Eric Albrecht: 2025 candidate for Lake Park High School District 108 board

Bio

Office sought: Lake Park High School District 108 board (Vote for 4)

City: Bloomingdale

Age: 35

Occupation: No answer given

Previous offices held: None

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

Finding the love of my life, a former Lancer, and moving to Bloomingdale to start our family has been the blessing of my life. My reason for running for school board comes from my desire for Lake Park to be a pillar of educational excellence grounded in the values of our local community. This comes with the hope that my son, niece, nephew, and any child in the community will be able to attend Lake Park and learn about what it means to fully contribute as American citizens.

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

Establishing the overarching vision and direction for the school is the responsibility of the board, and I intend to serve our community in that responsibility to the fullest. Others have suggested ceding board responsibility for curriculum and materials, and I am fully opposed to that sentiment.

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

At the board meetings I have attended, the “Portrait of a Graduate” initiative has impressed me, as well as the overall curriculum review cycle and process presented by the faculty. But the board needs to make sure these plans are executed by focusing on student growth and development first and foremost.

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?

Excluding parent and community input on policy, curriculum, and paideia has become commonplace in school districts across the state and the country. It is my intent to empower these voices that are brave enough to dissent in the face of outside pressure.

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.

Throughout my professional career in public policy, advocacy, and government relations, I have worked toward consensus by consulting with a mosaic of stakeholders — everyday taxpayers, small business owners, health care providers, and public officials — on a daily basis. Discovering what motivates people drives my work.

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.

Every student at Lake Park deserves to be treated equally and given the resources for them to succeed. That should not be contorted into giving only certain groups with immutable characteristics preferential treatment over others.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As a parent and member of the community, I am driven by a passion to ensure that Lake Park provides the best possible education to our children, free from distractions. This commitment to putting students and parents first comes in addition to my years of professional policy knowledge and experience.

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

An underrepresented focus in board discussions is on how policy affects students’ overall health and well-being. I intend to amplify student health in my work as a board member, and would be honored to serve the community.