Susan E. Kerr: 2023 candidate for Elgin Area School District U-46 board

Bio

Town: Bartlett

Age on Election Day: 66

Occupation: Retired

Employer: Retired

Previous offices held: U-46 school board (2015-present)

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 my third term because the district has major initiatives that I would like to see completed.

These include 1.) The transition to a grade 6-8 middle school and the expansion of preschool. This will involve curricular revisions, support for teachers and students, and boundary changes. 2.) The expansion of U-46 rising, an initiative which is bringing rigor, collaboration, and critical thinking into the classroom. I have been impressed not only by the presentations the board has received on this subject, but also by the student engagement and enthusiasm I have seen on my visits to classrooms. 3.) The introduction of an International Baccalaureate (IB) program to the academy at Elgin High School 4.) Multiple building projects if the referendum passes.

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

A: Curriculum development in U-46 is a detailed process which has several stages before a curriculum and/or its accompanying resources come before the school board.

It begins with a "call to committee" which gathers together teachers and administrators to outline the curriculum, identify resources and professional development, and pilot the program.

The curriculum is vetted by Instructional Cabinet and Instructional Council before it comes before the school board. It is the role of the school board to ask questions, look at the financial implications, and vote.

It is also the role of the board to listen to concerns from parents about the curriculum and bring those to the attention of the administration.

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

A: There are no curriculum issues within the district that I am concerned about, but I believe the board and administration must closely monitor legislation in Springfield.

Some of the legislation includes mandates that, while well-intentioned, add additional subjects to the school day or may not allow much local flexibility.

The board and administration must work with local legislators, the Illinois Association of School Boards, and the Illinois State Board of Education to ensure our views are heard.

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: As a leader I try to listen to all sides of an issue and to understand the concerns that are being voiced. I try to weigh all the facts and do what is best for the children of the district.

Curriculum controversies are difficult, but U-46 gives parents the option to request an alternative assignment or resource for their child.

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: If there is another massive outbreak of an infectious disease, I would hope that we would not have to close schools again. My decisions, however, will be guided by experts in the field of public health, including our local health departments and Illinois Department of Public Health.

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: In the past eight years I have worked collaboratively with my fellow board members. My style is to listen to other points of view and to work toward reaching a consensus.

We have done this when reviewing our board policies and negotiating the superintendent's contract. As board president I am frequently in contact with other board members to get their views on various issues.

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

A: I care about students and their education. I want U-46 to be an outstanding district with great opportunities. I want our staff to love working in this district. I want our communities to be proud of us. I am willing to work hard to make that happen.

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

A: I would love to see one or more magnet elementary schools in our district.