Gayln Piper: 2023 candidate for Lombard Elementary District 44 board
Bio
Town: Lombard
Age on Election Day: 37
Occupation: Director of public programs
Employer: Cantigny Park
Previous offices held: Lombard District 44 board since 2018
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 office to serve all students within the District 44 boundaries. I believe all students deserve a wonderful and challenging education in a safe learning environment.
I will serve to ensure that District 44 continues to offer high-quality classroom and out-of-classroom experiences to build and nurture each child's unique abilities.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The school board is responsible for setting districtwide goals which include curriculum. It is the responsibility of the school district to monitor the goals through the superintendent.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: No.
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 issues is to gather information from all parties and make a decision with the rest of the board that serves the best interest of all students across the school district.
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: The COVID-19 pandemic allowed us to create tools to better understand our own schools and the students that attend them.
Rather than relying on national data, we can make informed decision on the well-being of District 44 students and their specific needs.
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: Having served on the school board, I work well with this team. It is important to listen before drawing conclusions and maintain respect for others at all times.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am an engaged parent who is able to think out of the box to create goals that empower our district leaders to build the best schools and curriculum for our students.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I would like to build upon student-led Project Based Learning. Having been a part of fourth-grade presentations on products needed in their school store, I am inspired to see what the other students of the district can do, build, and solve!