Gail Galivan: 2023 candidate for DuPage High School District 88 board, 4-year term

Bio

Town: Oakbrook Terrace

Age on Election Day: 66

Occupation: Holistic Health Practitioner, Continuing Education Instructor, Integrative Medicine office staff

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: To assist with the integration of programs being integrated into every classroom, such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

If passed, pending legislation mandates that public schools adopt Comprehensive Sex Education standards beginning with kindergarten. The IASB objects. School districts can no longer opt out. Only the individual student or parent may opt out.

Clarity is needed to avoid complications. Many families are of the opinion that some material is explicit, distracting and age-inappropriate; surveys asking intimate questions to be completed by students during school can be harmful.

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

A: Be involved early on with district leaders and educators in following the development process. Adopt curriculum with the objective of attaining optimal outcomes for all students on an individual basis. Provide the resources and instructional materials required. Support professional learning. Ensure consistency across all classrooms. Follow up with assessment of success.

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

A: Implementation of the required integration of DEI curriculum in every classroom. Community satisfaction is needed with respect to the new standards for comprehensive personal health and safety and comprehensive sexual health education. I am advised that special education may be understaffed and under resources.

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: I suggest a public invitation to attend open dialogue meetings. Attendees may set and agree to guidelines that foster respect and allow for each to express their opinion without interruption. When listening to others, immediate replies may be noted on paper and collected later.

If there is a matter of heated controversy on the agenda, request social worker and a peace officer be present. Temporarily adjourn the meeting, if necessary. Consider all perspectives objectively and with neutrality. Respond to all viewpoints at the time of decision-making.

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: Many have learned of early interventions, ways to fortify their health and better manage comorbidities and debilitating fear. This could greatly diminish the potential of an outbreak of pandemic proportions. Global research regarding the handling of the pandemic continues.

Health departments and the ISBE have followed CDC guidelines. Now the CDC is being scrutinized and investigated in their handling of the pandemic. I believe it best for our nation to remain sovereign and apart from a seemingly imminent W.H.O. global, nondemocratic constitution or treaty when it comes to making pandemic-related decisions.

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 participated in a community committee in conversation with a school district to design, implement and follow outcomes of a diversity, equity and inclusion policy. My role was to help create and discuss proposals with the community committee before submissions to the school board. I relied on published material, established policies in education and community listening. Skills in creative thinking, unbiased listening, thorough research of expert opinions and outcome follow-up are essential.

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

A: I have participated in a community committee in conversation with a school district to design, implement and follow outcomes of a diversity, equity and inclusion policy. My role was to help create and discuss proposals with the community committee before submissions to the school board. I relied on published material, established policies in education and community listening. Skills in creative thinking, unbiased listening, thorough research of expert opinions and outcome follow-up are essential.

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

A: In alignment with the new mental health plan, prioritize and evaluate that all resources have been fully vetted and education goals are achieved by using a "whole child and family" approach: Stress management and SEL for students, caregivers and staff may be helpful in making special education placement decisions, meeting essential accommodations, handling incidents and fear of retaliation from bully reports. Develop curriculum based upon student's vision that inspires the desire to learn. I've noticed that all resources which students have direct access to need to be thoroughly vetted.