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Alison Prochaska: 2023 candidate for Glen Ellyn Elementary District 41 board

Bio

Town: Glen Ellyn

Age on Election Day: 37

Occupation: Coordinator for Teaching & Learning of a Prek-8th grade school district

Employer: River Grove School District 85.5

Previous offices held: None

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?

A: I'm running for the D41 School Board as the only new candidate to bring a fresh, independent perspective to the BOE. I'm a mother of 1st grade twins, and I've been working in education for 16 years. I'm hoping to shift the board's focus away from politics and back to teaching and learning. I'm also motivated to run now because the next board will help lead the search for our next superintendent, and we need board members who have a sound understanding of the qualities our next leader should have. We also need board members who can put their own wants aside, and listen to what teachers, students, and parents need from their next leader.

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

A: A school board's role is to approve curricular resources that school personnel present for adoption. Before approving, the board should consider any budgetary or policy considerations. Once adopted, the board should ensure the curriculum's efficacy by reviewing student growth data presented by district administration.

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

A: K-2 students would benefit from the inclusion of practices rooted in the science of reading. The district still uses Lucy Calkins "Units of Study," which a 2020 study found "failed to explicitly and systematically teach young readers how to decode and encode written words" according to Edutopia.

Q: 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?

A: A board member's role is to ensure he or she listens to as many community members as possible on both sides of issues. A board member must make decisions based on board policy.

Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?

A: We've learned that virtual learning is no replacement for in-person learning. Our kids need to be in school both for academic and social-emotional development.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

A: As a school administrator, I'm experienced in collaborating with various stakeholders and soliciting and considering diverse viewpoints when making decisions.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I'm the best candidate for the job because I don't have a personal agenda. I'm a mother and experienced educator, and I want what's best for every kid and teacher. Being elected to the board means I have a hand in ensuring our district continues to be a place where our students are safe, happy, and academically thriving.

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

A: No one is talking about teaching and learning enough at the board level.

I've reviewed board meeting minutes from the past two years, and academic performance, what students are currently learning, or what professional learning teachers engaged in are seldom the focus of this board. Building or principal reports are not a priority.

As a board member, I'd appreciate a building report from a different principal each month highlighting some professional work teachers are engaged in along with showcasing student work from the prior month.

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