Rahul Deshmukh: 2025 candidate for Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School District 128 board (4-Year Term)

Bio

Office Sought: Libertyville-Vernon Hills High School District 128 board (Vote for 4)

City: Vernon Hills

Age: 49

Occupation: Educator

Previous offices held: None

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

I’m running for the District 128 school board because I believe a strong public education is the backbone of a thriving community. As a parent and an educator, I see firsthand how the world is changing and how students need more than just academic excellence — they need resilience, adaptability, and real-world skills.

My background as an educator at a health sciences university gives me a unique perspective on preparing students for future challenges. I want to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed and that our schools continue to provide an outstanding, well-rounded education.

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

The school board can play role in shaping the curriculum by setting policies and priorities, ensuring alignment with state standards, and responding to the evolving needs of students. It’s not about micromanaging course offerings or lesson plans but about making sure our schools are equipping students with the right knowledge and skills.

For example, as an educator, I understand the importance of integrating digital literacy, STEM, and critical thinking into the curriculum to prepare students for future careers. It is also important for the board to promote continuous improvement by reviewing data, listening to teachers, and making evidence-based decisions to keep our curriculum strong, relevant, and inclusive.

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

As a district we must focus on long-term curriculum improvements. Our curriculum should not only prepare our students to be college ready but ready for the modern workforce. We also need to make our process for evaluating curriculum changes transparent and ensure they not only align with student needs but developed in collaboration with educators.

It is important for the board to restore trust, accountability, and fairness in curriculum decisions, ensuring that changes are student-centered, data-driven, and focused on long-term success of the district.

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?

I think it is important to balance all the three aspects and build consensus. It is important to provide thoughtful perspectives, ensure all voices are heard, and state guidelines are followed, as required. The most important thing to remember is decisions should always be student-centered and based on data, not political or ideological viewpoints.

For example, if a curriculum debate arises, my approach would be to gather input from all stakeholders including students, and analyze performance data to make informed decisions. Even when opinions differ, I believe respectful dialogue leads to the best outcomes.

It is important we focus on developing good policies and processes that enhance student learning while maintaining a school environment that is academically rigorous and always welcoming.

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.

Collaboration is at the heart of good decision-making. As a scientist, I have been involved in working with groups to make decision on when to devote resources to advance research programs and when to stop. All of them were data-driven but anchored in ground realities.

As an educator, I regularly collaborate with colleagues on curriculum development and student success initiatives, balancing different perspectives while focusing on data-driven solutions. Providing a platform to all opinions and consensus building with collective ownership of the decision (even if proven incorrect in hindsight) is the best approach.

For example, in academia, we often debate policy changes that impact student learning outcomes — these discussions require patience, openness, focus on data and honest desire to take corrective action. I believe this experience will help me effectively contribute to policy decisions that benefit District 128 students and educators.

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.

In the recent months the idea of DEI has been completely misinterpreted. I would argue that our nation has embraced DEI throughout its evolution by giving rights to women to vote, via the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, Equal Pay Act, Fair Housing Act, etc. DEI is not about replacing merit and standards. It is simply about expanding opportunities and removing barriers. Goal 2 of the District 128 strategic plan is well communicated. As long as we stay focused on ensuring student success is at the center of decision making and implementation, we will be marching in the right direction.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Honestly, it is not for me to decide if I am the best for the job. The community collectively gets to decide that. What I can say is as a parent with children who have graduated or will enter District 128, I’m personally invested in the district’s success.

As an educator, I understand what students need to succeed beyond high school. As a scientist, I rely on data-driven decision-making, ensuring policies are based on evidence, not personal beliefs. My ability to bridge perspectives — parents, educators, taxpayers and policymakers — will hopefully help me to promote well-informed, balanced decisions that put students first.

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

AI is the latest buzzword among high school students and global power brokers, much like NFTs were a few years ago. However, unlike NFTs, AI has genuine potential to influence education. When used effectively, AI can enhance personalized learning by helping teachers identify students’ strengths and areas for improvement. For example, a student struggling in math could receive customized problem sets and targeted support, while an advanced student could be challenged with more complex material — all tailored through AI-driven insights.

I see a lot of potential in leveraging technology to make education more personalized, equitable, and efficient. This will allow for educators to ensure that every student can strive to reach their full potential.