Heather LH Manzella: 2023 candidate for Elgin Area School District U-46 board
Bio
Town: Elgin
Age on Election Day: 52
Occupation: Substitute teacher
Employer: Schaumburg School District 54
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 our students are failing, our tax dollars are not being spent efficiently, and I want to ensure that curriculum is appropriate and focus on improving academic and life skills.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The school board is the final decision on approving which curriculum is purchased by the district.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Yes. According to the Illinois State Board of Education's most recent report card, 53 of the 57 schools in U-46 are failing to educate students to proficiency levels in English, math, and science.
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 is to actively listen to input from parents, teachers, administration, and the community and bring those concerns and ideas to discussion with other Board members. I believe in open communication and exchange of ideas - even when opinions are drastically different.
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: We have learned that masks do little, if anything, to lessen the spread of COVID; lockdowns are detrimental to our students socially and academically; and that vaccines without proven long term efficacy have the potential for devastating adverse reactions. If there are new factors which are widely researched and proven by a variety of scientists and epidemiologists, I am willing to take those into consideration.
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 worked with a committee on PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) to determine how best to introduce and implement the system within our school. I actively listen, offer suggestions, and work with others to reach agreement.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I'm passionate about student success.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: Smaller class sizes that focus on progression of subject matter based on individual mastery.