Gabrielle Fender: 2023 candidate for Batavia Unit District 101 school board
Bio
Town: Batavia
Age on Election Day: 51
Occupation: Not given
Employer: Not given
Previous offices held: No elected offices held
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?
A: I am running for Batavia school Board because I truly believe that, academically, the Batavia schools have the potential to be one of the top performing districts in the state. By this I mean scoring within the 80th percentile in the areas of ELA (English Language Arts) and math. I would like to collaborate with the other hardworking members to achieve this goal for our students.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum is to make sure their district schools have the appropriate resources for each teacher to effectively educate the students. They need to work with the educators and make informed decisions regarding appropriate content for the students to surpass the general standards.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: In looking at the Illinois Report Card for Batavia High School I feel the math and ELA curriculum need attention. The data indicates 6 out of 10 children are left out when concerning academic achievement and less than half of our 11th-graders are not meeting the requirements of our state.
Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?
A: My role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies would be open minded and well-informed. To accomplish this I would not just have to listen, but truly understand the concerns of the constituents. It wouldn't really be my role to agree or disagree with them. My role would be to listen, learn, communicate and act to the best of my ability.
Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?
A: I believe the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that we need to be prepared. We need to be proactive where the children are concerned. We need to look at all potential results of the decisions that we make. The plan should be quickly and consistently implemented across the district. Expectations should be appropriate and enforced; while communication should be transparent. We learned that not everyone shares the same experiences and beliefs, therefore it would be difficult to appease an entire district.
However, if there is a clearly stated, well thought out plan that is transparently communicated BEFORE the next event, the students education and positive well-being could fluently continue. We would also need contingency and special circumstance plans. I hope that we could all learn from the COVID-19 experience that, as a whole, we failed our children.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.
A: I have had experience working in a group setting to determine policy from previous occupational roles that include retail management, overseeing a staff of paraprofessionals, and working on professional committees. I also have experience volunteering on many committees, coaching and running a household. My "style" is such that I realize that group decision making requires give and take. I feel it is imperative to look at others opinions and understand the differences and reasons for their thought process. This understanding leads to an ability to compromise and compromise produces actions.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: What makes me the best candidate for the Batavia School Board is my 100% belief that absolutely every child deserves the opportunity to be provided with an education that leads them to fulfill their potential. I have extensive experience, both positive and negative, with the educational system. I understand and accept that even though we all live in the same community our experiences and circumstances can be completely different. I would always work to do what is in the best interest of the children.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: One idea, that in my opinion, is a good idea and I haven't heard anyone talk about is to attempt ways to get the population of students who "lay low" to see their value and get them motivated to take charge of their education and success.