mitigating risks. By embedding digital literacy into everyday learning and promoting responsible habits, we can create a future-ready education system that empowers students to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.
Balancing community feedback with the administrative team’s wishes requires a transparent and thoughtful approach that prioritizes what is best for students. Engaging with the community to listen to concerns, gathering diverse perspectives, and ensuring stakeholders feel heard is essential. At the same time, the administrative team provides valuable data-driven insights and professional expertise that help guide decision-making. Transparency plays a crucial role in alleviating concerns and helping the community understand why certain decisions must be made, even when they may not align with everyone's preferences. While no decision will be perfect, each one must be made with good intentions, carefully weighing the balance between available resources and the district's most pressing needs. By fostering open communication and maintaining trust, we can work together to ensure that every decision supports the long-term success of students and the overall well-being of the school community.
