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 will guide the district by ensuring that in my role as a school board member I am responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of the communities serviced by 209. This will be accomplished by listening to the teachers, students, parents, and citizens while working with my fellow board members so collectively we serve the best interest of each student.
What is your impression of new superintendent Krish Mohip? How would you look to work with him if elected?
Having only been appointed less than six months, it is too early to have an impression of him. Time will tell if his commitment to focus on English as a Second Language students and academic performance and financial transparency will be realized.
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?
I think it shows our students, who are the ones impacted, that as leaders we lack the ability to create and maintain a stable environment for learning. Sending the message, that we can talk the talk but we can’t walk the walk. I intend to work together with my fellow board members as a governance team with the superintendent to make decisions that will best serve all the students in the community.
What does equity in education mean to you? How would you advocate for it if elected?
Equity means to me that everyone who walks through the doors of a District 209 building regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, etc, has a right to and access to a quality education with the ultimate goal of obtaining academic excellence.
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?
Without knowing the detailed academic levels of the students in District 209, it would be premature of me to make an uninformed recommendation because the best program or resource will ultimately depend on the specific needs of the student population and District goals. What we do know is, District 209 can offer more stem focused initiatives, diverse learning platforms, specialized tutoring programs, career preparation and counseling. This approach would prepare our students for our global economy.
