Jacqueline Dye: 2023 candidate for Bensenville Elementary District 2 board
Bio
Town: Bensenville
Age on Election Day: 45
Occupation: Author
Employer: Bill Winston Ministries
Previous offices held: Appointed to Bensenville District 2 board in November 2021
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: The education of children has been my motivation for over 20 years. As a former educator and current youth mentor and leader, I have committed my life to the education and well-being of young people.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The board's role in setting and monitoring the curriculum is advisory. Meaning we don't set or monitor curriculum. Curriculum is set by the Illinois standards. The administration, superintendent, principals, curriculum directors, etc. determine what would be good for the students and to have that aligned with the Illinois standards. And it's brought to the board as a recommendation. And the board votes.
In our strategic plan, we do however state the goals that we would like to see our students at and it is up to the administration to meet those goals.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: As far as curriculum goals I would like to see addressed. I did state during the strategic plan creation that because the district has a heavy focus on students that are struggling, which we absolutely should, I would like to see more concentration toward students that are excelling. I think we could do more to challenge students that are advanced.
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: My role is as mediator, between the community and the board, as well as with my fellow board members to work toward making sure our children receive the best education possible.
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 masks are a very effective way of preventing outbreaks. As well as SHIELD testing and tracing.
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: My experience has been pretty straightforward. Always do what is best for the children as a whole. My style is to listen to all points of views and ultimately lean toward the policy that would best benefit the education of the children.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am an incumbent, so I have experience and I am team player. I have an innate ability to bring clarity and understanding to what could be confusion. I am also a former educator.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: One good idea is to integrate all systems into PowerSchool so that parents will have one place to go to for fees, lunch money, and grades.