Marc A. Falk: 2025 candidate for Central Unit District 301 board

Bio

Office sought: Central Unit District 301 board (Vote for 3)

City: Elgin

Age: 57

Occupation: No answer given

Previous offices held: School board member and Kane County Zoning Appeals Board

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

I am re-running for a position on the school board to ensure our students continue to receive the highest quality education possible.

It is also essential to provide our teachers with the necessary support and resources to foster an optimal learning environment for the students. One of my core motivations is to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of the facts, rather than making hasty conclusions.

I am committed to identifying and implementing key steps required to advance our classrooms and support our teachers’ efforts to ensure that all students thrive at Central Unit 301.

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

The school board sets and monitors the district’s curriculum by establishing educational policies, approving curriculum standards and resources that align with state and federal requirements. We review and adopt instructional materials, assess student performance data, and oversee curriculum updates to meet academic goals.

Additionally, the board works with educators and the community to ensure the curriculum supports student needs and prepares them for future success.

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

As is consistent with the National Report Card, mathematics is an area of focus for our district. Currently, the district is piloting mathematics programs for implementation next year for grades K-8. Last year, updated resources were approved for the high school. This is part of our strategic goals and a focus area specific to the board.

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 in confronting policy or curriculum controversies is to provide principled leadership while ensuring all voices are heard. Effective governance requires balancing community concerns, educational best practices, and legal mandates.

While I will advocate for policies that serve the best interests of students, even when unpopular, I also believe in fostering open dialogue and considering diverse perspectives.

Ultimately, decisions must be guided by research, equity, and long-term student success while adhering to state and federal requirements.

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.

My experience in working with groups to determine school board and district policies has emphasized collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and consensus-building.

In such settings, the process typically involves thorough research, open discussion, and weighing diverse perspectives before reaching an agreement. The most effective approach is a deliberative and strategic style, where stakeholders engage in respectful debate, analyze evidence, and prioritize student outcomes while adhering to legal and financial constraints.

This approach is effective because it fosters transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. By encouraging input from educators, parents, and community members, while being cognizant of state and federal laws, the board can craft policies that reflect both community values and best practices in education.

Ensuring clear communication and a focus on long-term goals helps build trust and lead to sustainable, impactful policies that enhance student success.

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.

An assessment of a school district’s diversity and equity efforts should be grounded in measurable outcomes, community needs, and student success. Effective diversity and equity initiatives ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education, resources, and opportunities. This includes addressing disparities in academic achievement, discipline practices, and access to advanced coursework.

I support the continuation and enhancement of these programs where they have proven effective, as fostering an inclusive learning environment that benefits all students.

Equity does not mean lowering standards but rather providing the necessary support for every student to reach their full potential. Strengthening such efforts through data-driven adjustments ensures they remain impactful, transparent, and aligned with the district’s educational mission.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

When you lead from your experiences past and present it makes you a well-rounded board member. My candidacy for the local school board is distinguished by a combination of visionary leadership, a commitment to academic excellence, and a deep understanding of the challenges facing modern education.

I have the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, navigate complex policy decisions, and advocate for data-driven, student-centered solutions and that positions myself as the best qualified candidate.

With a focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and equitable opportunities for all students, I embody the principled governance necessary to drive meaningful progress within the district. Please keep in mind that I am one of seven board members. My only agenda is educating all kiddos in our district and supporting the teachers, staff, employees and administrators of our great school district.

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

One of my most transformative ideas for our school district is to strategically right-size our facilities by constructing a centralized, larger campus while redistributing students and staff across existing schools to achieve balanced enrollment and equitable resources.

This approach ensures that every building is optimally utilized, preventing overcrowding in some schools while underutilization in others.

By aligning student populations and faculty distribution, we can foster greater educational consistency, enhance collaboration among educators, and maximize budget efficiency.

A well-planned consolidation and reallocation effort would not only create a more streamlined and sustainable infrastructure but also promote equal access to high-quality instruction, extracurricular programs, and support services across the district.

This initiative represents a long-term investment in facilities, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and community growth, ensuring that our schools remain efficient, equitable, and future-ready for generations to come.