Daniel Olson: 2023 candidate for DuPage High School District 88 board, 4-year term
Bio
Town where you live: Villa Park
Age on Election Day: 61
Occupation: Information systems
Previous offices held: DuPage High School District 88 board since 2019
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: No special interests. Keep working with the staff to maintain and improve the learning environment for the District 88 students.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: To work with the district staff and the staff in the buildings of Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools.
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: To work with the district staff and the staff in the buildings of Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools.
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: To work with the district staff and the staff in the buildings of Addison Trail and Willowbrook high schools. We listened to the students and the teachers on their concerns. The cooperative environment helped guide us through the issues and I believe we will do the same again.
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: Listen first. Let all say what they would like to say. Take time to think through all comments before making my decision on how to add to the discussion then decide on what is best for all of District 88.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: That I am a team player first and I do not have any specific issues that may cause me to not be that team player. We have been working together as a team and I plan to continue to be a team player.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I don't have any personal ideas that are not being talked about.