Kimberly M. Finley: 2025 candidate for Wauconda Unit District 118 board

Bio

Office Sought: Wauconda Unit District 118 board (Vote for 4)

City: Island Lake

Age: 52

Occupation: Sales

Previous offices held: None

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I have lived in the area 26 years. I worked nights for 21 of those years. My daughter graduated from the district in 2021 and my son is currently a freshman at Wauconda High School. I am a single mom with them full time. Being of help is one of my passions. It’s time I gave back to the community that has given me and my kids so much. I want to be a voice for all the students and staff in our community.

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

It would be to collaborate with our educators to ensure that standards are being met or exceeded with the curriculum that is introduced. To evaluate current curriculum to confirm it is being taught correctly, and achieving desired outcomes.

My role would be to be a voice for our staff and community, to collaborate with the superintendent, and the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction to achieve the above goals.

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

Not that I can see from what my kids have gone though. I would like to explore this more when I get elected.

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?

My role would to be as fair as possible, using input from the community and staff. I am friendly with many teachers in the district, as well as parents of children in the area. I am not afraid to be a voice for those who need it.

I have always stood up for those who may have needed a voice, in all my jobs, even if it was not directly related to me. I stand up for what is right. It would be my job to consider both sides of a controversy, and help determine the best course of action for all.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.

I have been a champion for my district at work, to be a voice for my team to senior leadership. We were to bring solutions, not just problems to the table.

After all solutions were brought to the table, we discussed the best possible option to move forward with. It’s not about being right, it was about the overall better good of the company. I understood my ideas may not have been the best one, but at least we were getting things accomplished. I would be able to use this tactic with the school board. Solutions not problems.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, or would you rather see them diminished? Please explain your reasoning.

I always think that everyone should be given equal opportunities. I don’t necessarily believe that we need to fill a quota, but that the best person for the job should be hired. Equity and Diversity encompasses so much more than hiring for a position though. We should try and accommodate those who need accommodations.

Do I think we need more enhancements? No. I think we do a good job already. I would hate to see some of programs that we currently have in place, be diminished, that could hurt our kids or staff. This question is a rough one because so many things fall under this category. Too much to generalize here.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have a sympathetic ear, a giving heart, a quick learning mind, and I have a voice that I am not afraid to use for the greater good.

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

I would like to see more programs for parents. Everything seems to be about the kids but education and discipline start at home and some of the parents need more support.