Vicki Loise: 2025 candidate for Park Ridge Elementary District 64 board

Bio

Office sought: Park Ridge Elementary District 64 board (Vote for 4)

City: Park Ridge

Age: 58

Occupation: CEO

Previous offices held: None

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

My husband and I have raised two children in Park Ridge and the District 64 schools. I would like to serve our community by ensuring continuous excellence in our schools. I believe we have some of the best schools in the area and maintaining a balanced leadership approach will lead to providing the best education experience for all students.

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

I believe the school board should expect data-driven recommendations from the administration and use this to make decisions about curriculum when it's appropriate for the board to do so.

District 64 is fortunate to have experts in curriculum development and delivery in its administration. It's up to the board to fully utilize this resource. Likewise, the board has a duty to the families in the district to monitor progress and ask for change when it is clear the current curriculum plan is not meeting the needs of the students.

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

Like many districts, District 64 is still working to get to its pre-pandemic reading levels. This should continue to be closely monitored and the board should ask for changes or adjustments when data indicates improvements are not happening.

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?

It is the duty of the school board to provide leadership, especially in difficult situations. This decision-making should include listening to all the voices in the community and make decisions based on what provides a safe and productive learning environment for the 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.

I have worked for nonprofit associations and their boards for over 30 years. The best policy-making is always done in an informed setting and ideally while not in crisis.

This means anticipating and developing necessary policies before an urgent situation arises. This will allow for balanced policy development that considers the affected constituents’ needs.

Allowing for time to collect data and input from the community is critical to the process. By being proactive in policy-making, we, as a board, can be sure we have the right tools for future decision-making. And once a decision is made, the entire board must give its support.

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's diversity and equity efforts have been appropriate for our community. I support creating an inclusive environment for all students so they may have a productive education experience.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Because my children are adults now, I have the unique perspective of understanding what is important for students and their families across the entire district.

My 30-plus years of nonprofit work means I walk into the board with the knowledge and experience of how a board should function and its relationship to the administration.

I am committed to our community and ensuring we always strive for excellence in our schools.

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

The district has made vast improvements to increase mental health resources. I would like to see us continue on this path and look at what is needed to support and even enhance children's mental health. Suicides and self-medication are increasing among children and there is always more that can be done to lift the stigma of mental health issues and increase access to resources and help.