Kit Tingpalpong: 2023 candidate for Fenton High School District 100 board

Bio

Town: Wood Dale

Age on Election Day: 49

Occupation: Certified Financial Fiduciary

Employer: AAA Auto Club Group

Previous offices held: Current Fenton High School District 100 board member

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 believe in Service, Leadership, Democracy, and public education. It's a rewarding feeling to know that I am in a position to make a difference and help the community.

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

A: Board members are elected community members responsible for overseeing the district's curriculum and instruction. It's one of many oversight, including school finance, operations, workforce development, community relations, facilities, safety, etc.

It's important to be fiscally responsible given the tax revenue generated to serve our communities in a way that strengthens trust and confidence in our local government. Bottom line is to maximize every tax dollar to help children grow and learn, and develop into the best versions of themselves.

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

A: I would like to know and hear from our community on any topic or any concerns. But for the time being, our community of Bensenville and Wood Dale appears to be generally happy overall with how the school is being lead. Time will tell, and the best thing we can do is listen, learn, and continue to make responsible 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: This is a great question. Listen and learn from all stakeholders: experts, voters and community members, my fellow board members, my district administration, students and parents. Listening and learning from as many viewpoints, so we each feel heard and included in solving problems.

Be open to confronting issues as they arise, and working together to solve problems with the quality of education and developing student education in mind. In the end, majority rules, but a part of democracy is to give voice to everyone.

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: I know this can be a polarizing topic, and I can speak for myself and my viewpoint, which is only fair to our constituents. It is vitally important that we offer a safe and secure environment for learning and for our teachers to teach. Our district has been proactive about remote learning technology, but at the same time we value in person as the ideal.

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: Our board belongs to the Illinois Association of School Boards, which provides us with a good working blueprint to policy already. The district reviews it each year.

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

A: I'm not entirely convinced that I'm the best candidate. but I'm quite confident that I'm at least top 3. I'm someone that cares about being responsible, being a good leadership model that helps to include others viewpoints, and always focused on responsible and sustainable schools: financial, operational, workforce and curriculum, facilities and infrastructure.

I believe the great schools raise communities and great communities raise schools. We are all connected and each tied to each other's success. If schools decline, commerce and communities usually follows, so it's vitally important to maintain a vibrant school for the community.

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

A: Sustainability and Solar. To be able to mitigate and control cost of operations is something I'm really interested in researching. Challenges that I foresee are primarily financial and community vibrancy, having a good balance of community residents, commerce, and industry. Stay connected with taxing bodies working jointly.

There is a direct correlation between responsible community growth and effective development to success of districts.

Great schools raise the community, and great communities raise schools. It's all interconnected. Safe schools translate to safer communities as well. This symbiotic relationship has to continue to be fostered and strengthened with taxing bodies and first responders included.