Craig E. Donnelly: 2025 candidate for Butler Elementary District 53 board

Bio

Office sought: Butler Elementary District 53 (Vote for 4)

City: Oak Brook

Age: 45

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: Butler District 53 board member since 2021

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

I am running for the District 53 board to continue the exceptional progress that the district has made post-COVID during my four years on the board. My experience, skills, and understanding of effective board governance will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the district as we seek to continue the momentum created by the current board and administration.

Too often school boards experience constant turnover of board members, which in turn creates new direction for the district every 2 years. With this election, District 53 has the opportunity to maintain continuity of leadership over an extended period of time that will only further springboard the successes that we have seen.

I am motivated, not by any singular issue, but by the opportunity for sustained success of our students assisted by the dedicated leadership of the administration and faculty.

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

To be clear, the school board’s role is not to develop curriculum. Instead, the board’s proper role is to set the vision and goals for a systematic approach by the administration to develop, review, and make periodic adjustments to curriculum. Further, the board must monitor the administration’s progress in meeting the vision and goals set by the board.

The board is also responsible for ensuring that the administration has the resources needed to implement, review and make adjustments to curriculum and adapt to the technological advancements in the educational space.

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

District 53’s track record of academic success speaks volumes, but complacency will ultimately destroy excellence.

Over the last several years, the board has been overseeing a systematic and periodic review of the curriculum in each of our many academic areas of study. The board also approved a new position within the administration charged with leading this process. Additional focus must be placed on ensuring that all students receive the best possible support and instruction, not just advanced learners.

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?

I, along with the other members of the RCKK slate, firmly believe the board’s role is that of governance, not management of day to day affairs of the district.

As such, in times of controversy, it is imperative that the board understand the issue from all stakeholders, including the community at large, parents, faculty, and administration.

It is critical that all voices be heard (pro and con) and that they have ample opportunity to be heard, because differing points of view help drive good decision making. Opinions of those with whom I may disagree with in the end are nevertheless important to the process because they help to provide the full context and scope to the issue.

However, at the end of the day, I cast a vote based on what I believe to be the best leadership decision that most advances -- not my personal agenda or belief -- but rather a decision that supports and furthers the district’s core mission and that ultimately will benefit the students and district as a whole in the present day and into the future.

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.

In my 12-plus years serving on nonprofit boards and four years serving on the District 53 board, experience reveals how the fundamental understanding of effective board governance is critical to success.

When boards cease to govern through goal setting and oversight and start meddling in daily management of operational issues, friction and disfunction develops.

My approach to group decision making is centered around three keys: preparation, objectivity, and acceptance. First, I thoroughly prepare for each board meeting, understanding the issues and anticipating in advance where controversy may lie.

At the board table, my approach to decision making is rooted, not by allegiance to any personal agenda, but rather in objectivity to make decisions that are in the best interests of short and long-term needs of the entire student population while giving consideration to the needs and limitations of the community at large.

Finally, good governance requires that all board members, whether their vote prevailed or not, must accept the outcome and move on with one voice. Continuance of objection beyond the board table undermines the board’s role in governance and should be avoided.

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.

Our community is very diverse, which is one of the many qualities which sets Oak Brook apart from our surrounding communities. As such, our student population reflects that diversity. When I was sworn in as a board member in 2021, part of the oath that I took was: “I shall accept the responsibility for my role in the equitable and quality education of every student in the School District.”

I very much believe that every student is entitled to the most equitable and quality education that we can provide them. To that end, during my term, the board adopted the Equity Journey Continuum that has become part of the Illinois School Report card.

I supported this adoption and will continue to do so if elected. Since this adoption, the District 53 has made great progress in closing gaps in student achievement, opportunities, and supports. We must continue this progress.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Having served four years on the District 53 board, there will be no learning curve for me if elected to serve another term. I have sound working relationships with other board members, the entire administration, and most of the faculty and staff.

I have a track record of achievement within the district having co-chaired the board team that successfully negotiated a new teacher contract that restored greater fairness and equity for all of our wonderful faculty and also overseeing sound and successful fiscal policy as a member of the district finance committee.

I have also endured challenges and enjoyed success as a business owner for over nine years. I am honored to be seeking re-election as part of the RCKK slate along with (fellow incumbent) Kavitha Neerukonda and exceptional first-time candidates Resham Mendi and Kaarina Lebrun. Together, we bring a dynamic and diverse blend of relevant experience and commitment without any pre-determined agenda to pursue. Our focus is on sound governance in pursuit of the betterment of the district as a whole and providing the best educational experience for today’s student and tomorrow’s leader.

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

I believe the board should place greater emphasis on the development of the entire child, not merely the academic student, through extra-curricular opportunities and social-emotional learning.

Historically, students who graduate from Butler District 53 perform exceptionally well academically in high school and beyond, but the same level of excellence is not always seen outside of the academic setting.

Whether it is with club activities, athletic activities, or otherwise, I would like to see greater emphasis on the entire child, not just academic success.