Josh Cornwell: 2023 Candidate for Antioch District 34 School Board (2-year term)

Bio

Town: Antioch

Age on Election Day: 41

Occupation: Public school Principal

Employer: Big Hollow School District 38

Previous offices held:

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 running for office because I believe in public education and I want to support our schools, in partnership with our community and parents, to ensure that we are giving our children the best education possible. I am particularly motivated to ensure the education we provide as a district is equitable, which I would define as supporting all students and meeting their specific, varied needs.

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

A: I believe the school board's role in setting and monitoring curriculum is to analyze assessment data and resources provided to the teachers, and to obtain input from school personnel and students, to evaluate whether the curriculum is rigorous and meets our students' needs.

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

A: If elected, I would want to hear feedback from staff, both at the building and district levels, to determine what areas need particular attention within the curriculum. And as a school administrator, I have experience analyzing assessment data to identify gaps in curriculum and how to shore those up.

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 believe it is the job of a school board member to get input from all stakeholders before making decisions about policy or curriculum, and ultimately to make decisions that are in the best interests of the 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: From the COVID-19 pandemic, first and foremost, we have learned how important quality public education is for our community, state, and country, and how fortunate we are to live in a country where we have schools that strive to meet the needs of all students.

The staff in our schools learned a great deal when going through educating during the pandemic beginning in 2020. I would want to partner with them in making decisions regarding how to respond to a potential resurgence of the pandemic, with the ultimate goal of meeting students' and families' needs while keeping all stakeholders safe.

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: As a school administrator, I have experience working with fellow educators, as well as board members and parents, to determine policy. My style is collaborative and focused on doing what is best for students, first and foremost, and listening to gather all necessary information and input from all stakeholders before taking action.

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

A: I believe I am the best candidate for the job because I have multiple perspectives to bring to the table, as a former teacher, current administrator, and parent of school-aged children. As a public educator, I believe in public education and the impact it has on children, and understand the responsibility of our schools to prepare our schools to be successful and productive citizens and contributing members of society.

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

A: I believe that the best ideas to better our district will come from our school personnel, parents, and, particularly, students. I'd like to increase and amplify student voice as we work to better our district.