Kevin Lyons: 2021 candidate for Big Hollow School District 38 board
Five candidates are competing for four 4-year terms.
Bio
City: Round Lake
Age: 46
Occupation: Police officer for Village of Lakemoor
Civic involvement: Big Hollow District 38 school board member
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: The kids quality of education is what motivates me. I want to be able to do what I can to try and ensure the children get the best quality education they can during this difficult time. School work, curriculum as well as social and emotional health are vital for them to have sustained success.
Q: How would you grade the current school board on its response to the pandemic? Why?
A: B+ - everyone can always do better. I think the school board did the best with the information they had.
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: I believe leadership and giving a voice to constituents is what is important at this local level. People have a variety of views and allowing for all to express and provide their input, as well as potential solutions helps us recover from this pandemic as a community.
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: I believe the district did the best they could have done. We went 1:1 on Chromebooks and all students were allowed to take their Chromebook home. We also provided mobile hot spots for our community members without internet. The online learning curriculum available was also increased through sound financial practices. The students who require special assistance were also allowed to attend school daily to be able to meet their needs.
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, the CDC has provided recommendations on mitigation strategies which the district follows. These strategies will allow us to remain in hybrid instruction until the metrics allow for schools to fully reopen. Full remote online learning will also continue to available to our community.
Q: What is your position on allowing high school sports to continue during the pandemic? Be specific.
A: High School sports does not really apply. Big Hollow only covers grades PreK-8.