Misa Edwardsen: 2023 candidate for Township High School District 214 School Board

Bio

Town: Mount Prospect

Age on Election Day: 49

Occupation: Educator

Employer: School District U-46

Previous offices held: None

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 D214 school board member since this is where my focus has been with my children for the past several years. Academics is my top priority. After researching the State Report Card, I became alarmed by the proficiency levels being below 70 percent in reading, math and science.

Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?

A: The role of a school board is to be responsible for following its mission, utilizing input from its community and ensuring the students' needs are met with the curriculum. Board members should be periodically reviewing the curriculum and providing transparency with any modifications.

Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

A: English language arts (ELA) and math curriculum must take precedence. Allowing proficiency scores as low as 29 percent to 69 percent is unacceptable.

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: There is a need to provide leadership, ensure constituent voices are heard, and have some compromise when there is a question about policy or curriculum.

Q: Amid the departure of longtime Superintendent David Schuler, what should the district be looking for in its next superintendent? Do you approve of the general direction of the district under Schuler or do substantive changes need to be made?

A: The next superintendent should be able to engage community members in conversation and live in the district to understand its dynamics. Hiring a new superintendent is an opportunity to find someone with creative ideas for raising academic proficiency levels and other concerns from the community.

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: We have learned that understanding both the community needs and the financial capabilities of the district ought to play a part in the decision making should there be another outbreak.

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 been a part of various committees over the years. It is equitable to include all viewpoints to understand the situation when the outcome affects diverse groups. This will allow the board to be transparent with its reasoning once their decision is made.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: Being a parent and an educator of 25 years enables me to bring an essential quality to the school board.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

A: My idea is to gather valuable input from staff, parents, students and constituents. Understanding everyone's perspective on the strengths and shortcomings of the district will help to create a cohesive, prosperous district.