Laura Mellon: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: MundeleinWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Mundelein High School District 120 School Board Age: 56Family: I am married to John for 23 years and have 2 grown children who both attended MHS. Mallory is 22 and in her senior year at UW Parkside and Liam, 21, has attended DePaul, but is taking a break year to decide what direction he wants to go in.Occupation: Youth AdvocateEducation: I have a BA degree in Economics from Indiana UniversityCivic involvement: I have been an active volunteer in our community for more than 20 years, in schools and other organizations. I am involved with the ED-RED organization to encourage local and state lawmakers to operate in the best interests of students and public education. I have organized with other community members to work for the betterment of Mundelein and Lake County, most notably in creating more Public Transportation options and also to create more affordable, accessible housing.Elected offices held: As a member of the MHS board, I have served on the SEDOL committee and theQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?I am so excited to see the progress made at MHS since I started as a board member and I am eager to be a part of the forward momentum. I have learned so much in the past 4 years and I would like to continue to put that knowledge to good use.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?The mandated state and federal tests are not always the best indicator of student progress and learning. STAR testing, which allows a student to push their understanding as far as they are able is more reliable.How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?The school administrators have the knowledge to make suggestions for changes to the curriculum. It is the role of the board to question the changes and decide on the best plan of action.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?MHS is in a good financial state, thanks in part to the current board and administrators. The uncertainty in Springfield and Washington are the biggest issue we face. I do not support any tax or fee increases, except when absolutely necessary.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?Having had school choice when my kids were younger, I believe that a parent makes the best choice they can for their child. As a school board member, I believe that learning about diversity is a part of a student's education. I would hope that the good reputation that MHS has built over time is enough to convince parents that the right choice for their students to have the best education possible is to attend their home school, MHS.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I want to open the doors of opportunity to every student and to allow each and every one a chance to create the future they want.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Diana O'Kelly inspires me because she is passionate about her job and the people she serves.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Treat others as you want to be treated. It works.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have picked a professional career to go after, even though it may have seemed daunting.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I loved math, because it was logical and predictable. This helped me to recognize patterns in people's behavior so I know how they will respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.