Gail Saunders: 2025 candidate for Gurnee Elementary District 56 board

Bio

Office sought: Gurnee Elementary District 56 board (Vote for 3)

City: Gurnee

Age: 69

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: President of my HOA

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

I want to try and ensure that the next generation will have strong morals and values, be able to read, write, and do arithmetic, and have strong conflict resolution skills.

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

I am anti-Critical Race Theory, believe there are only two genders and want to make sure these are purged from our system along with DEI hires because positions should be granted on merit.

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

I’d like to see more challenging events on the calendar. Food events are fine, but I’d also like to see reading clubs, have veterans and people in the community come and speak, and events where the students give back to the community. Starting the day with the Pledge of Allegiance would also be a must. Too many people have fought for us and died for our rights to have it any other way.

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 part of a group, I’d present my side supported with facts but would have to go along with the majority if unsuccessful. I’ve had to do this on my HOA when this happens and would have to do this here as well.

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've served as president of my HOA for the past two years and no one has left, not another board member nor our management company, which is what happened previously. I think I’d be effective because I want to create events to address the low test scores. Many of my ideas are on my Facebook page, Gail for School Board, Gurnee Dist 56.

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.

I'm against DEI and believe in merit.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I'd bring new ideas to the district.

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

I've been attending board meetings since December, but no one has talked about raising the test scores.