Stephen E. Flint: 2023 candidate for Lombard Elementary District 44 board
Bio
Town: Lombard
Age on Election Day: 65
Occupation: Architect
Employer: Flint Architects LLC
Previous offices held: District 44 school board since 2011
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: No. Wanting to continue advocating for the children.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: We hire the superintendent. The superintendent hires and oversees the staff. Curriculum is done by the staff. We approve the curriculum, budget and policies.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: We focus on the social, emotional of the student as well as student learning.
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: We listen to our constituents' voices, but at the end of the day, it is what is best for all of our students.
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 E-learning capacities if necessary, but the students learn best in person. Have the capabilities keep learning in-person where we can facility adjustments.
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: We see the students excel in group settings where they problem solve. With the completion of the Connect Center at our middle school, the Explorer classes are set up for problem solving. The board is always looking for engaging the student to learn more effectively.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am completing my third term as a board member. I have the knowledge base to continue moving the district forward. We are very fiscal solvent district and we have exceptional staff.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: Looking at owning our own school buses. This will give us control of staffing and keeping on-time schedule.