The Forest Park Review sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Review’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
With a new presidential administration has come sweeping federal changes affecting public schools. How would you look to guide the district in this new climate?
If the new administration implements even some of its proposed education policies, our students could face program and funding cuts. My first priority would be to understand exactly what is being cut and to what extent. Next, I would assess who will be most affected and explore ways to mitigate the impact. To offset the loss of resources, I would seek partnerships with organizations that provide grants, programs, or other forms of support tailored to our needs. Until we have a clearer picture of the specific cuts and their local impact, it is challenging to propose detailed actions, but proactive planning and resourcefulness will be key.
What is your impression of new superintendent Krish Mohip? How would you look to work with him if elected?
I support the new superintendent and have had the opportunity to meet with him several times. I’ve been impressed by his ideas, approach, and communication style. From what I’ve observed, he is committed to being a positive change-maker for Proviso and has concrete plans to achieve this through collaboration with students, parents, teachers, and the broader community. If elected, I would actively support, evaluate, and review his work in the district. While I am encouraged by his vision, I believe it is essential to assess the specifics of implementation and always ask, “How do we achieve these goals meaningfully and strategically?”
It’s no secret that there has been a high rate of turnover in the D209 superintendent position. What do you make of that and how would you work to support more stability in the district administration?
The high rate of turnover in the superintendent position is unfortunate, as stable and consistent leadership is essential for meaningful, long-term progress. This challenge extends beyond the superintendent role to the school board itself. Stability at the board level fosters continuity in administration, creating a foundation for sustained improvement. To support greater stability, I believe in promoting mutual respect, open communication, and clear expectations between leadership and the community. By prioritizing collaboration and consistency, we can encourage not only administrative stability but also positive growth throughout Proviso.
What does equity in education mean to you? How would you advocate for it if elected?
To me, equity in education means meeting students where they are and providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. It’s not about giving every student the same thing—it’s about giving each student what they need to thrive. For example, if every student were given the same size shoes, some would struggle to walk while others would move ahead with ease. True equity ensures that each student gets shoes that actually fit.
In practice, this could mean differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, or specialized programs—whatever best serves the unique needs of our students. Equity is about breaking down systemic and historical barriers that have left too many students without the support they deserve. For me, it’s a commitment to ensuring that every student, no matter their background or circumstances, has a fair shot at success. If elected, I will always advocate for policies and practices that make our schools more inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the diverse needs of our community.
Is there any program or resource you’ve seen implemented in another school district that you think Proviso students and families would really benefit from? How would it fill an existing gap?
One program that could greatly benefit Proviso students and families is a community schools model, where schools serve as hubs for not just education but also career pathways, technical training, and essential wraparound services like mental health support and family engagement. This model prioritizes data-driven decision-making, using student outcomes and community needs to shape programs that have the greatest impact. It also helps bridge gaps by expanding career and technical education (CTE) pathways in high-demand fields like the healthcare, green jobs, and data science. These industries will see the most growth in the next decade, yet many students lack access to the hands-on training, certifications, and mentorship needed to enter them successfully. Through partnerships with local hospitals, environmental organizations, and tech companies, students could gain hands-on experience, industry certifications, and mentorship opportunities that set them up for long-term success.
If elected, I would advocate for stronger partnerships and funding to make these opportunities a reality. By equipping students with the skills needed in emerging industries and ensuring that resources are allocated based on real data, we can create an education system that is not only more equitable but also prepares students for a stable and successful future.