Amanda Florip: 2023 Candidate for Gurnee District 56 School Board

Bio

Town: Wadsworth

Age on Election Day: 42

Occupation: Lawyer

Employer:

Previous offices held: D56 School Board

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 to ensure that District 56 continues to provide excellence in learning and social and emotional growth for the students and families we serve.

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

A: The school board provides oversight to the staff that has been trained and has experience in setting and monitoring curriculum.

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

A: I believe the Board needs to remain connected to the community and support a curriculum that best serves the student population we serve.

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 represent those that have elected me to serve 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: D56 has been at the forefront of technology and I believe we need to continue to make education accessible to all, even when physical presence is unavailable. We need to be ready to change and adapt when necessary and maintain transparent communication with all stakeholders.

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: The D56 school board has been monitoring policies for the last three years, going through each policy and evaluating if it is still applicable and in the best interest of the District.

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

A: I stay involved and connected to all four schools within our District and understand the unique needs each one has and the diverse student population our District serves.

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

A: Our District should continue to find ways to recruit and retain the positions we have a dire need for such as substitute teachers and bus drivers.