Robert O. Harris: 2021 candidate for Indian Prairie District 204 board
Challenger Robert O. Harris, one of 11 candidates running for four, 4-year terms in Indian Prairie Unit District 204, responds to the Daily Herald candidate questionnaire for the April 6, 2021, local elections.
The candidates are: incumbents Laurie Donahue of Naperville and Susan Taylor-Demming of Naperville; and challengers Shannon Adcock of Naperville, Allison Fosdick of Naperville, Saba Haider of Aurora, Robert O. Harris of Naperville, Supna C. Jain of Naperville, Marina Kosak of Naperville, Yanmei May Liang of Naperville, Rajesh Narayan of Naperville, and Kader Sakkaria of Naperville.
In-person early voting with paper ballots is now available at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. In-person early voting with touch-screen voting begins March 22 at locations throughout the county. Learn more at www.dupageco.org/earlyvoting/.
For more election coverage, visit dailyherald.com.
Bio
City: Naperville
Age: Not given
Occupation: Program director and assistant professor at Lewis University
Civic involvement: NAACP, DuPage AME Church, Project Management Institute
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: This is an opportunity to provide my skills and time to the 204 School Board District
Q: How would you grade the current school board on its response to the pandemic? Why?
A: This is an unprecedented global medical, social, economic and political issue. The 204 Board made difficult decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Grade B
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: The pandemic is a high magnitude issue that requires the attention of all District 204 stakeholders, civic and state officials.
Parents have every right to voice their opinion regarding safety, education, achievement, participation and teaching modality. That said, the board and all stakeholders must maintain open communication, continue problem resolution and seek mutual collaboration. I view my role on the board as a collaborator. My primary focus is to seek ways to inspire all students to reach their greatest potential. Our board is responsible for over 28,000 students achievement.
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: The pandemic is an unprecedented global medical, economic, social and political event. The operational attempts made by the District 204 board did not please 100% of the district. A host of social, emotional, cultural and academic issues are under additional consideration. Some parents lost jobs and or work reduced hours. This fact caused immense damage to many families, way of life, and their homes. The district cannot control the local, state or national employment rate.
Today, we understand the COVID-19 vaccine will provide more options for all schools and stakeholders to return to "normal." Hopefully, parents and stakeholders most affected can find employment options and successful pathways for all affected.
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: I must consider the state of Illinois, CDC, and local information. Our evidenced-based plans and contingencies must place safety and accuracy first. I see and hear the frustrations of students, parents and teachers. We can start planning for Fall 2021 as "back to normal" phase, based upon test results and COVID-19 vaccines.
Q: What is your position on allowing high school sports to continue during the pandemic? Be specific.
A: How high school sports continue depends on the growth and spread of the COVID-19 virus. Given the recent advancement with COVID-19 vaccines and administration, we can expect changes. As community leaders and stakeholders it is vital that we follow local, state and federal guidelines.
According to the Chicagoland press, high school athletes seeking a college scholarship, can be critical for attracting offers. Illinois is more aggressive than most states in curtailing youth sports during the pandemic, labeling some programs during the year, as too risky to play. Illinois was very restrictive regarding football. Members of the Chicago Blackhawks Special Hockey team, enrolled in Indian Prairie School District 204's STEP vocational program expressed frustration also regarding virtual practices. I can see and hear the frustrations of the students. That said, we must consider safety first. Most of all, our country can provide vaccines today. This is a game changer.