Lisa Messinger: 2023 Candidate for District 47 School Board (4-year term)

Bio

Town: Crystal Lake

Age on Election Day: 52

Occupation: Pediatrician

Employer: Northwestern Medicine

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: When I decided to become a pediatrician over 20 years ago, it was because I wanted to dedicate my life to improving the health and well-being of children. School is an essential part of the lives of the children in our community and it is imperative that we continue to support our public schools. As a parent of a child who recently graduated from District 47, I have experienced first-hand the hard work that our teachers and staff put into teaching our children. The role of a school board member is to represent the community. Thus, school board members should not be beholden to any particular issue or agenda. They must strive to serve the community as a whole. The only driving force behind my campaign is that I want to serve the children in our community by being a positive voice for them on the school board.

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

A: One of the reasons that locally elected school boards exist is to ensure that school districts are meeting the needs of their particular community. Policies are already in place to review and approve curriculum within the district. Curriculum is also available for parents to review. Parents have the option to exempt their child from curriculum if they choose. I support this process, but am open to reviewing policies as concerns arise.

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

A: All curriculum should be reviewed in a way that is consistent with the policies of the district. I believe in open lines of communication and addressing concerns of the community.

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: The first step in addressing controversies is to research and understand the facts. In today's digital age it is so easy for misinformation to be spread. What often starts with a kernel of truth, turns into a whole bunch of falsehoods. The next step is to listen intently to what is concerning to people. Sometimes clarification is needed and misunderstanding can create controversy where there shouldn't be. Transparency and explanation is the best approach. Of course, in the end the most important question is what is best for the children.

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: As a Pediatrician and a parent of a child attending District 47 during the pandemic, I understand how difficult the past couple of years have been. We coped with the social isolation and challenges of remote learning. I supported my patients through the multiple surges while dealing with multiple stressors brought on by the pandemic. What I have done is to follow the science and stay current on what is happening. The trouble with infectious diseases and pandemics is that the situation is never static. It is constantly changing and evolving as we learn more. Here is some of what we have learned and what I would carry onto the school board. Most children did not do well with remote learning. Ideally a plan for "another massive outbreak" would be to cohort students and apply mitigation plans to limit spread and contain an outbreak, while maintaining in person learning. Communication and transparency is extremely important and ideal.

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: My first experience sitting on a board was when I was elected to the National Board of Trustees for the American Medical Student Association. What I learned from those meetings has carried me through all of the other group work that I have done. Our board strived to govern by consensus. Discussion was key and the importance of understanding each other and communicating our views was paramount. Ultimately all board members should be able to stand behind the decisions made by the board without reservations.

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

A: Communication is key to being a board member. When I talk about communication, I am really talking about listening. As a Pediatrician I have spent the last 20 years listening to parents and kids. I often teach medical students that "parental concern" is a symptom. In other words if you really listen to what people are telling you, you can diagnose the problem. I am a woman of science. I understand how to interpret data. I am an expert in child development. I am a parent and have spent time volunteering in District 47 schools. I have been paying attention to what my child has learned over the past 8 years. I will bring a fact based and forward thinking voice to the school board.

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

A: There are plenty of good ideas circulating with our staff, teachers and parents. First and foremost, I would like to hear ideas from our teachers and staff. I would also like to see the district partner with more community organizations. I was so pleased to see the partnership with Crystal Lake Public Library develop. How can MCC further enrich the lives of our students? Could we partner with the Food Shed Coop or local farmers to bring local fresh foods for our lunch program? How can we expand our understanding of other cultures in our community? As a board member we don't create programs, but we can ask questions. That is often a good place to start.