Rebecca Heneghan: 2025 candidate for Maine Township High School District 207 board

Bio

Office sought: Maine Township High School District 207 board (Vote for 4)

City: Park Ridge

Age: 48

Occupation: Pharmacist

Previous offices held: None

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

Austin Channing Brown’s quote, “It is a strange existence to constantly be aware of how little you can control and still feel the urge to do something,” resonates with me. Running for school board is my attempt to do something for a community and school district that I love. I have three daughters, so I have a clear stake in the district.

We have a new superintendent and a new principal at Maine South. This change in administration motivated me to run for the school board. Although I don't have a particular issue that motivates me, student safety is my top priority.

Like any parent, my greatest fear is that something could happen to my student at school. Schools must provide a secure environment where students and staff feel safe.

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

The board is responsible for approving and monitoring the curriculum per District 207 policy. The district uses the district report to evaluate educational performance. This is shared and used to create school and district improvement plans. The board is fundamental to the reaction to the district's performance evaluation and planning. Using evidence-based policies that support student success and well-being would be my goal for the board.

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

Detracking was a significant change to the curriculum over the past few years and I believe one of the major issues for the new board and the district will be to evaluate these changes, analyze the data, test scores, and overall student achievement, and determine whether these approaches are effective or if adjustments are needed to better serve our students.

It's important to ensure that all students are challenged and supported appropriately. I think it’s important to tailor the approach to the needs of each student, providing opportunities for enrichment without sacrificing the rigor needed to prepare all students for future success and at the same time I don’t want any barriers to achieve that rigor that tracking sometimes created.

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 believe that listening is the most important asset I can have as a board member. Hearing people’s opinions, students, teachers, administration, and board members, whether they are the same as mine or not, is my goal.

Allowing people to feel heard and giving them a voice is important. Having constructive discourse is something that our current political climate is missing. Being a leader means making the best evidence-based decisions for students, even if it is unpopular. My role is to make informed, student-focused decisions while fostering meaningful discussions with the community about education.

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 professional career, I have managed pharmacies and was a district pharmacy supervisor managing 30 stores. I now work for Northwestern Medicine and am a pharmacist at Northwestern University’s Student Health. My diverse professional career has given me the ability to understand complex issues and work with teams.

I plan to foster better communication between parents, students, teachers, administrators, and school board members. Collaboration is key to improving the overall educational experience, and I want to help create a more transparent and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.

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.

I believe diversity and equity efforts are worth saving. Promoting equity in schools requires creating an inclusive environment where all students feel safe and valued. This involves not only ensuring policies are in place to protect students but also fostering a school culture of respect and understanding.

I would support professional development for staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, as well as advocate for student resources like counseling and support groups. Additionally, I’d work to ensure that curriculum choices are inclusive of all races, genders, and sexual identities, making sure every student feels seen and represented.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am a mother of three girls and have been actively involved in Park Ridge schools since we moved here 10 years ago. I served as PTO president for both Washington and Lincoln, leading efforts to raise $75,000 for a new playground at Washington. This experience gave me insight into the administrative challenges school boards face. I also served on the District 207 Community Advisory Board, providing me with a unique perspective on the district.

Professionally, I have managed pharmacies and worked as a district pharmacy supervisor overseeing 30 stores. Currently, I am a pharmacist at Northwestern University’s Student Health. My experience in leadership and problem-solving enables me to navigate complex issues and collaborate effectively.

As a school board member, my goals are to partner with District 207’s administration, prioritize student safety, and uphold excellence in education while representing the voice of an engaged parent. I believe in our schools and public education but recognize opportunities for improvement. Together, we can elevate District 207 to new heights of excellence.

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

I would love to see a more robust summer school offering in District 207. Currently, we do not have any elective options for students. My daughter takes a heavy course load and would love to take art or photography over the summer. Nearby districts have a lot more options than we do for summer school.