Craig S. Meadows: 2025 candidate for Batavia Unit District 101 board

Bio

Office sought: Batavia Unit District 101 board (Vote for 4)

City: Unincorporated Kane County

Age: 53

Occupation: Architect

Previous offices held: District 101 board member since 2019

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

I have spent the better part of 20 years serving the Batavia school district community. From Cub Scouts to soccer coach to Marching Band Prop Czar. It would be my honor to continue to serve all community members of the Batavia school district.

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

The board’s primary role is to make sure that the proper policies are in place to assure the students get the best. Batavia has amazing collaborative structures that involve significant teacher input and guidance and allows for parent review of all primary curriculum materials.

Our job is to make sure the staff and teachers are provided can be with the best resources we can provide. These systems are a reason for the district’s student success.

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

Not particularly. There is so much more to a successful student than curriculum. Experiences and access to all pathways post graduation is a primary focus.

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?

That is the hardest part not only because leadership requires resolve and a breadth of vision but because one must be careful to give power to those who oppose the best paths for students. Our role is to consider all aspects and sides of a concern and make thoughtful considered decisions with the best interest of the students, staff, and taxpayers.

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 am excited for the upcoming board. There has been a significant focus on bringing the collaborative decision making process to the meetings. We need to show the hard parts. The parts we struggle with ... and collaborate to the best decision where all board members feel apart of the process. Even if they don’t agree they at least feel heard.

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.

I support the continuation of the efforts. The reality it is a polarizing name for something teachers and staff did long before it became a political hot topic. The district has direction from the community in our recent strategic plan this is important. So much it isn’t an isolated goal because it is infused in the plan. That being said there is work to do regardless of the shift in the political winds.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am not an issue-based candidate. I only want to make the best decisions to make sure we have students who better themselves, their peers, and their community. I recognize that may mean I need to be open minded enough to see perspectives and learn to understand that what is best for the district and community should me my goal.

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

It is one that is ongoing now. The board has engaged in a process to better the communication and trust with our teachers and community and local organizations. It’s amazing work and we don’t celebrate it because it is a good idea that will bear fruit with its own success.