John Kenwood: 2023 candidate for Glenbard High School District 87 board, 4-year seat

Bio

Town: Glen Ellyn

Age on Election Day: 63

Occupation: Management consulting

Employer: N/A

Previous offices held: I have 10 years of experience (2005-15) on District 41, as president, vice president, and board member. I was on the finance, policy, and curriculum committee as well. Finally, I was the board liaison for the vision, boundary, and facilities task forces. I also have 4 years as a village trustee (2015-19), and currently serving on District 87 for four years and a member of the policy and finance committees.

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 reelection for a second term. I decided to run for three reasons. The district is about to rollout a new school day, and I believe my ability to ask the right questions before implementation will be a benefit to students, parents, and teachers. I will ensure the administration is ready and we properly monitor the impacts of the new schedule.

The second is my expertise in finance. At current rates, over the next five years (2028) the enrollment at our schools will drop by 672 (9%) students, our expenditures are predicted to increase from $173M to $195M, and we project 60 teacher retirements over that period. The model of decreased enrollment, less teachers, yet rising expenditures is not sustainable. Finally, COVID had an impact on our kids, and I want to be an advocate for ensuring our schools respond to their needs in hopes that they will move forward in a better state of mind than their COVID years.

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

A: While the school board is not directly involved in developing the curriculum, the board is ultimately accountable to the community for the outcome. District 87 is always highly ranked against other districts in the state.

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to assess their learning standards for every school district in English/art, math, and science. The Illinois report card score for Glenbard District 87 is that 38.6% of Glenbard students are proficient in English/arts, 39.5% are proficient in math, and 63.1% are proficient in science. Another standard, the College Board Benchmark scores represent a similar trend for math, but a better result for English/language/arts. While Glenbard D87 proficiency scores are higher than the Illinois state average and are not the only measure of a child's education, we need to do better. The board can influence this or any other goal by prioritizing it through district goals and programs that translate to curriculum.

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

A: In addition to the Illinois report card comments above, I would like to place more attention on broadening and partnering more with other organizations, for those kids that want to pursue a career in different trades. Many that are educated in the trades could eventually start their own business and we can offer curriculum to help them be successful business owners.

The district is very supportive of special education, and I would like to better understand the impacts due to COVID to determine what additional steps we could take.

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: Our responsibility is that every student has an opportunity to grow and do so in a safe and inclusive environment. The board has a policy committee and reviews policies on a revolving calendar. I was on the District 87 policy committee for two years and have had a role in policy over my experience as a village trustee for four years and District 41 board of education for 10 years. I understand the process and the approach to policy.

I believe I am a reasonable person, and my role is to ask the right questions, challenge long-standing practices, and provide my input. I will not rubber stamp anything that comes across my desk. I will commit to listen to all opinions, discuss the issue with others, do my own research, synthesize the information, and decide based on a lens that is inclusive of district students, parents, or teachers.

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: There was so much uncertainty about COVID at first in March of 2020 and I understand the choices that were made to get students through the school year after spring break. I don't think the approach of school districts for the 2021-22 school year was appropriate. We have learned the social emotional impacts and learning loss that occurred during COVID cannot be overlooked if another pandemic occurs.

If another pandemic occurred, districts need to provide options for those that want to attend in person and those that do not want to attend in person. Each family can choose and should be provided support in a safe environment for their kids and the teachers. I would also think outside the box and not view everyone by grade level.

For example, bring in special education kids who need a routine, or freshmen, so they can meet each other. I would also take advantage of providing video to support lessons, and provide the students with background screens, so they can turn on their cameras.

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: Policy is mostly driven by mandates that require changing existing policy, or current issues that surface from the community. In addition to my comments in question four above, I think the policy committee should add to their agenda a meeting each semester to prioritize what policies to review.

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

A: Experience - I have 10 years on District 41, as president, vice president, and board member. I was on the finance, policy, and curriculum committee as well. Finally, I was the board liaison for the vision, boundary, and facilities task forces. I also have 4 years as a village trustee, and currently serving on District 87 for four years and a member of the Policy and Finance committees.

This election will select the next superintendent, for the district, and I have experience hiring two superintendents.

My ability to leverage my business experience in managing projects to ask the right questions to drive a better outcome for students, parents, and teachers. I am accessible to people when they want to discuss district matters. I take the responsibility seriously and put the work effort to be engaged and not just rubber stamp everything. I will be the voice to all students, parents, and teachers.

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

A: I wouldn't claim that I have an idea that no one is talking about, but I believe strongly that we have not been as inclusive as we could be with our Glendale Heights community, so I would like to see more activity with that community. Having an appointed board member from that community is a great first step. I also believe we can improve upon the path for the trades.