Rocío Cleveland: 2025 candidate for Wauconda Unit District 118 board
Bio
Office sought: Wauconda Unit District 118 board (Vote for 4)
City: Island Lake
Age: 41
Occupation: Multilingual paraprofessional and interpreter
Previous offices held: None
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
Advocating for children is my passion.
What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?
Approving standards, textbooks, curriculum, while also making sure student achievement goals are met.
Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
Several.
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 always listen to the concerns of constituents and their children.
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.
It’s important to listen, be open minded, and work together to reach a goal or solution. Teamwork is essential.
What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, or would you rather see them diminished? Please explain your reasoning.
Hispanic parents in the community don’t feel represented appropriately. In addition, parents whose children are in special education aren’t being given the appropriate duration of speech minutes, physical therapy minutes, and/or occupational therapy minutes as needed.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I’m the best candidate for this school board because I’ve worked with children of all ages and advocating for children is my passion.
What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
Involve the Hispanic community more and provide interpreters. Inclusion of students in special education throughout the school would be a great learning experience for everyone. All student successes, state championships, and national championships should be celebrated.