Sean Cratty: 2025 candidate for Huntley Unit District 158 board
Bio
Office sought: Huntley Unit District 158 board (Vote for 4)
City: Lake in the Hills
Age: 44
Occupation: Retail market director
Previous offices held: Huntley District 158 board member since July 2020; library board member
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
I am fully invested in the school district as I have three children in the district since kindergarten, a freshman, a fifth-grader and a third-grader.
What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?
We, as the school board, approve curriculum items and can we hear updates at board meetings. We can give suggestions and thoughts but overall we vote to approve as curriculum comes in front of us.
Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
Continued support for math and literacy as we continue to push forward with both. I also would like to see college and career experience for all students through out their time in 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 always look to learn more and understand better as needed. Learning has changed since I have been in school and it is my job as a school board member to understand curriculum and ask questions as they come up.
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.
It is important to hear all views and have a good dialogue between the 7 board members. When we work together as a board the teachers, district, and most importantly the students all win.
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 remains important in our district and others. I support continuing these programs as district leaders continue to explain/educate us on any new programs.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am one of two candidates that have experience on the board and have been on the board for the past five years. As stated earlier I am fully invested as I have three children in the school district.
What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
I would love to see more academies at the high school. A few that we currently do not have would include the trades and education academies. We have done so well with our current academies, I would love to be able to sit on the board when these are brought in front of us.