Kimberly Hobbs: 2023 candidate for Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 board, unexpired 2-year term

Bio

Town: Wheaton

Age on Election Day: 47

Occupation: Homemaker

Employer: N/A

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 have seven children, of whom five are still in CUSD 200 schools. My children have enjoyed the blessings of great, caring teachers and good friends.

Though I am grateful that my children have benefited from strong schools, I think that the district can reach even higher. I think changes can be made that will benefit our children academically, socially, and mentally.

While there are several issues which have prompted my candidacy, perhaps chief among them is the desire to see a return to parental leadership in the educational process; after all, the board is meant to be a resource through which parents are able to influence the educational decisions of the district.

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

A: As a tool of the parents, the board ought to have the final say in setting and monitoring curriculum.

Parents have the greatest stake of anyone involved in the process of determining what curriculum and enrichment materials their children are exposed to. The board can facilitate interaction with educational professionals to inform parental decisions, but the last word ought to belong to parents.

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

A: I feel that our district would benefit from examining more traditional educational models with an eye toward forming stronger scholars.

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: I do not believe that providing leadership is incompatible with giving a voice to constituents. While it is clearly impossible to please everyone in every decision, I do believe in respectfully hearing multiple viewpoints, analyzing the arguments, and making logical decisions.

Depending on the issue, I would be unlikely to defer to state authorities unless legally required to do so; and even then, depending on the issue, I might protest.

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: COVID was a curveball for which few were prepared, and so I would not entirely condemn every decision made by CUSD 200; but I think we can all agree that the evidence overwhelmingly proves that students were severely, negatively impacted by many of the decisions which were made. I believe in approaching illness sensibly, but not from a spirit of fear.

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: I can only speak from my experience as a parent and a person. I am willing to hear different arguments, to consider pros and cons, and to advocate for those policies which I feel best, and most wisely serve those whom they affect.

While I cannot predict my ability to influence the board's actions, I think my common sense outlook, conviction and willingness to hear out those with whom I may not be in full accord, may influence the board for good.

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

A: Of those running for the 2-year term, I feel that I am the best candidate because I have children in the district, and so would always seek to act in a way that accords with their well-being. Wisdom, discernment and common sense, combined with a willingness to stand firm when necessary, are some of the most essential traits a candidate can bring, and I feel that I have these.

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

A: I believe that exploring classical education methods, which are used by some of the best private schools, would benefit our district's students.