Rich A. Nagel: 2025 candidate for West Chicago High School District 94 board

Bio

Office sought: West Chicago High School District 94 board (Vote for 4)

City: West Chicago (unincorporated)

Age: 74

Occupation: Electrical and mechanical engineer

Previous offices held: District 94 board member since 1993

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

I've been on the board for 32 years, have made significant impact on the district, and hope to continue to do so. If there is any particular issue, it is giving the students of the community the best all around educational opportunities.

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

The school board sets goals for the superintendent, who passes these on to the administrators. We can only monitor the success over a series of years by looking at trends, choices students make (courses that they register for) and feedback from the staff. Adjustments are made accordingly and deliberately. Knee-jerk responses on a year-to-year basis are counterproductive.

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

For many years, educators focused on college prep as a priority. We have recognized that for some students that is not an end goal, and in some cases may be discouraging to students who otherwise might excel in a different environment. We have been putting some emphasis on vocational subjects as well as combining STEAM courses with more practical hands-on experiences.

For a number of years the district has been supportive of curriculum supporting the arts as well: drama, music, dance, art, etc. There was a time in education when these were considered “unnecessary and counterproductive” and at risk of being eliminated. Our district has always been supportive of these important areas of study as they develop a fully rounded and socially balanced person.

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?

Policy: Most policy these days is driven by state or federal statute, we have little wiggle room on changing them. We can discuss how they are interpreted and how our procedures address them, but these are not typically controversial.

Curriculum: Similar to policies, much of our curriculum requirements are mandated. We will get an occasional request from the community for a change to curriculum where we have to explain to the community that it would not meet the requirements for graduation credits. We may be more in disagreement with the legislators than with the constituents.

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.

As I explained above, there is very little opportunity for districts to set policy anymore. I used to sit on the board policy committee and we would discuss policy and how we should tailor it to fit our community and demographics.

District policy has become more sophisticated and inclusive such that there is little left to add or adjust other than keeping up with legal changes.

I see the board’s role more as review, monitor, agree to interpretation and resulting procedural formats than setting policy these days. Our actions and decisions need to be aligned with the understanding and fidelity of the policies.

We do have opportunities to pass along recommendations to our state legislatures for changes to statutes that could impact policy, but that is on a statewide level rather than locally.

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.

Diversity and equity are critical not only in our student relations, but also staff and community. As our name says, we are a community high school, and our community is very diverse. Diminishing our support would mean turning our back on some of our community and that is unacceptable to me. We want to continue to be welcoming to our community and provide a sense of belonging to all who are here, will be coming here, have been here or just passing by.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

There are five candidates for four open seats, so I don't have to be the best candidate, just one that is good enough. I have been on the board for 32 years, so I bring a wealth of experience and history with me.

Boards run in cycles. I have seen what works and what doesn’t, so if anything I can help not repeat some of the mistakes made in the past.

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

Putting me on the board for another 4 years.