Kristin Gehrels: 2025 candidate for Batavia Unit District 101 board

Bio

Office sought: Batavia Unit District 101 board (Vote for 4)

City: Batavia

Age: 50

Occupation: Full-time parent

Previous offices held: None

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

I want to have a positive impact on the lives of our Batavia students. I hope to ensure that our district is one where all students at Batavia Public Schools feel welcome and supported and have opportunities to become “curious, resilient, empathetic, and proactive contributors to society” as stated in the strategic plan vision statement.

After almost 10 years as a member and board member of a local nonprofit, I have decided it is time for me to move on to other things but my experiences while on the board opened my eyes to the unique challenges some of our more marginalized students in Batavia face.

It was rewarding to feel like our nonprofit was making a difference in the lives of local children and I want to continue using my voice and perspective to ensure all of our Batavia students have opportunities to thrive.

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

The school board is responsible for approving and monitoring the curriculum for outcomes. The administrators who determine curriculum should gather input from teachers and ensure that state guidelines are met when choosing curriculum proposals to be presented to the board for approval.

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

There is inconsistency in the English and Language Arts curriculum in our elementary schools. The district, with input from teachers, needs to adopt an early reading curriculum that is used consistently at all elementary schools and focuses on phonics, comprehension, grammar, and writing.

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 all of these are important and the approach I'd select would depend on the particular issue and/or situation. As a school we do need to follow state policies.

I also think it is important for people to have opportunities to voice their opinions. And it’s the responsibility of the school board to ensure that the superintendent and administration are working together with teachers, staff, parents, and community members to create a positive learning environment for all 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 on a nonprofit I have experience directing discussions on policies and procedures, budget, and disbursement of funds.

Yearly we have discussions with all of our members to determine the amount of funds we give to each applicant if approved. We make sure that everyone is heard, but I encourage the group to always remain focused on our mission to guide our decisions.

For a school board, we need to remain focused on our mission as stated in the strategic plan and also the general mission of focusing on the well-being and education of every student. Allowing everyone to have a voice in decision making ensures that those involved feel ownership and responsibility to effectively implement the plan.

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.

A school board’s top priority should be to ensure that all students feel safe, welcome, included, and supported so that they can find their passions and thrive. Thankfully, the state of Illinois has provided the Equity Journey Continuum which is a tool for districts to track data and their progress toward closing gaps in student achievement and opportunities.

Data indicates that many schools, including BPS101, are struggling to achieve equity goals among students from marginalized groups. A school district should embrace initiatives that work to shrink those gaps including providing a curriculum that works for a diverse group of students, ensuring that marginalized groups aren’t over-selected for discipline, and encouraging opportunities for advanced classes to all that qualify.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I enjoy learning and have proven I’m able to teach myself new skills. I’m also not afraid to ask questions and to seek different perspectives. These qualities, and my strength in communicating with a variety of stakeholders in multiple different forums, make me a great candidate.

As a member of a local nonprofit I took on many roles and became very passionate about helping local children. I also have seen how our community and its many nonprofits support kids and families in need and want to bring that same energy to our school district to ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and able to find their passions and their own successes.

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

I would like the district to add a form on their website for parents or students to report concerns. Students have something similar to report instances of bullying and harassment but I think it could be expanded to include concerns regarding other topics: lack of supports for students with IEP or 504 plans, concerns about curriculum, reports of inconsistent busing, etc.

While there is an option to contact the board through the website some people may be more comfortable with answering questions through a form.