Julia Plescia: 2025 candidate for Woodland Elementary District 50 board

Bio

Office sought: Woodland Elementary District 50 board (Vote for 4)

City: Grayslake

Age: 63

Occupation: Registered nurse

Previous offices held:

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

As a member of the Woodland school board, I want to effect decisions that support strong academic programs while maintaining safe and welcoming school environments, attract and retain highly qualified staff and administration who know they are highly valued, and perform sound allocation of district resources. Running for the school board helps me fulfill a desire to give back to my community.

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

The superintendent, administrators and educational experts design curriculum with support and guidance from the school board. The school board’s responsibilities include to hire and evaluate a highly skilled superintendent and administrators monitor district performance, and ensure the curriculum reflects community goals and values.

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

I am interested to learn more about the role Chromebooks play in teaching and learning both at school and at home.

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 a member of the school board I will listen to any constituent expressing a concern. I will try to understand differing perspectives on controversial issues.

I will actively research issues and solutions when controversies arise and work as a member of the group to arrive at solutions representative of community beliefs and values.

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.

Working in a group requires the ability to express individual views while being open to others’ views. Negotiating for the best outcomes involves give and take.

My style involves a confidence in which I can identify the most important elements that are critical to a sound solution and likewise, identify elements that may not reflect my preference but can still be part of a workable decision.

As a board member, I will respect input from my fellow members so we can work together in support of our school 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.

As a parent and past employee, I am aware of district policies that support diversity and equity in several areas including personnel, instruction, students, and community relations, and I know the staff receives in-person and online training on equity and inclusion; evaluating the effectiveness of these policies and programs will be a priority for me as a board member as I view these as extremely important for student success.

I applaud Woodland recent creation of positions titled Restorative Practices Facilitators and Restorative Practices Assistants, and look forward to the development of these roles as the positions are filled.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I offer a unique perspective. As a parent, I have a daughter in seventh grade, and six adult children all graduated from Woodland. Two of my adult children now have their kids at Woodland. I worked 25 years for Woodland as a professional licensed educator, certified school nurse. In retirement, I continue to work for children in Lake County.

Additionally, we live in district and are concerned taxpayers here since 1990. I am committed to the success of our students. I will be physically and mentally present and devoted.

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

Because district boundaries include parts of Gurnee and Waukegan and several other communities with large corporate employers, there are 300 to 400 new families registering every year. Perhaps an orientation for new families could ease the anxiety of on-boarding as they learn the “Woodland Way.”

Tips on how to register, submit physicals and immunizations, put money on the lunch card, use the bus APP, find report cards, message teachers, or join sports and clubs.