Alisa ‘Lisa’ Lindmark: 2025 candidate for Community Unit District 300 board
Bio
Office sought: Community Unit District 300 board (Hampshire Township)
City: Hampshire
Age: 47
Occupation: Finance
Previous offices held: None
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
I am an advocate of equitable public education and, as the parent of a special needs student, I am motivated to ensure all students are represented at the board level.
What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?
The school board plays a key role in setting and monitoring the curriculum. They approve the overall framework while ensuring alignment with states requirements. They collaborate with district staff who ultimately develop and implement the curriculum.
Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
As a parent of both a gifted student and one who needs additional supports, I have not had any issues with the curriculum the district uses.
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 view my role on the board would be to able to do all of the above. As someone who embraces diversity, I welcome those who are different from me. Even if it is just a difference of opinion. I feel that it is the board’s responsibility to weigh the needs of all stakeholders. Ultimately we must all follow the laws.
You are not going to make everyone happy 100% of the time, but you can hopefully make them all feel heard.
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 have worked on policy development in my leadership roles and have been working on group projects since I was in school myself.
Working as a part of a group requires one to be able to both lead and learn. I lead when it is an area of expertise, but I am also willing to learn from others when it isn't. When working as a group it is important to create a shared vision and you do that be ensuring all group members have a voice.
What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, of would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.
I feel the district continues ensure they are supporting the whole student by celebrating diversity and supporting equity and inclusion. There is always room for improvements and I would support that, if I were to be elected. I am the parent of a Diverse Learner. Equity to us means that he has the accommodations needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I support public education. I will not pretend to have all of then answers, but instead I will work collaboratively with all other stakeholders to do what is in the best interest of the students we serve.
What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
I have been advocating for a SPED PAC or Parents of Diverse Learners Advisory Counsel for a couple of years now. I wouldn't say no one is talking about it, but nothing has come of it yet either.
Special education parents have very few opportunities to come together to share our experiences and build a sense of community. I feel doing so would strengthen our district as a whole.