Kristen M. Paul: 2023 Candidate for School District 95 Board Member

Bio

Town: Hawthorn Woods

Age on Election Day: 40

Occupation: Director of Social Emotional Learning

Employer: District 308

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 am running to be a positive voice for students in the community.

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

A: The role of the school board is to provide governance, create policy and uphold the mission and vision of the school district and to evaluate the Superintendent.

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

A: No.

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: My role as a School Board member is to provide governance, create, review and maintain the policies of the school district.

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: I will be one of seven School Board members and if another massive outbreak of infections disease occurs our role will be to work together to support our school district and community.

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 in a different district, I have many professional experiences in working in team settings. My role as a school board member is to always remember that I am 1 of 7 on the school board; I am there to listen, seek to understand in order to collectively create, review and maintain policies that support all students in the school district.

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

A: I am committed to being a positive voice for children in the school district as a school board member. I have worked in public education as a teacher and leader for 19 years and have three children in the school district. I am thrilled to be able to represent my community as a school board member and be a positive voice for students.

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

A: My goal as a school board member is to be a positive voice for our students.