Ariel Steffens: 2025 candidate for Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 board

Bio

Office sought: Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 board (Vote for 4)

City: Glen Ellyn

Age: 42

Occupation: Senior director, sales strategy

Previous offices held: Arbor View Elementary PTC treasurer (2 years), Arbor View Elementary PTC secretary (1 year), 12th St. Elementary Portage, MI PTC co-treasurer (1 year)

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

I am committed to public education and ensuring our district delivers the highest standard of education.

As a mother of three children in District 89, I have direct experience with multiple facets of the district’s curriculum — one child is in the accelerated program, and another has had an IEP since kindergarten.

Thanks to our dedicated staff and a fiscally responsible board, our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I am eager to contribute to a board that continues this progress. I am most passionate about inclusivity in education because every student deserves an environment where they feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

A truly inclusive school system embraces diversity in all its forms — whether academic, cultural, or personal — and ensures that every child has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

As a school board candidate, I am committed to fostering a culture of acceptance, equity, and accessibility for all students.

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

The school board plays a critical role in approving policies and establishing budget guidelines for curriculum and library materials, but it does not directly develop or select these materials.

I firmly believe that classroom educators and library professionals are best positioned to make decisions regarding the resources that support student learning and development, as they have the expertise and firsthand knowledge of what works in the classroom.

However, the board’s role is to ensure that the curriculum and materials align with the district’s educational goals and standards.

I am committed to advocating for policies that ensure students have access to a diverse array of age-appropriate, high-quality materials. This includes representing the needs of all students and keeping pace with educational best practices.

I will work diligently to ensure that D89’s policies continue to reflect this and foster an environment that nurtures academic growth, critical thinking, and empathy.

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

I believe our school board must regularly evaluate whether the curriculums in place are effectively supporting our most vulnerable students, including non-native English speakers, students with specific learning disabilities, and those with IEPs.

Every student has unique needs, and it’s essential that our curricula are flexible enough to ensure all learners can thrive.

By evaluating the effectiveness of our current programs, we can identify gaps and make necessary adjustments to provide targeted support, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for every student.

As student demographics in D89 continue to evolve, ongoing assessment helps us stay responsive and proactive in meeting student needs.

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 in confronting policy or curriculum controversies is to provide thoughtful leadership, even when it’s unpopular.

I believe in actively listening to all constituents, including those with differing opinions, to ensure every voice is heard and that decisions reflect the diverse perspectives within our community. It’s important to engage in constructive conversations and bridge gaps where there’s disagreement.

While respecting state authorities, I see my responsibility as advocating for the needs of our students and educators, making decisions based on what is best for them even when that requires standing firm on complex or controversial issues.

Open dialogue, transparency, and careful consideration are key in navigating these challenges, ensuring that every decision is well-informed, inclusive, and aligned with the long-term goals of our district.

As a board member, my commitment is to serve with integrity and make decisions that reflect the community’s shared values and needs.

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.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in group settings to determine policy in both educational and business environments.

I prioritize open communication, listening, and mutual respect, believing that diverse perspectives lead to better-informed decisions. My approach fosters an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their views and encourages constructive dialogue. When disagreements arise, I focus on finding compromises that serve the collective need.

On the school board, I will apply this collaborative style by ensuring that all stakeholders — staff, parents, and community members — have a voice in the decision-making process.

By engaging the community and focusing on solutions, I believe we can create effective policies that support all students and ensure our actions align with the district’s long-term goals.

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.

My assessment of the school district’s diversity and equity efforts is that they have been very positive, creating a more inclusive environment for all students.

As a parent who is part of the LGBTQ community and raising a biracial child, I deeply value the district’s commitment to fostering acceptance, equity, and respect for all and wholeheartedly support the continuation and enhancement of these efforts.

It is essential to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or identity, feels valued and has the resources they need to succeed. Strengthening these efforts can further create a safe, supportive environment that allows all students to thrive academically and socially.

By continuing to prioritize diversity and equity, we prepare our students to be empathetic and well-rounded individuals in an increasingly diverse world.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

What makes me the best candidate for the school board is my experience as a parent and community leader, paired with my financial management background.

As a district parent, I have a strong understanding of the curriculum and the diverse needs of students, including those requiring additional support. I’ve served on the Arbor View Elementary PTC as secretary and treasurer, regularly collaborating with parents, teachers, and staff.

Additionally, with 20 years of career experience managing budgets exceeding $2 billion and overseeing various third-party contracts, I am equipped to make fiscally responsible decisions that maintain educational quality.

My expertise in policy development, negotiation, and budget management will allow me to contribute effectively to board discussions and drive meaningful change. I’m committed to fostering a district that prioritizes academic excellence, inclusivity, and financial sustainability.

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

One idea to better our district that no one is talking about yet is to proactively address the implications of President Trump’s executive order “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling” by bringing together parent and staff focus groups.

These forums would provide an opportunity to openly discuss the concerns, interpretations, and impacts of the executive order on District 89.

By involving key stakeholders, we can ensure that parents, teachers, and administrators have a platform to voice their thoughts and concerns, as well as collaborate on solutions.

This approach will help us navigate any changes thoughtfully and ensure that our district’s educational practices remain balanced, inclusive, and supportive of all students. Engaging in this proactive dialogue will empower the community to shape the direction of our schools and align our policies with the values and needs of District 89.