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?
I have been actively following what is happening with our presidential administration. I know if even a fraction of their policies are implemented our schools would face various difficulties. I have already been asking questions regarding the proposed policies and their effect to our schools. The first thing I would look to do is work with the board, superintendent, legal team and finance department. The policies aren’t just financial so I feel it imperative to learning what rights we have so we can protect our students and staff. I will stay true to my plan and that is to do what is best for all students while being honest and transparent.
What is your impression of new superintendent Krish Mohip? How would you look to work with him if elected?
I have been active in the community and schools for the last few years, and I was also active and engaged throughout the process of hiring Krish Mohip. I’m grateful that we have been able to secure a superintendent that has experience with working and supporting struggling districts. Despite some unwarranted and unjustified pushback from some in the community, I am thankful he stuck it out and agreed to step into the role. It’s been my pleasure to meet with him multiple times since and to see him out in every community engaging with students and residents. As a parent, I feel his work has been breath of fresh air and impressive. I have already signed up to be on one of the committees he has implemented and if elected I plan to continue working to support his efforts to reshape and renew how we operate our schools and educate our students. Renewing and rethinking how we do education is a must. Mr. Mohip’s knowledge and experience deserves to have a cohesive, professional and engaged board to support his approach. My plan as a member of the board is to not only support him in these efforts but hold him accountable in the process.
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?
Stability is essential for growth. It’s disheartening to see such a high turnover for the D209 superintendent position because is hinders growth. However, hiring incompetent or incompatible leaders stifles growth as well. As the school board we have to make sure that we are working together to hire the best and most qualified leader. We also have to evaluate our leader consistently. We have to look for leaders, sustain leaders and support leaders that prove they are capable of moving our district forward. To support more stability in this role I truly believe it starts with proper communication, support, respect, clear expectations and accountability. We have to be okay with getting it wrong, admitting mistakes and working to make effective changes.
What does equity in education mean to you? How would you advocate for it if elected?
Equity in education means being honest and acknowledging where students are and meeting them there. Once we do that, then we can work to provide the resources and put the proper supports in place regardless of a student’s background, race, ability or other factors. As a parent and community member I would continue to advocate for inclusive programs, like special education services, language support and mental health resources that would help current and future students. I also know it’s important to encourage culturally relevant curriculum, staff training and development in areas of equity and inclusion and stay informed and engage with school leadership.
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?
Though I have not worked in schools, I have been an active parent in Proviso and in District 88. One of the things I am passionate about is parent engagement and education. I am so glad that a current board member has resurrected the parent engagement committee, and my goal is to be a support to her and to help expand it to include parent education, parent academies and community engagement. These programs provide support in understanding how to navigate our schools various systems and advocate for all of our children. We can offer workshops to focus on the needs of students, understanding educational requirements, identifying resources in and out of the school building, etc. and to social-emotional learning. As a parent I know it would be helpful and beneficial to know how we can support our children at home with homework and navigating the transition to adulthood.