Kelly Beall: 2023 Candidate for Antioch District 34 School Board (2-year term)
Bio
Town: Lake Villa
Age on Election Day: 54
Occupation: Substitute Teacher
Employer: CCSD 117
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: My children were raised through CCSD 34 and CHSD 117 schools and are thriving because of the outstanding public education they received. I'm passionate about assuring that all students in our district receive the quality public education they deserve.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The school board should work with the recommendations of the superintendent who has worked collaboratively with the administration and teachers to determine the best ways to assure curriculum meets state standards and meets the needs of all students. Moving forward, data and classroom feedback should be monitored to determine what is working and make adjustments where needed.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: I believe the current board has been working with the district vision of students achieving personal excellence in mind. I look forward to discussing with the Superintendent how we can best continue working towards goals of continuous curricular improvement.
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 an elected school board member, it is important to listen to constituents, follow legal guidance, and use all information to provide leadership, because ultimately everyone should be working 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: The teachers and administrators who worked through the pandemic learned a great deal about what was effective and what was not. They have many tools in place now that I believe would aid decision making moving forward in the event of any future massive outbreak of infectious disease. Emphasis should always be placed on schools being a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff.
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 spent 10 years working as an account manager for multiple self-funded medical plan cooperatives. Effective organizations have members who do their homework, collaborate, discuss, work through differing opinions, and come up with the best course of action. Coming to the table with an open mind, working together even when we disagree, and always centering district decisions around students will lead to producing effective decisions.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: In addition to financial experience, I have spent the past 20 years working and volunteering in our schools in various capacities. I have worked in a district office on curriculum, as an aide in the middle school, as a cafeteria worker, and as a substitute teacher in elementary, middle and high schools. I have a unique perspective that has walked a mile in many shoes.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: Our district has so many good ideas already in motion! I would love to see us find and apply for more grants to be able to fund innovative ideas to best prepare our students for the future.