Sarah Novey: 2025 candidate for Lombard Elementary District 44 board

Bio

Office sought: Lombard Elementary District 44 board (Vote for 4)

City: Lombard

Age: 45

Occupation: Principal data team lead

Previous offices held: Lombard District 44 board member

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

I am running for reelection to the board, having served the last four years. I am running again because I believe that when citizens are engaged in their government, the system works better for everyone.

As a former high school science teacher, I am motivated to continue serving on the board as I value public education, and I want to ensure we have the best schools that serve all our students.

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

The role of the school board is to monitor the finances of the district and to ensure strong leadership and oversight of the superintendent. The superintendent is empowered by the board to train our excellent teachers to adapt to the changing needs of our students and to modify instruction to meet those needs.

Curriculum decisions are made by district personnel by reviewing state standard and benchmarks and professional judgment. School boards should not be directing classroom level curriculum, but should have policies in place to handle issues, if they should arise.

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

Our middle school recently made a change to the schedule which resulting in a different schedule with the opportunity for students to participate in more elective classes. As this change is implemented, I think it is important for board to ask our staff to provide updates and assessments on this change to ensure it is producing the results we had expected.

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 a constituent raises a concern, the board should always look to policy around that. If the policy is in place, and is adequate, then it should be followed. If the policy is missing, then it is the role of the board to develop a policy to fill the gap. When developing policy, it is important for the board to consider the needs of the community, students, and the school. The board needs to help everyone collaborate to find a good solution.

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.

The board has worked really well together to set policy where it may have been lacking. For example, our district had no policy around parent challenges to books in our library.

When this issue came to the board’s attention, we challenged our staff to come up with a solution. We were given different proposals and then voted on a policy to enact. Our goal in our district is to leverage the professional experience of our staff and to include parent feedback when making a decision. When appropriate, student input is also considered.

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.

District 44 puts students at the center of everything that we do. We stress the importance of relationships between students and teachers as the backbone for good education; trust and care is so important. I will continue to support our district’s diversity and equity efforts as these efforts ensures each student has the support they need to succeed.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My commitment to public education and this community led me to run for this position 4 years ago. I know that together with the other board members, we’ve tackled some tough issues through collaboration and listening to the needs of our students, teachers, and community. I know that I can continue to work toward positive change, and I’m excited to continue serving my Lombard community.

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

I find that good ideas come from small conversations that can grow into good ideas. In the last year, I wanted to understand how our facilities were managed and our long-term plan for keeping them up. I met with district leadership to discuss and asked them for a plan.

This conversation led the superintendent to draft a long-term building upkeep plan to be presented to the board. Additionally, conversations with PTA members identified a need for more cosmetic updates to the schools, resulting in a beautification initiative. I will continue listening to my community members for inspiration for the next good idea.