Erika Pedersen: 2025 candidate for Milburn Elementary District 24 board

Bio

Office sought: Milburn Elementary District 24 board (Vote for 4)

City: Lindenhurst

Age: 54

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: N/A

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

I am running to protect our students and educators from extreme political agendas. Last year, certain members of our school board voted to remove the beloved Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award reading program from our schools despite the overwhelming support for the program from parents, students, teachers and administrators. I want to make sure that does not happen again and that our community is always moving forwards, not backward.

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

The school board is there to approve curriculum that our teachers and administrators — the real experts on education — propose.

I believe a school board should monitor in good faith the curriculum and students’ achievements in that curriculum to make sure kids are getting the best education possible, but school board members should not impose their personal or political beliefs into the curriculum.

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

Given the situation that I described above about the reading program, I feel very strongly that school board members should not override the unified wishes and recommendations of educators, administrators, and parents, especially for political reasons.

On a more specific level, I want to make sure there are no more attempts to implement a book ban in our schools (or any other policy that has the effect of a book ban). Otherwise, I believe our current administrators are doing a great job and always striving to implement the best curriculum possible for our kids.

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 my role as a board member is to always do what is best for our students and staff, as well as what the law requires. If a controversy arises, I will do my best to educate myself on all perspectives and make sure all opinions are heard. I will then make the decision that I believe is consistent with the law and is best for our schools.

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 been a litigator for almost 30 years, so I have tremendous experience dealing with disputes, advocating for clients, and negotiating resolutions that make sense for all parties involved. I will bring that experience to the board and believe it will be helpful when difficult decisions need to be made.

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 am a strong believer in diversity, inclusivity, equity and accessibility programs. I know many friends and neighbors in our community who have benefited from them. These programs are necessary for all students to get the best education and foundation for life possible and I fully support their continuation in our schools.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

We have been in this community for almost 15 years and our son attended Millburn Elementary and Millburn Middle School. I care deeply about this community and our students. I will work hard to ensure our students, teachers and administrators are getting the best support possible and that we, as a community, are always moving forward.

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

I would like parents and families to be more involved in the school board meetings. I think one way to achieve that is to have the board meeting agendas emailed to families so they are aware of issues being discussed and voted on.