Courtney Hand: 2023 Candidate for District 47 School Board (2-year term)
Bio
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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: My four children are my main motivation for running. I have had children in District 47 schools since 2016 and will continue to have children in this district until 2034. Three of my children attend three different schools within our district.
Specifically, I am motivated by my child who has disabilities. According to the District 47 Illinois Report Card, 14% of our students have Individualized Education Programs (IEP). In other words, 1 out of 7 students in our district have qualifying disabilities. In order to provide appropriate representation for this community of students, parents and teachers, it would be beneficial for one of the seven board members to be the parent of a child with disabilities.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: According to the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), "times have changed, but the function of school boards today remains the same: to provide local citizen control over public education, representing the community and its aspirations for its local schools."
Furthermore, 1.02 of the Position Statements of the IASB states the following: "The Illinois Association of School Boards shall support the right and responsibility of each local school board to determine its curricular content including opposing any mandated curriculum." (Adopted 1981; Amended 1983, 1988, 2001, 2013, 2020)
I take both of these statements very seriously and will continue to refer to them when setting and monitoring curriculum.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Parents have come to me with varying concerns. Some would like more information regarding curriculum that includes sensitive topics. Others are concerned with which methods of instruction are being used to teach reading. As a board member I will carefully consider all questions that arise about curriculum. By providing clear information about curriculum, we can provide the transparency that parents desire.
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?
As a board member I will give all of my constituents a voice, recalling that the function of the school board is "to provide local citizen control over public education." (From IASB website)
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: As a board member I will give all of my constituents a voice, recalling that the function of the school board is "to provide local citizen control over public education". (From IASB website)
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: Our decisions should be made using all available and reliable data. Going forward, I would propose that we keep our schools open during another pandemic. If schools remain open we must also consider how we can serve our vulnerable students who have compromised immune systems. Robust home learning options should be available for such children.
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 must consider all perspectives in order to make fair and effective decisions for our district.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: As previously stated, I can provide the necessary voice for the special needs community. I can also offer the skills I learned while working as an accountant, including data interpretation, budget analysis and a keen attention to detail. Finally, my schedule is flexible, allowing me the ability to give this role the dedicated time that it deserves.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: Our district's special education department provides five self contained programs that serve children with disabilities and one dual language program. I think there are other specific needs outside of the realm of special education that could also be addressed with a centralized program. I am wondering if our community would be interested in a centralized gifted program for children with exceptional academic abilities beyond their grade level. If elected, I'd like to discuss this topic with fellow board members.