Jessica Breede: 2023 candidate for Glenbard High School District 87 board, 4-year seat
Bio
Town: Glendale Heights
Age on Election Day: 43
Occupation: Educator
Employer: N/A
Previous offices held: Glenside Public Library Trustee
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 the office because I am proud of my community and the students and families that live in it. My decision to run for this office is to be able to help in giving a voice for my community and its families. I do not have a particular issue that motivates me.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: A school board should assist in the selection and adoption of curriculum. They then should also monitor the progress of the curriculum that has been adopted. I do not feel that a school board should be the sole group making curriculum selection decisions, nor do I feel that they should only participate in the final approval process of any new curriculum.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: District 87 has from my experience been doing a fine job with the curriculum that they have implemented. The board should continue to monitor the curriculum and be mindful if any changes in the future needs to be implemented.
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: It is always important to be open to other peoples opinions even if you do not agree with them. The point of any board is the come together and to openly and honestly discuss issues that are good and even ones that are not so good. A boards purpose is to make informed decisions, not decisions based off of emotions. My role specifically would be a member of a team that makes decisions, that considers all aspects such as how it could affect the students, staff, and 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: District 87 really did the best that they were able to do when it came to COVID-19. It is easy in hindsight to look back and reflect on what could have been done better or differently. I do feel that the safety of the students and staff was one of the top priorities, along with continuing to provide high quality learning for all students. As long as the district keeps that as their priority, I know they can concur any challenges that might arise. Let's hope that we will never have to deal with another pandemic.
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: My role as a library board trustee has provided me with the opportunity to determine policies in a group setting. My style in this type of setting has been to listen and then to ask questions for clarification if needed. Discussions for everyone to be able to provide feedback followed by coming to an agreement, have in my experience been effective in producing appropriate decisions and actions.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My love for my community and its families is what makes me the best candidate for the job. Being an educator and having the ability to understand the perspective of the teachers makes me the best candidate for the job. Wanting what is best for every District 87 student also makes me the best candidate for the job.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: Honestly I cannot say for certain that this has not already been discussed, but I would like to see more hands on learning within the community. One example of this would be career internships. A deeper partnership with the College of DuPage would be great as well. Discussions on the implementation of an early college program I feel could allow a more affordable college option for students. Early college being a type of dual enrollment program where a student earns an associate degree at little to no cost, while attending high school.