Antonietta Berton-Nicklaus: 2025 candidate for St. Charles Unit District 303 board

Bio

Office sought: St. Charles Unit District 303 board (Vote for 4)

City: St. Charles

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired registered nurse, intensive care unit

Previous offices held: None

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

Every child needs to be educated and supported to their best ability in order to be prepared to enter the adult world as independent and self-sustaining adults.

When I noted the proficiency rates below what is acceptable, I wanted to join the school board to find solutions to create the best environment possible for their future success. Education is the key to a solid base of independence.

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

Our responsibilities lie in creating the pathway to future independence for each child. Each course, and its inherent purpose, must be to promote that path of learning and build on the abilities for each child to reach that independence.

The subjects need to be thoughtfully evaluated for success, implemented and then monitored to ensure successful outcome. Each course builds onto the next until they have successfully completed the foundation. We are responsible to educational prepare them to the age of 18 as they then choose their career studies.

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

My concerns are the proficiency rates which I feel are well below the levels of a strong education. I also wish to encourage the trades as a strong career choice rather than just university education.

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?

The school board has a responsibility to the students, in conjunction with the parents, to create a healthy learning environment that slowly promotes intellectual strength in learning.

The goal is to prepare them for a lifetime of independence and creative thinking as they choose their place in the world. That being said, as adults and role models for the children opinions will differ, but if the entities involved are willing to have constructive discussions, perhaps even respectful but spirited discussions, resolutions can be found.

And yes, we need thick skin and must set aside egos as there will be times when it will not be easy/comfortable.

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.

This is my first foray into the political/education arena. While I am learning a great deal of how education policies work, they are similar to how most business models work in that it may take a great deal of effort in patience, listening and discussion.

Each entity that has an essential stake in the situation needs to be respectfully heard, as crucial decisions require wisdom and the understanding of possibly revisiting the issues.

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.

We are born with the potential given to us through the growth of natural intellect and opportunity. We each have the right to be respected and heard even if opinions/thoughts are diverse.

But the goal is to create a calm, natural, and safe environment of education and allow children to grow and learn according to their age and natural intellect without any interference. Once they turn 18 years old, children are then afforded the passage of rights to make decisions on their own.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A fresh set of eyes. A great deal of patience. Laser focus on a solid education to prepare them for a life of success and healthy independence.

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

I would like to create the opportunity for school board members to have informal, regular meetings with our students to get their input, opinions, and concerns about what they are thinking. To go to each school and offer the ability for them to express opinions and voice their thoughts. It’s why we’re here.