Laurie Hembrey: 2025 candidate for Grant Community High School District 124 board

Bio

Office sought: Grant Community High School District 124 board (Vote for 4)

City: Round Lake, Grant Township

Age: 51

Occupation: Principal human resources business partner

Previous offices held: Current District 124 board member; former executive secretary, Grant Jr Bulldogs

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

I am running for the school board because I believe that every child deserves access to a high-quality education in a supportive environment.

There are two particular issues that motivate me. The first being enhancing community engagement. I believe in developing strong partnerships with schools, families and the community to support students development.

Second is the need for improved mental health resources for students. In today's world, many young people face significant challenges that can impact their well-being and academic performance. I would like to see mental health discussions be normalized and prioritized.

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

The school board plays a crucial role in setting and monitoring the curriculum within a school district and helps to create a well-rounded educational experience.

To achieve that, responsibilities include establishing educational policies that guide the curriculum, reviewing and approving the proposed curriculum to ensure it aligns with educational goals and state standards, allocating the appropriate resources necessary to implement the curriculum, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum, ensuring the curriculum complies with state and federal law and engaging with the community to ensure the curriculum reflects their values and priorities.

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

The administration and current board have created a robust curriculum that provides opportunities for students to explore many different areas of study and helps prepare them for their next chapter, whether that’s college or career programs. I don’t feel there are issues with the current curriculum that require board attention.

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?

In confronting policy or curriculum controversies, it’s essential to strike a balance between providing leadership and fostering open dialogue.

Leadership should be about guiding discussions, even when the path is unpopular, and ensuring that all voices, including dissenting ones, are heard. This approach enriches the conversation but also builds trust within the community.

While it is important to respect state authorities and their guidelines, the role also involves evaluating policies and advocating for what’s best for the students and constituents.

This means being willing to challenge decisions when necessary and presenting well-reasoned arguments that support the community’s needs. Ultimately, effective leadership in these situations combines advocacy, listening, and collaboration, creating a more robust and equitable educational environment.

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.

Given my profession, this is an area of special interest and strength. In my experience working in a group setting to determine policy, I prioritize collaboration and open communication. I believe that every team member's input is valuable, so I foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives.

My style involves actively listening, facilitating discussions, and guiding the group toward consensus. I also focus on identifying common goals and values that unite the group, helping to steer discussions back to these shared objectives when disagreements arise.

To manage school district policy effectively, I emphasize data-driven decision-making. By gathering and analyzing relevant information, we can align our policies with the best practices and needs of the community. I advocate for transparency throughout the process, ensuring that stakeholders understand the rationale behind decisions.

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 administration and school board at Grant Community High School have done a tremendous job of creating an environment where all students feel a sense of belonging. Advocates for DE&I initiatives argue that the programs ensure equal access to educational resources and help address systemic disparities that affect marginalized groups and that enhancing these programs may foster a more equitable learning environment.

On the other hand, some may advocate for diminishing programs arguing that resources could be better allocated elsewhere, or that certain initiatives could unintentionally lead to division or resentment among students.

My role as a school board member is to create an impartial environment where all voices are considered, while assessing the success of current programs and ensuring we can act swiftly to any legislative changes.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My background in human resources makes me an ideal candidate for the role of school board member. My expertise in policy development, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and ethics and compliance, along with my effective communication skills, will help contribute to the success of the board.

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

I would like to encourage more community involvement through mentor programs with local businesses and students.