Patrick Richard Maag: 2023 candidate for Des Plaines School District 62 board

Bio

Town: Des Plaines

Age on Election Day: 46

Occupation: Fine Arts Department chairman and teacher

Employer: Hinsdale Township High School District 86

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 been in education for 22 years and was hoping to bring my experience to a school district that my children attend/attended. I have been very involved in the schools where I have worked, but not nearly enough in the district that I live. I hope to help the school district navigate the work of inclusivity and equity.

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

A: The school boards main role is that of oversight. In my opinion, the school board hires a superintendent and other administration to make curriculum and programmatic recommendations. The board should evaluate those recommendations and make sure they are furthering the education and development of the students. We need to center all of our decisions on the students and what will help them grow as people and learners.

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

A: I don't feel there are specific curriculum issues that need attention so much as we need to be working toward providing curriculum that allows all students to see themselves. We need to work on bullying initiatives as well as equity and inclusion issues.

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: The only way to really answer this question is to say that I would always center my voice on what best serves the students. We need to remember who we are serving and not focus on what the political disputes are. If that makes me unpopular, that is fine.

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 have learned that preventive measures work. I would listen to the science and encourage the latest vaccines and mask usage. The worst decision we could have to make is to not have students in the schools learning. I would encourage everything possible to prevent having to keep students at home unless absolutely necessary.

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 have been an administrator for my current school district for eight years. I have been a member of many committees and feel I would work very well with the other members of the board. I am very much a pragmatic team member. I am willing to listen to ideas and consider them on merit. I try to use humor to defuse disagreements and find common ground. I would be a passionate advocate for things I feel strongly about, but I would also consider options to best serve the students.

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

A: I don't know if I am the best candidate for the job. I really don't know the other members running nor do I know what they bring to the table. My only reason for running was to get involved with my local school district and to center the students first in all decisions. I guess if there was anything that would make me a good candidate would be my experience in education.

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

A: I would like to see the expansion of the arts in our schools. I feel that it improves student performance in other subjects if they use their creative brain on a regular basis. Students not only score better in other subjects, but it could also be a catalyst for improved attendance.