Connie Cain: 2023 candidate for Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300 school board
Bio
Town: Gilberts
Township: Dundee
Age on Election Day: 61
Occupation: Accountant
Employer: Not applicable
Previous offices held: Precinct Committeeperson DU 20
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 for this office because my background in accounting and finance will enable me to contribute to setting an annual budget and long-term financial planning for the district. The school board is responsible for being good stewards of taxpayer resources while prioritizing the needs of students.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: As the representatives of the parents and taxpayers, school board members need to be involved in the curriculum of the schools in an oversight manner. Parents have become more involved in schools because of concerns about the curriculum. As a school board member, I will respect the concerns of parents.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Parents have raised many issues. Many of their concerns are not surprising, and the school district needs to consider feedback from parents when implementing policies. Elected school board members can avoid many of these by being transparent about their decisions. Parental rights should be respected.
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 school board member should openly discuss concerns that may arise regarding policy and curriculum. The school district's mission is to prepare children to function independently as adults.
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 all know that the response to COVID-19 delayed the educational development of children in the school district's care. The inappropriate response toward children's health did more harm than good. The "science" and the statistics have demonstrated that the virus never seriously affected children. A different approach that would continue in classroom learning should be the goal of educators if a pandemic revisits us.
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: Things get done when all parties communicate clearly and contribute to the discussion. I believe in best practices, and if elected, I would push for a best practices approach to dealing with problems such as a pandemic response.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have a background in accounting, meaning I am a numbers person and like to approach issues analytically. I am also a good listener and want to hear from all sides of a problem and help to resolve disputes if necessary.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: There are many solutions out there, but transparency and clear communication are critical to avoiding some of the negative responses from parents. The administration and the board members must maintain an awareness of how stakeholder groups such as parents may view their policy approaches.