Lynne Steiner: 2025 candidate for Keeneyville Elementary District 20 board

Bio

Office sought: Keeneyville Elementary District 20 board

City: Roselle

Age: 42

Occupation: Small-business owner

Previous offices held: None

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

As a former local newspaper reporter, I’ve covered countless school board and municipal meetings; this experience has also given me a solid understanding of the processes and challenges boards face. In addition, I’m a co-owner and coach at CrossFit Roselle, a local small business, where I’ve spent over 8 years developing leadership skills and building a strong community.

Annual budget planning is a key part of running a small business, and that expertise translates directly to managing the district’s resources responsibly. As a mom of two kiddos in District 20, I’m committed to ensuring our schools provide the best opportunities for every child.

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

One of the responsibilities of the school board is to approve the curriculum.

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

Not at this time.

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?

My role as a school board member is to listen, lead, and make informed decisions that best serve our students, teachers, and community. I believe in providing leadership, even when it’s not the most popular choice, while also ensuring that all voices — especially those who may feel unheard — are given a platform.

As a former newspaper reporter, I’ve covered countless school board and municipal meetings, giving me a strong understanding of how policies are shaped and the challenges that come with them.

As a small-business owner, I’ve spent years making tough, strategic decisions that balance long-term sustainability with the immediate needs of my community. That same approach applies to school governance — ensuring thoughtful, responsible decision-making that prioritizes what’s best for our students.

While state guidelines play a role in shaping policy, our district has a responsibility to make choices that reflect the needs of our students and families. I will always advocate for transparency, respectful dialogue, and data-driven decisions that strengthen our schools.

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 co-owner of CrossFit Roselle, I work alongside my husband and our business partner to lead a team of 11 coaches. Collaboration is at the core of everything we do, from programming workouts to making financial and operational decisions that impact our members and staff.

In a group setting, my goal is to listen first, gather input from all perspectives, and work toward a solution that best serves the greater good. While open discussion is key, leadership ultimately has to make the final call based on the available data, long-term impact, and organizational values. I believe in balancing pragmatism with progress — ensuring that decisions are both effective and sustainable.

This approach translates directly to school board governance. Policy decisions should be made with transparency, collaboration, and a clear focus on what benefits students, teachers, and the community. By fostering thoughtful discussion and making informed, decisive choices, I will help guide the board toward actions that strengthen our district and set up our schools for long-term success.

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 believe that every child deserves a fair chance to succeed, and that means ensuring all students have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive — especially those from communities that have historically faced barriers to success.

Leveling the playing field isn’t about giving anyone an unfair advantage; it’s about ensuring that no student is left behind simply because of circumstances beyond their control.

Our district, like any strong community, is made better when we lift up all of our students, not just a select few. Diversity and equity efforts help us tap into the full potential of every learner, fostering an environment where all students feel valued, supported, and prepared for their futures.

I believe these efforts should not only continue but be thoughtfully enhanced to reflect the evolving needs of our students, families, and educators. When we work together to remove obstacles and create opportunities, we build a stronger, more inclusive community that benefits everyone.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe my experience uniquely equips me to serve on the board in a way that is thoughtful, balanced, and effective.

As a former local newspaper reporter, I’ve covered countless school board and municipal meetings, giving me a deep understanding of board processes, policy-making, and the challenges districts face.

As a co-owner of a small business, I’ve spent years managing budgets, leading a team of coaches, and building a strong, inclusive community — skills that translate directly to responsible decision-making and leadership at the school board level.

Most importantly, as a mom of two kids in District 20, I’m personally invested in ensuring our schools continue to provide the best opportunities for every student.

That said, any of the candidates running would bring valuable perspectives to the board, and I’m excited to see where we go as a district with new leadership. No matter who is elected, my priority is to work collaboratively and help create policies that best serve our students, teachers, and community.

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

Right now, I don’t want to assume that I have the “one big idea” no one else has considered. What I can promise is that I will approach this role with fresh eyes, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to asking the right questions.

My experience as a journalist and business owner has taught me that sometimes the best ideas come from hearing different perspectives, and my goal is to ensure that every voice in our community has a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions that impact our students and schools.