Alicia Timm: 2025 candidate for Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board

Bio

Office sought: Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board (Vote for 4)

City: Lake Zurich

Age: 50

Occupation: Library board trustee

Previous offices held: Ela Area Public Library Board Trustee

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

I am running for the District 95 school board to be a new voice for our growing school district. As a parent in this district, I have a sincere interest in seeing continuous improvement in our schools. I have shown my commitment to our community in many ways.

As a board member for the Ancient Oaks Foundation, I have assisted with outdoor education for local students and I have taken on numerous nonprofit board responsibilities.

My experience as a trustee for the Ela Area Public Library board has me ready to take on similar responsibilities for the school district: working on policy, managing the budget, monitoring performance, and listening to constituents.

Managing taxpayer money responsibly is the primary duty of any government board. Strong schools earn support and buy-in from the community. The strength of our district lies in the trust that our taxpayers have in us. It’s the school board’s duty to offer a world-class education and ensure that District 95 remains a destination community for families. I want to be a part of this effort and serve my community and the next generation.

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

Provided by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Learning Standards establish expectations for what all students should learn in each subject at each grade. It is up to the school board to direct what shall be taught and what materials will be used.

However, the board relies on the professional staff, through the direction of the superintendent, to carry out this duty. I expect the education experts to select the best curriculum and resources to meet these ends and I will consider the needs of our entire community when approving curriculum and resources.

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

We have made improvements in our math test scores. The teachers are making office hours very accessible and notifying students quickly to join them for more help if they are struggling. English learners are performing better on tests.

In 2024, ELA scores went up 2.5% and mathematics scores went up 3% on Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) tests. We are outperforming pre-COVID test scores. Our district is also outperforming nearby districts.

I would like to see a renewed focus on civics coursework (including an exam) so that young people become engaged and knowledgeable citizens.

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 best approach to addressing any policy or curriculum controversies is to provide leadership by listening to the community. The board can encourage constituents to share their thoughts through public comment.

It’s imperative to remind parents/guardians/constituents that the school board is there to follow the state laws, the district’s policies, and to remain focused on the board’s mission, vision, values, beliefs and goals.

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.

I will listen to the experts! Understanding one’s role as a board member is vital to reaching an agreement and managing school district policies. School boards help identify the “ends” — who receives the benefits and how much will that cost?

The focus for the board is twofold: student learning and organizational effectiveness. The superintendent and the administration identify the “means” to reach these “ends.” They are the education and policy experts.

Once you have been presented with the data, the key to making smart policy decisions is to use listening ears and be open-minded to other board member opinions and come to a mutual understanding and consensus among all seven board members. The policy should reflect the needs and desires of the community and give clear direction to the superintendent and staff.

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.

Our school district has made great strides in diversity and equity. Test scores for English learners, low-income students, and students with IEPs have all improved, but are still uneven in relation to kids without these challenges.

The district dedicated the young Adult Center in 2024. It is a center for students who have historically been underserved. The building focuses on preparing young adults ages 18-22 for independence in adulthood (employment, education, and independent living).

Another effort the district is making is through a social media campaign highlighting and educating the community about ethnic and religious celebrations that our diverse residents celebrate. The issue of equity is central to our school district’s work.

Our mission statement is “empower every learner to achieve personal excellence.” That is what equity means. Our schools are tasked with closing achievement gaps and helping all students reach their greatest personal potential no matter the differences in ability, income, etc.

I would like to work with the board to ensure every student has the chance to excel. That is the mission of our public school district and of public education as a whole.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have discovered joy and purpose in serving my community. In my environmental conservation work I have the opportunity to teach students about native plants and invasive species.

In my work on the library board, I have observed and supported the countless ways that our public library serves everyone in the community.

Our public schools are the most important institutions of our local communities. They accept all students and work to mold them into responsible citizens ready to take on the world. My hope for them is that they also find joy and purpose in serving their communities. I will listen. I will be open-minded. I will put the needs of our students at the forefront of my decisions. I will serve as one member of a seven member board and make sure the community feels heard and that their aspirations help lead my work on the board. I will work hard. I will use the hope I have for my children and their peers as motivation to make any and all improvements that best serve the students and the greater community.

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

I would love to explore the possibility of adding the role of student board member to our board. This would be a nonvoting position for high school students. They would not attend confidential closed sessions, but would participate in open sessions, have access to the board materials, serve as a liaison to the students, and learn the value of serving their school community.

Other school districts in Illinois have successfully added this role to their boards. The role would serve as a great lesson in civics and governance for motivated and hardworking high school students.