Roni S. Ben-Yoseph: 2023 candidate for Stevenson District 125 School Board

Bio

Town: Lincolnshire

Age on Election Day: 47

Occupation: Educator

Employer: Lake Forest College

Previous offices held: Currently serving on D125 Board of Education

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 was already planning a 2023 run for the District 125 School Board, so when I learned that there was a vacancy I applied, and I was sworn in to the Board in June 2022. I have a longstanding engagement with education and public service that makes me a valuable contributor and collaborator. I would be privileged to continue serving all Stevenson stakeholders to support the district mission of "success for every student."

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

A: The board provides oversight and sets policy; our role is governance, not management. Curriculum is developed and implemented by the experts, our world-class educators. Our charge includes the approval of new course offerings, like the new Virtual Reality elective in CSET (Computer Science, Engineering, and Technology) that students will be taking for the first time next year. We monitor curricular efficacy through student outcome data.

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

A: We have robust and diverse curricula across divisions, and there are always opportunities to improve and clarify. I would love to see increased student participation in STEM, especially among our female students. We have tremendous electives and co-curricular offerings, and are always eager to support educational innovation and exploration. Generally things are going really well, which puts Stevenson in the wonderful place of refinement instead of remediation. Some wonderful examples include this year's Student Wellness Initiative and Stevenson's commitment to Social Emotional Learning, not merely as a curriculum, but as a way of life that touches every aspect of student experience.

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: There are well defined processes in place for stakeholders to challenge policy or object to materials. When a potentially divisive issue comes before the board, I commit to an effective and transparent process and work impartially. As a board member, I have a responsibility to all of our stakeholders. We must model good governance and citizenship through all of our interactions, with respectful discourse, listening, perspective taking, and disagreeing without being disagreeable. I always remember that our kids and their families are watching. Whether sharing student life updates or receiving acknowledgement for their achievements, we see students and parents at every single one of our meetings.

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: In 2020 and 2021 we heard the word "unprecedented" over and over. Another infectious disease outbreak would not be unprecedented in the same way, so I would take historical insights into consideration, along with recommendations from Stevenson administrative leadership and expert guidance from the local, state, and federal levels. We have learned that our teachers and students are flexible and have the ability and the will to support continuity in learning, even under extraordinary conditions.

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 have served on several superintendents' committees and PTO committees and executive boards, in my previous (NSSD112) and current (D103) districts, as well as serving on the Stevenson Board of Education. I think it is critical to listen to different perspectives, ask questions to gather additional information, review all relevant quantitative and qualitative data, and use that work to pull priorities into focus. As a board member, my north star is making sure that our decisions and policies will best serve our students and support the optimal conditions for teaching and learning.

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

A: I am uniquely suited for this job because I have worked as an educator in diverse fields and populations for over 20 years. Whether I am leading a college seminar with young adults or on a yoga mat teaching students with disabilities how to self regulate, I understand that educational cultures, communities, and environments must rise up to meet and support every student to realize their full potential. Through my volunteerism, serving public school districts in various roles, I understand the complex interplay between education, finance, and facilities, and work collaboratively with the board and administrators to assess the constantly changing variables in District 125. I realize the need to develop and maintain a strong rapport with board colleagues, administrators, and the school community at large to assure the healthy functioning and ongoing success of the district.

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

A: My best idea is to continue this work with humility, and remember that I am here to serve the community. I will always strive for stronger communication, greater understanding, and respect for all stakeholders. I am blessed to currently serve on Stevenson's Board of Education, so I know that there is an incredibly deep bench of talent here. Our students work in classrooms, clubs, and organizations to bring great ideas to fruition, and if they don't see a path they can blaze their own, by proposing a new club or organization to the Student Activities Office. Our teachers work in thoughtful, collaborative, and creative Professional Learning Communities, where they are constantly sharing and developing good ideas. As a board member, my greatest aspiration is to assure that Stevenson continues to thrive.