Jennifer Khan: 2025 candidate for Libertyville Elementary District 70 board

Bio

Office sought: Libertyville Elementary District 70 (Vote for 4)

City: Libertyville

Age: 48

Occupation: Client services

Previous offices held: Libertyville District 70 board member since 2021

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

I am running for re-election to the Libertyville District 70 board because I am committed to serving our community and ensuring our schools continue to provide an excellent education.

My passion for service began when my oldest child was in daycare, and I began volunteering at the McGaw YMCA Children's Center. A friend and I planted flowers in the planter boxes at the front entrance, and everyone loved the result.

I found it amazing that a small amount of volunteer effort could lead to such a positive outcome. As a result, I continued volunteering in our school’s family associations, and I continued to enjoy making even a small difference.

Finally, a friend suggested I run for the District 70 board in 2021 in order to make a bigger difference. Since joining the board, I have seen firsthand how our decisions directly impact students, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made. I am especially focused on maintaining high academic standards, continue to foster transparency, and strengthen communication between the district and the community.

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

The school board does not directly monitor the curriculum but provides oversight and ensures it aligns with district goals and state standards. Our assistant superintendent of teaching, learning and assessment manages the curriculum review cycle and reports findings to the board. For example, when we adopted the new English and Language Arts curriculum, we carefully considered input from parents and teachers, balancing support and concerns to make the best decision for all students. The board’s role is to approve curriculum changes based on thorough evaluation completed by administrators and teachers and what best supports student learning.

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

Our assistant superintendent of teaching, learning and assessment continuously reviews student growth and achievement, providing recommendations for curriculum updates that the board approves as needed.

While no urgent curriculum issues require board attention at this time, our next curriculum approval will be for a new science curriculum. I believe we should continue investing in curriculum that emphasizes experiential, active, and practical learning.

Hands-on, real-world experiences engage students more deeply and helps them apply knowledge in meaningful ways, better preparing them for future success.

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?

As school board president, I take my responsibilities seriously, knowing that every decision impacts the students and taxpayers of District 70. When policy or curriculum controversies arise, I believe in providing thoughtful leadership, even when decisions may be unpopular.

Our policy committee, made up of board members and administrators, reviews policies — including those from the Illinois Association of School Boards — and presents them for board approval.

Policies undergo a public review process, allowing community input before final decisions are made. I am committed to gathering all relevant facts, consulting experts, and listening to all perspectives to ensure my decisions are made with integrity, honesty, and a focus on what is best for our students.

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.

As school board president, my leadership style is collaborative and focused on building consensus. I actively seek input from all board members, clarify suggested adjustments, and ensure proposed changes are presented for review and approval.

This approach fosters open discussion, ensures all perspectives are considered, and leads to well-informed decisions that best serve our students and community.

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.

Equity is a core value in our strategic plan, ensuring all students receive the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their circumstances which could include physical and special needs. As a public school, it is our duty to serve every student. I fully support continuing our current diversity and equity efforts and see no need for changes at this time.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Over the past four years, our board has achieved significant milestones. We navigated COVID challenges, hired an outstanding superintendent, expanded student services, adopted a new curriculum, and integrated student voice into board meetings with the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Advisory Council.

We also earned governance recognition from the Illinois Association of School Boards and even had some fun winning awards for our Libertyville Days Parade float. Leading a board of mostly new members, I am proud of how we worked together to accomplish these goals. My experience, leadership, and dedication make me the best candidate for this role.

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

One idea to improve our district is to expand targeted support for struggling learners, recognizing that when we invest in those who need the most help, all students benefit.

This could include enhancing early intervention programs, providing additional instructional support, and integrating more specialized training for teachers on differentiated instruction.

By ensuring struggling students receive the resources and strategies they need to succeed, we create a stronger foundation for learning, reduce gaps in achievement, and foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. A district that prioritizes every learner’s success ultimately raises the bar for all students.