Aiden Branss: 2023 candidate for Township High School District 211 School Board

Bio

Town: Arlington Heights

Age on Election Day: 19

Occupation: Author/publisher

Employer: Aiden Branss Books (my own company).

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'm running because students of the district are unaccounted for in most decisions made. I'm here to advocate for students needs and rights. I am "The Connection To The Classroom" and I know the real issues that are plaguing our schools.

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

A: We must make sure our students excel in subjects like math, reading and science. It is our teachers responsibilities to help students understand the curriculum, and it's the district's responsibility to provide additional help if needed, such as hiring more tutors.

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

A: I don't have any issues with the current curriculum, I would just advocate that we teach our students everything they'll need to be prepared for in the future. Instead of beating around the bush with some heavy topics, we must teach our students the full truth, and nothing but the truth and provide them the best education possible.

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 will not let controversy bring me down. I know some of these "controversial issues" are only issues with a small percentage of the community. I will always vote in favor of the students and what's best for our schools despite pressure. If community members who disagree with me have any questions, concerns or comments, they have the absolute right to reach out to me as an elected official, and I will explain my position to them.

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 will listen to our local health officials and take their guidance and advice on how to handle the hypothetical situation.

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: As an owner of a small publishing company, I sometimes have disagreements with my authors. We sit down to discuss and debate what we think is best for the company and how to move forward as a team. We then will come to solution after talking about the outcome of every possible situation. I will bring that same energy and leadership to the District 211 board. I'll bring my business and negotiation skills to the table and be efficient in serving the community and making sure things get done in a timely matter.

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

A: My energetic personality, my strength, my spirit and my passion. As a 2022 graduate of a Palatine High School, I have first hand experience in our modern day schools, and I have a unique perspective that none of my opponents have. Due to my age, I am the only real nonpartisan candidate because I haven't had a life time to make up my mind and be set in my ways.

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

A: People often say that there is five schools in our district - Palatine, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Conant. But that is incorrect, there is two other schools that do not receive the same attention as the others, North Campus and Higgins Education Center. My concern is that these two schools are not receiving the same resources as the other schools. I have friends who attend North Campus who often say they feel like they are being left out, and not being fairly treated. It's time our district acknowledges those two schools, and if elected, I promise to make sure those students who attend those schools are being provided the same opportunities as any other student in the district.