Sally Kutsor: 2025 candidate for Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board

Bio

Office sought: Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board (Vote for 4)

City: Lake Zurich

Age: 52

Occupation: Substitute teacher

Previous offices held: No previous public offices

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

I’m running for the District 95 board because I’m deeply committed to the continued growth and success of our schools. Our three children completed their K-12 education in District 95, and now, with more time to contribute, I want to give back to the community that has provided such a supportive environment for our family over the past 25 years.

As a certified teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois, I’ve worked in a variety of educational roles — teaching high school, leading ACT prep classes, substituting in District 95, and volunteering in various school and community positions.

My work with Joanie's Closet, an organization supporting under-resourced students in District 95, has inspired me to elevate my service by running for school board.

This year alone, we raised nearly $90K to fund over 540 school supply kits and winter coats, daily snacks for all District 95 schools, and the establishment of an Angel Fund to address critical needs like medical and mental health support. I look forward to using my experience to continue the positive work of the district.

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

The school board plays a key role in reviewing and approving the district's curriculum. Our board has established a clear strategic plan, along with a “Portrait of a Graduate,” to guide this process and ensure that we are preparing students for success.

The board is tasked with hiring a superintendent who works closely with teachers and administrative leaders to select materials that align with our standards and best serve the needs of our students. Transparency is crucial in decision-making, and the board actively seeks input from the community, including parents, students, and staff, to ensure that the curriculum reflects the values and standards.

Once the curriculum is implemented, the board is responsible for reviewing its effectiveness. Feedback from students, parents, and teachers is essential to assess how well the curriculum is meeting its goals.

The board must ensure that the proper resources are provided to support staff in the successful implementation of the curriculum, which in turn will improve student outcomes.

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

The board recently completed a thorough audit of the math curriculum, and the math committee is working on updates to enhance its quality. While I fully support these efforts, it’s equally important that the board ensures the necessary resources, training, and support are provided to help staff effectively implement the curriculum.

Our educators are the backbone of the district, and they need the right tools and professional development to deliver the curriculum successfully. Comprehensive training ensures teachers are prepared to meet curriculum standards and the diverse needs of students.

When teachers feel supported, they are better able to engage students and drive academic achievement.

By providing the necessary resources and training, we not only strengthen the math curriculum but also create a positive learning environment for all students. I am committed to supporting our teachers and ensuring the continued success of our students.

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?

As a board member, I will listen and learn about issues that need our attention. I believe that sound judgment is a crucial quality of leadership and governance, which I bring to the board through my relevant experience and passion.

I will use my experience as an educator, parent, and involved community member to provide leadership, adhere to the policies, and work with the board to find the best solutions. It is also important to gather feedback from stakeholders — including students, the community, and faculty — so we can address the needs that will better serve our students.

I believe the board must make decisions based on data that truly reflect what’s best for our District 95 students, focusing on their needs and success rather than getting caught up in partisan debates.

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 had the opportunity to work in various group settings within District 95, including on the Joanie’s Closet executive board, the Forward 95 strategic planning committee, the stakeholder advisory team, and multiple hiring committees. These experiences have equipped me with skills and insights to be an effective board member.

Through these roles, I’ve learned the importance of being well-informed and thorough in decision-making while actively engaging in discussions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each issue. I’ve gained the ability to ask critical questions and fully understand an issue before making decisions.

I’ve also learned to listen to and appreciate different perspectives, allowing me to collaborate more effectively on solutions that benefit the broader community. Most importantly, I’ve learned the value of teamwork and collective decision-making.

As a board member, I would apply these lessons to make informed, thoughtful decisions that serve the best interests of all students, staff, and families in District 95.

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 has been, and should continue to be, a place where all students feel valued and supported. This commitment to fostering a sense of belonging ensures every student — regardless of background, identity, or experiences — has access to the resources needed to achieve excellence.

This is rooted in the district’s core values of academic excellence, accountability, collaboration, equity, integrity, perseverance, and respect. The district must remain dedicated to its mission to “Empower every learner to achieve personal excellence.”

As a parent, I witnessed this firsthand when my daughter served as a stakeholder in developing the district’s strategic plan. I saw how the voices of students, staff, and community members were integrated into shaping the district’s future.

Now, as a member of the District 95 stakeholder advisory team, I continue to support the plan’s focus on student success. The district’s approach to equity ensures every learner receives what they need to succeed and is evident in its commitment to student engagement, well-being, and academic opportunities. I fully support these efforts to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have a proven track record of serving this community with respect and effectiveness. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience supporting students, staff, and community members in various roles. My deep understanding of District 95, coupled with my dedication and willingness to invest time and effort, makes me a strong candidate for this role.

Through my work on the Joanie's Closet Board, I’ve developed key skills in leadership, financial oversight, community engagement, problem-solving, and advocacy. These skills align directly with the responsibilities of a school board member and will help me make meaningful contributions to District 95.

I am deeply committed to improving the lives of others and collaborating to achieve impactful results. My passion for positive change and proven ability to work effectively within teams will help drive success in our district.

I’m eager to join the board not with a specific agenda, but with a commitment to continuing the important work of improving student outcomes and upholding the district’s strong record of fiscal excellence, all while serving as a thoughtful steward of its resources and goals.

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

At a recent stakeholder advisory council meeting, we reviewed the strategies outlined in the Empower95 Strategic Plan. One of the key strategies focuses on “exploring and identifying options for expanding nontraditional learning schedules and educational experiences for students.”

A student in my group suggested expanding opportunities for students to acquire skills that are currently only offered through the Tech Campus.

This sparked several potential ideas, including the possibility of broadening and diversifying the district's outstanding internship programs for high school students, as well as implementing a blended or hybrid approach to teaching career-oriented skills.

To ensure that we are meeting the evolving needs of our students, I would make it a priority to seek feedback from students.

Their insights will be invaluable in identifying which learning opportunities would be most beneficial and relevant, allowing us to tailor educational experiences to support their goals and future career aspirations better.