Amy Thorpe: 2025 candidate for Lombard Elementary District 44 board
Bio
Office sought: Lombard Elementary District 44 board (Vote for 4)
City: Lombard
Age: 41
Occupation: Stay-at-home parent and attorney (inactive)
Previous offices held: None
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
I am running for school board because I care about our school district as well as the students and families in it. For the past several years I have done a lot of volunteer work in our community, focused mainly on helping families and children. I have three children currently attending school in Lombard District 44. I have also been a frequent volunteer at their school, including working closely with teachers and organizing our school's book fair. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve our students, families and schools as a member of the School Board.
What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?
It is the role of the school board to approve of the curriculum.
Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
No.
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 board members should carefully consider the views of parents, students, and staff when confronting any sort of policy or curriculum issue and then work together to resolve the issue.
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 served on several locals boards: The Outreach House for six years, four as Board Chair, The Co-op Preschool Parent Board and the Pleasant Lane PTA. In each of those roles I learned that collaboration and communication are the best tools for creating policy. Every person on a board brings their unique experience and expertise and working together is the best way for a board to be effective.
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.
Lombard is a very diverse community and our schools reflect that. I support continuing to provide opportunities for all students as well as for students to learn about each other.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am a good candidate for District 44 Board because I have shown through my volunteer work, in and out of the schools, how much I care about our community. By joining the School Board I have an opportunity to continue to support local families, students, and our teachers.
What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
I think District 44 is already doing a wonderful job of supporting families and schools. By joining the board I hope to help the board continue to do so.