Graciela Martinez: 2025 candidate for Central Unit District 301 board

Bio

Office sought: Central Unit District 301 board (Vote for 3)

City: Elgin

Age: 37

Occupation: ELL teacher

Previous offices held: None

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

I am running for the board because I am committed to ensuring all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success.

As an educator with six years of classroom experience and a Ph.D. candidate researching postsecondary pathways for Mexican-American students, I have seen both the challenges and opportunities in our education system. My goal is to advocate for policies that support student achievement, teacher development, and equitable access to resources.

I am particularly focused on expanding career readiness programs, financial literacy education, and postsecondary pathways to ensure students graduate prepared for college, vocational training, or the workforce.

I also believe in fostering strong communication between the district, parents, and educators to build trust and transparency. As a mother of 5-year-old twins, I am personally invested in the future of our schools. If elected, I will work collaboratively to ensure District 301 continues to evolve and meet the needs of all learners.

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

The school board plays a crucial role in setting and monitoring the curriculum to ensure it aligns with state standards, district goals, and the needs of students.

While curriculum development is primarily led by educators and administrators, the board is responsible for reviewing, approving, and overseeing its implementation.

This includes ensuring that instructional materials meet academic requirements, reflect community values, and provide equitable learning opportunities for all students.

A key responsibility of the board is to establish policies that guide curriculum development and assessment. This includes approving new courses, adopting textbooks, and ensuring compliance with state and federal education regulations.

The board also monitors student achievement data to evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum, making adjustments as needed to improve outcomes.

Additionally, the board engages with parents, teachers, and the community to gather input and address concerns related to curriculum content.

By fostering transparency and collaboration, the board helps create a balanced and inclusive educational program that prepares students for college, careers, and civic life.

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

One area that needs attention is ensuring the curriculum adequately prepares students for postsecondary success, whether in college, vocational training, or the workforce.

Expanding career readiness programs and financial literacy education can better equip students for life beyond high school. Additionally, the board should ensure that curriculum decisions reflect the diverse needs of all students and provide equitable learning opportunities.

Strengthening communication between educators, parents, and the community can help address concerns and improve curriculum effectiveness. The board must continuously assess student outcomes to ensure the curriculum remains relevant, rigorous, and aligned with future opportunities.

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 school board member, my role is to provide informed leadership while ensuring all voices are heard. I believe in making decisions based on what is best for students, even if they are not always popular.

I will engage with parents, educators, and the community to understand diverse perspectives and ensure transparency in decision-making. While state guidelines set certain requirements, the board must advocate for policies that reflect the needs of our district.

By balancing leadership with community input, I aim to foster thoughtful discussions and make decisions that prioritize student success and equitable educational opportunities.

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.

As an educator and Ph.D. candidate, I have experience working collaboratively in group settings to develop policies and implement educational initiatives.

My approach is to foster open communication, actively listen to diverse perspectives, and build consensus through data-driven decision-making. I prioritize transparency, respect, and constructive dialogue to find common ground while keeping students’ best interests at the center.

By promoting teamwork and thoughtful discussion, I ensure policies are well-informed and practical. This collaborative approach will be effective on the school board, leading to balanced, well-reasoned decisions that address the district’s needs and enhance student success.

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.

Diversity and equity are essential to providing a high-quality education for all students. The district has made efforts to address these issues, but there is always room for growth.

I support enhancing programs that ensure every student, regardless of background, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Equity in education means recognizing and addressing disparities in academic achievement, access to advanced coursework, and postsecondary readiness.

By fostering inclusive learning environments and providing targeted support where needed, we can create a stronger, more equitable district that prepares all students for success in an increasingly diverse world.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am a dedicated educator with six years of classroom experience and a Ph.D. candidate researching postsecondary success for Mexican-American students. As a mother of 5-year-old twins, I am personally invested in ensuring all students receive a high-quality education.

I will advocate for student achievement, teacher support, and equitable opportunities while expanding career readiness and financial literacy programs. My leadership style prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and data-driven decision-making. If elected, I will work closely with the community to ensure District 301 continues to evolve and meet the needs of all learners through informed, student-centered policies.

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

One idea to better District 301 that isn’t being widely discussed is creating community mentorship and career exploration partnerships between local businesses, professionals, and schools.

By establishing a structured mentorship program, students could gain hands-on experience, career guidance, and networking opportunities in various fields, including trades, STEM, business, and the arts.

This initiative would enhance career readiness by providing real-world exposure, internships, and financial literacy workshops, ensuring students graduate with a clearer vision for their future. Strengthening community-school partnerships would also foster engagement and support for students beyond the classroom, bridging the gap between education and career success.