Chad M. McLean: 2021 candidate for West Chicago District 33 School Board

Five candidates are running for four seats on the West Chicago District 33 School Board in the April 6, 2021, election.

Bio

Age: 51

City: West Chicago

Occupation: Engineer and business manager

Civic Involvement: West Chicago District 33 School Board, Community Fellowship Church, Election Judge, PTO, Music Boosters, AWANA Leader, 4-H leader, park district coach, foreign exchange student host, cross country team host, theater program host

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?

A: Servant leadership volunteerism and education are very important and need to be embraced. I have enjoyed my first term on the school board. It has been especially challenging in the last year. I have been able to both contribute and learn.

Q: How would you grade the current school board on its response to the pandemic? Why?

A: Grace, patience and pragmatism have characterized our board. I have been very happy to serve with such a diverse group of people.

Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

A: As a local school board, we have provided leadership based on our local situation. We have deferred to state authorities at times. At other times we have developed our own plans and metrics that have been different than the state guidance.

Q: Did your district continue to adequately serve students during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to continue providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A: Yes, given the restriction brought by the pandemic. We were started in our preparations for the shut down before it was announced. We have become very technology focused. There were well timed decisions that were made even ahead of the pandemic that have really helped our move to online learning.

Q: Do you have a plan on how to safely and effectively conduct classes in the spring? What have you learned from the fall semester that you would change in the spring?

A: Yes, we are following the guidelines developed based on current scientific understanding and the experience gained during the pandemic. We have benchmarked procedures with other districts, both local and foreign.

Q: What is your position on allowing high school sports to continue during the pandemic? Be specific.

A: I do not represent a high school district. The cross country season in the fall was very helpful for our family. I would support allowing high school sports to resume.