Amy Erkenswick: 2025 candidate for Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 board

Bio

Office sought: Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 board (Vote for 4)

City: Wheaton

Age: 39

Occupation: Bookkeeping and payroll professional

Previous offices held: Precinct committeeman

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

I am running for a seat on the board because I am passionate about serving our community and creating a positive impact for every student, educator, family and taxpayer. I believe District 200 will benefit from my strong voice, willingness to ask meaningful questions, and my commitment to listening deeply to the concerns of every community member.

My goal is to address the long-standing pattern of missed connections between the board and the community by listening to and amplifying the voices of those who feel unheard. Together, we can build a board that truly serves every member of our community.

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

Curriculum development and content is currently regulated by board policies 6:40 and 6:60 whereby it undergoes a discretionary review process and is then recommended by the superintendent. It is the board’s responsibility to review, gain insight and understanding, post for public review, provide feedback and challenges, and ultimately approve curriculum as presented to them. If community concern over curriculum should arise, the board should approach those concerns with respect and consideration and review them adequately, providing feedback to the community as needed.

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

Our district is currently well positioned to be making proficiency improvements thanks to newly implemented curricula for math and English language arts. Like any new curriculum, however, it should be under regular review and modified or adjusted to meet the needs of our student population.

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?

If presented with controversy regarding policy or curriculum, my first order of business would be to listen to and gather information from all stakeholders. I do not shy away from difficult conversations and I am confident in my ability to listen and understand a wide variety of perspectives.

I possess the ability to reevaluate my own perspectives when presented with new information. Additionally, I will work diligently to hold myself and all board members accountable for the enforcement of policies already in place. Ultimately, each board member gets one vote and I will always use my vote in a way that prioritizes the best interests of the students of our district.

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.

In policy-setting group discussions, I naturally take on a leadership role. I prioritize listening and understanding to gain a clear grasp of the issues and challenges. Once well-informed, I strive for consensus while remaining decisive.

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 board must uphold local, state, and federal laws to safeguard vital funding. At the same time, we recognize that the landscape of diversity and equity programs in education is currently evolving. It is the board’s responsibility to cultivate a welcoming and secure learning environment by implementing strong policies that address racism and bullying while ensuring fair access to resources.

Additionally, district administration should prioritize hiring candidates whose expertise, backgrounds, and lived experiences reflect the diversity of our community. In District 200, every student and staff member should feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am the best candidate because I bring true independence, free from the influence of special interest groups. Unlike insiders handpicked by district leadership and teacher's union representatives, I represent fresh, unbiased leadership driven by a commitment to serve rather than a commitment to maintain the status quo.

My resilience ensures that I never back down from challenges, and I am dedicated to making informed, decisive choices that prioritize the best interests of the students and stakeholders I serve.

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

Radical transparency. There is clearly a community distrust of systems right now, even locally here in District 200. Our community and our school district would benefit greatly from radically increased transparency and communication from the board and district leadership.