Linda T Nudera: 2023 Candidate for Elmhurst Unit District 205 School Board

Bio

Town: Elmhurst

Age on Election Day: 55

Occupation: Educator

Employer: Ridgeland School District 122

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 this position because the school board has a financial responsibility to the taxpayers. As an educator, thoughtful preparation needs to be considered so that costly projects can be appropriately executed. Too often boards and administrators make decisions without consulting the teachers, our frontline workers. This practice leads to costly mistakes that in turn leads to costly renovations. I know that when teachers are consulted throughout the process, better financial decisions are made.

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

A: The school board should consult the teachers before making changes to the curriculum. At the elementary level, basics in math, reading and writing need to be strongly established. Rote memorization needs to be incorporated into daily lesson plans. When strong schematics and scaffolding are established, the student can grow as a life long learner. The school board needs to provide a holistic approach to setting and maintaining academic standards that will support our student's curious mind while guiding them through age appropriate experiences.

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

A: Rigor is missing from curriculum. I have experienced first hand the philosophy of "mastering a skill" only to have the student lose this skill because it was not applied in subsequent lessons. Over time, many basic skills such as math facts, sentence structure, penmanship, and measuring have not been sustained throughout a student's academic career. When rigor is lost, student confidence is diminished. When confidence is diminished, the result is decreased effort and low self-esteem.

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 a school board member, my role is to listen to all stakeholder including but not limited to the teachers, coaches, administrators, parents, student, and the community. I will research their concerns and work to find a resolution. Student well being will be a priority when making policy decisions.

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 have learned that everyone has a perspective unique to their experience. If another infectious disease were to occur, I would encourage parents to consult their personal physicians when making choices that effect their family dynamics.

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: Applying the "S.M.A.R.T." method of goal setting and following through on initiatives is how I will be an effective leader. I have extensive experience working in collaboration with people. From PTA to Scouts, coaching to colleagues, I enjoy listening to both their expertise and short comings. I find tremendous value in working with others who have a new perspective to add the conversation. It is through these collaborative efforts that we all grow. Having everyone's input will allow for an attainable solution.

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

A: I have a diverse background and can bring insightful perspective to the board. I am a parent, educator, coach, healthcare worker, business woman, and taxpayer. I have helped raise money and provide solutions for both the PTA and our local schools. I have actively participated in our parish, the park district and our neighborhood. We have lived in the same home for almost 24 years. I want the next generation of children to experience the same joy that our children experienced as a D205 student.

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

A: Food is wasted everyday in the cafeterias. The district loses tens of thousands of dollars on food that is thrown away. I would like to start an initiate to reduce and/or redistribute the food.