Lynn C. Kammes: 2021 candidate for Winfield District 34 school board
Incumbent Lynne C. Kammes, one of four candidates running for three, 4-year terms in Winfield Elementary District 34, responds to the Daily Herald candidate questionnaire for the April 6, 2021, local election.
The candidates are: incumbents Lynne C. Kammes and Norman Bothwell; and challengers Manuel A. Figueroa and Alisa Wolfe. Bothwell did not respond to the questionnaire.
In-person early voting with paper ballots is now available at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. In-person early voting with touch-screen voting begins March 22 at locations throughout the county. Learn more at www.dupageco.org/earlyvoting/.
For more election coverage, visit dailyherald.com.
Bio
City: Winfield
Age: No response
Occupation: Retired
Civic involvement: Board member, Winfield Elementary District 34
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?
A: I have lived in Winfield since I was the age of 4. I attended Winfield School with my brother. My children attended Winfield School. I was on the school board for 20 years before retiring from it and then getting reelected after my grandsons started attending. I have Winfield history, board history and a deep dedication to the school. I feel the board should be diversified, with not all members being parents or retired citizens. It should be a mixture to balance out events that occur. We have a dedicated mixture of backgrounds, careers, talents and ages now. I feel that if you don't get a student taught effectively at each grade level, they will be set back from that years benefit for the rest of their lives.
Q: How would you grade the current school board on its response to the pandemic? Why?
A: We were prepared with a curriculum for remote learning already set up. Our students have had personal iPads for several years. They were able to take those home and teachers were able to hold remote classes within a week or so in spring 2020. Everyone was familiar with technology, equipment and programs.
Q: Did your district continue to adequately serve students during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A: Yes. We were ready with equipment and curriculum. Over the summer we fine-tuned the program for fall by setting up a strict schedule during the 8:30 to 3:15 school day. That structure worked out much better with the kids. We decided to start the school year off remotely, but saw that Winfield's COVID numbers were very low. We started in-class learning along with a remote program for parents who were worried about their kids being there in person. Our superintendent had as many "touchable" items in the building replaced such as paper towel dispensers, water faucets and toilets, water bottle fillers. Our nurse keeps track daily of absences, family contacts, etc.
Q: Do you have a plan on how to safely and effectively conduct classes in the spring? What have you learned from the fall semester that you would change in the spring?
A: With our small class sizes we are able to maintain a safe distance in classrooms. The students have been very compliant with face cover wearing, distancing and hand washing. We remind them to continue wearing face covers when out of school and around others not in their family bubble. We learned there are no more student absences during in-class pandemic school than would happen normally. We have done MAP testing to track where our students may need extra help from remote learning. This is all accomplished by working together with parents, staff, students and community.
Q: What is your position on allowing high school sports to continue during the pandemic? Be specific.
A: There has been pressure from parents and students about this issue. They see the professional teams being able to play and feel they are missing out. I feel, if it can be done safely with precautions, let them try it; but if there are health problems because of the sports, then stop it immediately.