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Yanmei May Liang: 2021 candidate for Indian Prairie District 204 board

Challenger Yanmei May Liang, 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 election.

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: 52

Occupation: Public health nurse at Will County Health Department

Civic involvement: I have a passion to serve the community. In the past three years, as a board director of Saddle Creek HOA I have ensured a safe environment for hundreds of homes. I have volunteered and served patients without insurance at Bolingbrook Christian Health Center for over a decade.

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: Two main reasons motivate me to run for the school board. Firstly, in the past few years, I have learned about the heartbreaking news of students committing suicide. As a school board member, I would promote the holistic growth of students, which means growing not only academically but also mentally, socially and physically. Secondly, I believe serving community is a responsibility of good citizens. As a first-generation immigrant, I would like to set a good example for the Chinese American community and all citizens.

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

A: Since last March, District 204 has encountered many unprecedented situations due to the pandemic. Overall, I think the current school board has done a good job by using science-based metrics and priorities to reopen schools. However, I think the current timetable for reopening schools can be improved. I noticed that some nearby school districts have already given options for in-person learning since last September. Besides, private schools have not stopped in-person learning during pandemic. I am sure my medical background and experience will prove to be an asset to the board.

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 have been a nurse in China, England and the U.S. and have working experiences in nursing homes, hospitals, clinical setting and public health. I have been monitoring the global situation and updates of COVID-19 since the early stages of the pandemic. When the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Illinois, I raised concerns to my colleagues in epidemiology. They told me that their focus was the flu season, and COVID-19 was not something they were considering. I was also told to follow the state guidelines. However, one month later, more than 20 colleagues were diagnosed with COVID-19. I believe that my global background, professionalism, and experience will prove to be an asset to wherever I serve.

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 think District 204 has encountered many unprecedented situations, and the current school board has made many difficult decisions, including remote instructions, for the safety and health of students and teachers. Even though remote learning is not ideal, it had been an alternative to continue schooling during pandemic.

However, social isolation has caused tremendous mental stress to students and their families due to long term remote instructions. Besides, the experiences and outcomes of remote instructions have been impacted unevenly due to different family support and other factors. Therefore, I think reopening school full time as soon as possible is the top priority of District 204.

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: As a board member, I will support 5-day-a-week full time hybrid learning as soon as the teachers complete their COVID-19 vaccinations in the spring. Further down the line, I plan a full return to school as long as the herd immunity is reached in the area.

In the best case scenario, I would have pushed hybrid learning back in September by providing adequate and reliable PPE in schools I believe a successful transition can be achieved as soon as possible based on safety and science.

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

A: I believe high school sports should be available by student choices during pandemic. The district needs wisdom to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision. A careful plan with science-based metrics and strategies is critical.

COVID-19 can lead to serious medical conditions and even death for people of all ages. When engaging in sports, especially close-contact sports, the students are at high risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. However, social isolation has caused tremendous mental stress to students and their families, and sports are helpful to prevent mental health issues.

If the students and their parents choose to participate sports, they will have to sign waiver forms in case the students acquire COVID-19 during the sports. Furthermore, the schools should reinforce students' compliance with rules of wearing masks and washing hands as much as possible in order to protect students and their families.

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