Raquel Gonzalez-Thomas: 2023 candidate for Batavia Unit District 101 school board
Bio
Town: Batavia
Age on Election Day: 48
Occupation: Quality compliance supervisor
Employer: Glanbia
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 because I feel the current board and central office is not supporting teachers and building staff. I feel central office is not communicating with the schools and its staff and the community. I also feel that there needs to be more support for the marginalized students. And the board needs to be more proactive and not reactive with the issues of racism.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The school board's role in setting and monitoring curriculum is approving curriculum and deciding the media used for it. However, I would like teacher feedback to see if the curriculum that is being taught currently is up to standards. I would also like to know more about piloted curriculum and to see if those will suit BPS 101.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Yes. I know that teachers in the district are required to write their own curriculum, and not given the materials to support this.
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: I would listen to all community members who voice their concerns about policies and curriculum controversies. However, if there is a policy that is given to school districts by the governing bodies that are in charge of Illinois public schools, then we need to follow those.
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 think we learned that we should not make this political. We need to look at science and the experts in this field. Listen to parent's concerns, gather facts, and make our decisions on what is best for the students, while still being within state guidelines.
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 work with all aspects of our production teams and compromise on what is best for the business and our customers. I help to try to find a better way, while not compromising our products. We have to work to together-board members, teachers, paraprofessionals, central office personnel to reach agreements and find better ways, while not compromising the students' education. By getting the input from teachers and paraprofessionals, the ones that are in the classroom day in and day out, this will best help the district reach their goals.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I moved to Batavia because of the schools, and the teachers in this district. I have seen bumps in the road with our education at all levels, and I want to be a part of bringing excellence back to District 101. Batavia is a community that takes pride in their academics, athletics, fine arts, and local businesses. I have experience as a leader, a substitute teacher, a parent of two Batavia High School graduates, and a community member. These are the reasons why I feel I am the best candidate for BPS 101 school district.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: One good idea that I don't hear anyone else speaking about is that there needs to be trust and collaboration with all parties involved.