Kelly Foersterling: 2025 candidate for Maine Township High School District 207 board

Bio

Office sought: Maine Township High School District 207 board (Vote for 4)

City: Morton Grove

Age: Prefer not to answer

Occupation: Insurance consultant

Previous offices held: None

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

In recent history, Maine East has been underrepresented by the board and I would like to see more balanced representation.

If elected, I would be the first board member in a long time from the Morton Grove area who had a student that went to Maine East.

Not only would I bring the perspective of Maine East to the board which hasn’t been there in a long time, I would also be representing a part of the district that historically has not been.

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

The board determines educational standards for the district and approves the curriculum. They also over see the superintendent and employment for the district. The board also approves the district budget and if needed, levies taxes to support the budget.

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

From my perspective the major issues for parents are detracking, how well the block schedule is working, and transportation.

The major issues for the district are student equity, dual credits vs. AP classes, the internship program, and attendance/late arrivals.

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 best place to start with controversy is by listening. I prefer to ask questions and listen to what people think first. When I survey several opinions on a topic, I am better prepared to formulate my own opinion.

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 the treasurer of the Maine Township High School District Educational Foundation (MTHS Foundation) since 2019.

Being treasurer has afforded me with a special perspective: familiarity with the culture and needs of each school. It’s also given me a keen sense of being fiscally responsible, operating within a budget, and working on a board of trustees.

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.

The district is fully vested in this and has a fantastic page published on their website titled “Equity in D207.”

The promotion of equity is already in place and top priority. This is one of the reasons I want to be a part of the board. Our teachers are getting professional development in this and there has been a big push to bring in teachers and staff of all ethnicities and this is not a trend I see changing any time soon.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I’ve been the treasurer of the MTH Ed Foundation since 2019, I am fiscally responsible. I also have intimate knowledge of what goes on in each of the schools through my experience on the foundation, having a graduate from Maine East and from my experience on the Superintendent’s Community advisory council.

I want to continue to give back to my community and I believe strongly that my experience in the district and my perspective of having a Maine East graduate will be an asset to the board. I love District 207 and it’s inspirational to be a part of it.

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

It might be interesting to have student ambassadors from each school spend a day in each of the other schools and then at the end, interview them all in a group setting. It would be fun to see the perspectives they could gain and perhaps dispel some myths about the other schools.