Kerri Johnson: 2023 Candidate for District 47 School Board (4-year term)

Bio

Town: Crystal Lake

Age on Election Day: 53

Occupation:

Employer:

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 for D47 School Board because I feel my extensive sales background (over 30 years) in various financial sectors provides me with excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills that would be advantageous in a Board setting. As a longtime Crystal Lake resident, my familiarity with the D47 school system and the community as a whole would allow me to work toward a transparency between the School Board and the taxpayers/teachers/administration that I feel is currently lacking.

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

A: My role as a School Board Member is to ensure the voices of the parents/taxpayers are in tune with those of the teachers and the administration as it regards the curriculum being taught to our students of D47. I believe my role is of a supervisory nature in which I am there to help balance the wants and needs of the parents with those of the administration.

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

A: The environment we are experiencing today with regards to the level of concern we are hearing from our parents is something I have not seen in years' past. I firmly believe that with improved communications and added transparency between our School Board and our parents, D47 School Board will be able to work toward a positive solution for all.

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: Having experience with other Boards, I have found that I am most successful if I take the time to ask many, and sometimes difficult, questions and then listen closely to the answers. By doing so, I am actively participating and gaining knowledge. I believe it is extremely important for the School Board to be informed and purposeful in these controversies.

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: Statistics have proved that our children suffered greatly - mentally, physically and educationally - due to the extreme response to COVID-19. Ultimately, we learned that removing in-person learning was detrimental to our children and will have long-lasting negative effects. Should we encounter this situation again, I believe we need to approach it in a methodical and practical manner that reflects positive results for our children.

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: Communication and active participation are key ingredients to a successful Board! I would suspect the members of the School Board would have differing perspectives and would bring those perspectives to these discussions. Those different perspectives allow for ideas and knowledge to be shared among the group which, ultimately, may lead to more thoughtful policy.

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

A: Throughout my professional sales career, I have been involved in many high-level meetings/conferences that demand my attention to detail and thinking "outside of the box". Additionally, I have had to learn how to efficiently manage my time, multi-task and negotiate deals to get them to close. Fortunately, I have the gift of gab and I enjoy the art of conversation! I am a confident, well-rounded, long-standing resident of Crystal Lake who will work hard for the students, taxpayers, teachers and administration of D47!

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

A: In my opinion, we are much better off as a district if we commit to turning down the "outside noise"! I believe we have lost sight of what is truly important and that is the educational future of our children. We need to get back to the basics of mathematics, sciences, history and English and minimize the outside distractions. Our focus should be the children of D47 and how they will be best served for their futures!