Devon Hubbard Tessmer: 2023 Candidate for District 47 School Board (4-year term)

Bio

Town: Crystal Lake

Age on Election Day: 40

Occupation: VP of HR and Business Development

Employer: Exemplar Financial Network

Previous offices held: n/a

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 currently serving on the board from an appointment in July of 2022 and I am running in this election to keep my seat. I'm not serving on the board because of a particular issue. I am serving because I love my community and I want to do what is best for the kids, taxpayers and D47 staff members.

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

A: In my opinion the role of a school board in setting and monitoring curriculum is to make sure we have the right administration staff in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. The board should also approve any final curriculum adoptions before they are made.

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

A: I do not think there are any specific issues that need to be addressed right now but I do feel that all of the curriculum programs should be reviewed ongoing by the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.

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 think as a school board member it is my job to hear all sides of any curriculum debate. It is also my responsibility to do my research, review all options and then guide the CIA Department team to make the best choices for our kids.

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: Based on data from across the country we have learned that the kids who were consistently kept in school have fared better academically, socially and emotionally throughout the pandemic. Therefore I feel it is our responsibility to use this data to guide our decision making going forward. If that means keeping our kids in school then obviously that comes with mitigation policies and preventative measures for our schools and everyone in them. Obviously I cannot predict the future and I do not know how I would feel if we are faced with another pandemic. What I do know, is that now we have the experience and knowledge we gained from the COVID pandemic to use in helping to make better decisions for all.

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 served on a number of boards and committees where we have created bylaws and policies for the future sustainability of the organization. My style is to do my research, hear all sides and then form my own opinions. I am very open to compromise as long as it produces well thought out solutions for the district. I believe this approach will be effective in producing favorable actions and decisions for the school board because I will be taking all things into consideration.

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

A: I care deeply for my greater Crystal Lake community, I have consistently given of my time for the last 20 years. I am not running because I have an issue with the district or for any political reason. This is a nonpartisan position and I intend to keep it that way so that we can be united as a community to come together to make the best decisions for our kids. My family has been active in the Crystal Lake community for five generations, we have a business here so I plan on being here long-term. I want to help foster an education system where the kids in D47 will gain the education and skills that will propel them into the brightest of futures. I believe the school system is one of the most important aspects of a healthy community and I want to do my part to keep ours strong. My promise to you is:to always put ALL the kids first, to help keep the district fiscally sound, to listen with an open heart & mind, to do my best to approach every situation without bias

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

A: I have made it my mission since joining the board to visit all the schools and get to know the teams that make up these awesome schools. I was recently talking with a D155 Board member about this and if I am elected I would like to visit the high schools as well. I think this will give me a better perspective as a board member to be making more informed decisions for the future of our kiddos.