Kavitha Neerukonda: 2025 candidate for Butler Elementary District 53 board

Bio

Office sought: Butler Elementary District 53 (Vote for 4)

City: Oak Brook

Age: 45

Occupation: Nonprofit executive and leader (JD & master's degree)

Previous offices held: Butler Elementary District 53 board member since 2021

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

I’ve had the privilege of serving on District 53’s board for the past four years, including as vice president and president, and I’m committed to continuing the momentum we’ve built in District 53. With a deep understanding of our district’s history, values, and traditions, as both a longtime Oak Brook resident and a parent with children currently attending District 53, I have a unique perspective on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

I believe we can build on the solid foundation we’ve established by prioritizing safety and security, financial stability, and academic achievements inside and outside of the classroom.

With my commitment to stability, I aim to provide the leadership needed for consistent and reliable governance, ensuring steady progress and continued success for all students in District 53.

I am motivated to continue forward progress and run alongside three other outstanding candidates (Resham Mendi, Craig Donnelly, and Kaarina Lebrun) who are committed to a strong governance model that fosters healthy dialogue and decision making.

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

The school board’s policies guide its role in setting and overseeing the curriculum, ensuring it aligns with the district's goals and meets the needs of all students. Two of the board’s primary responsibilities are to approve the curriculum, textbooks, and educational services provided to students, and to evaluate the district’s educational programming. Each year, the superintendent presents a report that includes a review and evaluation of the current curriculum, a projection of resource needs for its implementation, and a well-defined plan for new or revised instructional programs.

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

District 53 has a strong history of academic excellence. The board is placing greater emphasis on strengthening the curriculum review process to ensure it is systematic and thorough. This process will regularly assess, monitor, and adjust curricula across all content areas. This year, the board is focused on monitoring K-5 English Language Arts and K-8 Science and STEM.

By carefully analyzing student learning outcomes, we will make informed changes that align with District 53’s mission: “We create pathways for each student to maximize their full potential.”

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?

The board’s role is to govern, not to manage day to day operations. The board’s policies, govern how we address curriculum controversies. District 53’s Uniform Grievance Procedure policy allows any community member to raise concerns, including those related to curricula and instructional materials. In handling these issues, my role as a board member is to provide leadership, even when it’s unpopular, and ensure all voices are heard, including those with differing views.

I will prioritize open dialogue and informed decision-making, while ensuring alignment with board policies and in the best interests of 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 a board member for the past four years and currently serving as board president, I’ve been deeply involved in shaping policies that serve our community.

My approach focuses on staying solution-oriented, thoroughly preparing for discussions, and ensuring that each policy we set helps enhance the district’s ability to improve students’ lives.

I prioritize collaboration and open dialogue, which are key in building consensus and making the best decisions for our district.

Additionally, we’ve utilized PRESS Plus, a service from the Illinois Association of School Boards to keep our policy manual up-to-date with changes in law, regulations, and local conditions, helping us ensure that our policies remain relevant and effective.

I am excited to run alongside three exceptional candidates — Resham Mendi, Craig Donnelly, and Kaarina Lebrun — who share a commitment to a strong governance model that encourages open dialogue and thoughtful decision-making.

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.

I firmly believe that what makes District 53 special is our diversity and our ability to embrace it in all forms. Ensuring that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed is of utmost importance, and I fully support the district’s current efforts to achieve this.

One example of this commitment is the board’s regular review of data from the Equity Journey Continuum, introduced in 2022 as part of the Illinois State Report Card.

This tool helps districts track their progress in closing gaps in student achievement, opportunities, and supports. This past year, District 53 made significant progress across all categories, earning or nearing the top category of Minimal Gaps. While this data is “informational only,” it serves as a starting point for deeper conversations on what more can be done, if anything, to ensure every student has the support they need to reach their highest potential.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on District 53’s board, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving for another four years. I believe I am the best person for the role because of my proven leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and deep-rooted connection to our community.

Over the past 4 years, including my time as board president, I have consistently worked to foster growth while upholding the high standards that make District 53 a unique and special place for our students and families.

My decision-making approach is always calm, fair, and thoughtful, with a focus on achieving the best outcomes for students, teachers, and families. Through my years of involvement with the Parent Teacher Organization and my work on the board, I’ve gained a deep understanding of our community’s needs and priorities.

I am committed to ensuring the district not only maintains its excellence but continues to evolve and embrace new opportunities. With a strong track record of results-driven leadership, I am dedicated to making decisions that will benefit every student and strengthen our district for years to come.

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

I am passionate about expanding engagement in extracurricular activities for all students, as I believe these opportunities are vital for their personal growth and success, both academically and socially.

While we are a smaller district and may not have the bandwidth to offer as many activities as larger districts, I believe we can be creative in finding ways to expand options that suit our unique needs.

Achieving this goal will require a collective effort, with a commitment to engaging our teachers, administrators, and fostering a culture of collaboration across the entire district.

My vision emphasizes accountability, strategic investment, and expanding extracurricular options to create a well-rounded educational experience for every student. By fostering this culture of achievement, we can ensure that all students, regardless of their future educational endeavors, have the opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.