Kara Casten: 2023 candidate for Downers Grove High School District 99 board

Bio

Town: Downers Grove

Age on Election Day: 52

Occupation: No answer given

Employer: No answer given

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: I am running to ensure that open seats on the district school board are filled by people who are proponents of public education and committed to creating a welcoming environment for all students.

This means trusting and supporting educators to lead the way in preparing students to make the most of their high school experience and for whatever path they choose after graduation. It also means that students see themselves represented by the teachers/staff/administration, in the curriculum and materials, and in extracurricular activities and clubs.

I am running as part of a slate with Don Renner and Ken Dawson who share these views. The three of us are parents of District 99 graduates, current and future students. I attended public schools from first to 12th grade. My husband and I moved our family to Downers Grove 15 years ago because of the quality of the public schools. My two daughters have attended the public schools in Downers Grove, and I have been an active parent volunteer.

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

A: The school board represents the voices and views of the community and sets the policies of the district. The board's role related to curriculum is mainly to: 1.) Adopt and assess goals that meet the state requirements and reflect the community's needs and 2.) Approve purchases, contracts, curriculum, textbooks and personnel appointments.

The board makes decisions and gives direction as a seven-member board. Therefore, for the board to function effectively members must be open-minded, informed, collaborative, and constructive. Board members must have the best interests of all students in mind when making decisions. People that are motivated by a single, personal issue don't belong on the school board.

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

A: I am running to ensure that the open positions on the District 99 school board are filled by people that want the board to continue to function effectively so that the District 99 can fulfill its mission "to provide a foundation for students to confidently pursue a future of their choosing."

Over the past few years, people within and outside the community have attended District 99 board meetings to intimidate and silence the LGBTQ community. All students should feel welcome in the district. I am running for the District 99 school board to ensure the diversity of voices in our community are represented in board decisions.

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 would be an open-minded, informed, collaborative, and constructive member of the board on all issues. I would represent the interests of all students and not just the interests of my own children.

I would not approach any issue with a predetermined outcome and would let the circumstances, data, perspectives of other board members, community input, state requirements if applicable, and other relevant factors inform my vote.

My actions as a parent during the past 12-plus years since my daughters have been in public school demonstrate these qualities.

A recent example is being selected for the Core Planning Committee during the 2021-22 school year to guide the development of the 5-year strategic plan. I worked effectively with the 11-member committee of parents, teachers, and students to develop a road map that the district used to create its current strategic plan. All candidates should be held accountable for their actions.

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: When it comes to public health issues the district should continue to take direction from public health experts. With the availability of a vaccine we are in a very different position than we were at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns about people who are immunocompromised and unwilling to get vaccinated would need to be discussed and addressed in the event of a future public health crisis.

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 was selected to be part of the 11-member core planning committee for District 99 in 2021-2022. Committee members were chosen for their different perspectives and experiences and their ability to work collectively toward a common goal. I worked productively with the other parents, teachers and students on the committee to develop a road map that was approved by the board and implemented by the district.

During my 12-plus years as a parent volunteer, I have demonstrated my ability to work with teachers, staff, administrators and other parents to run programs (art classes, book fairs, science fairs). Professionally, I have worked for 20-plus years in the corporate sector and am currently the AVP of Customer Experience for Kemper, an insurance company. My volunteer and professional background illustrates my strong ability to collaborate and drive decision making to achieve common goals.

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

A: I am one of the best three candidates for the open seats on the board along with Don Renner and Ken Dawson. We are proven community leaders, strong supporters of public education, and engaged parents. We are motivated to run to ensure that the board continues to operate effectively so that the district can deliver on its mission to "provide a foundation for students to confidently pursue a future of their choosing."

We are not motivated by a single, personal issue and would have the best interests of all students, not just our own children, in mind in making board decisions.

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

A: I am not running with a specific issue or idea in mind. I am running to ensure that open-minded, informed, collaborative, and constructive people who have the best interests of all students, not just their own children, fill the open seats on the District 99 school board. This is the only way the board can continue to operate and enable the district to continue to fulfill its mission.