Scott Nelson: 2023 Candidate for Glenview Community Consolidated School District 34 school board

Bio

Town: Glenview

Age on Election Day: 55

Occupation: Commodity trader

Employer: Self

Previous offices held: School board member, Glenview District 34

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 interested in serving on the District 34 school board because I believe in giving back to the community and find that public education of our children is imperative for preparing students for a satisfying and productive life. During my time in Glenview I have been very involved in supporting the public schools. Through my volunteer activities on the Glenview Education Foundation, I knew I could do more. The last thee years as a Glenview District 34 school board member has increased my knowledge and passion to continue the work we have started.

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

A: The board of education has the duty to hire the superintendent and determine policy, budget and leadership. The board of education also must establish direction, goals and priorities of the school district. The board has a responsibility to make the most effective, efficient use of school resources. The board does this as a group through discussion and consensus at open school board meetings.

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

A: The school board should continually monitor curriculum and also new legislation that directs curriculum by law.

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: Partisan politics should play no role in school board decisions. I would serve on the school board to do what is best for our community. Influences from outside of Glenview may use this election as a platform to highlight national political views. Glenview is a village that has many different personal perspectives. The school board must balance all these great local ideas to serve our children, parents, staff and taxpayers.

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: As a current board member I feel we did the best we could with the information we had at the time decisions were being made. It felt like we were trying to change a flat tire on a car while it was driving down an expressway at full speed. I know the board and the administration learned many things during the pandemic and we will always try to do what is best for all stakeholders. We tried to be open and honest with our decisions and still offer the best education to the students in the safest manner possible. We have so many more tools in our toolbox than we did at the beginning of the pandemic.

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: A member of the board of education must work as a member of a team with an open mind and the ability to engage in respectful discussion to arrive at group consensus. A willingness to spend the time required to become informed and do the homework needed to take part in effective school board meetings. A desire to serve children and the community. A strong belief in the values of public schools and educational success. As board president these last 2 years, I have learned to be a more effective listener and learner. These traits help to get to group agreement.

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

A: As a current Glenview 34 school board member and president I feel I have the experience and knowledge to serve the students, parents, taxpayers, and staff of Glenview with honesty and integrity.

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

A: We need to find a way to close the gap on our structural operating deficit that has been in place since Attea Middle School was built, but not funded for staffing. The school boards for the last 20+ years have had to staff eight schools with the resources that were available for seven schools.