Victoria Connie Gonzalez: 2023 candidate for Bensenville Elementary District 2 board

Bio

Town: Bensenville

Age on Election Day: 43

Occupation: Retired mortician/teacher

Employer: Homemaker

Previous offices held:

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 want to be a part of a team that supports and serves our Beautiful Community through Education"

As a parent representative and active volunteer in the community, I am a stay-at-home mom of a 12-year-old seventh-grader who attends Blackhawk Middle School.

I majored in Mortuary Science and minored in Early Childhood Education.

I worked for Chicago Public Schools and Catholic schools through the Archdiocese as a teacher/substitute teacher 12 years ago.

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

A: The role of the board is to make decisions about curriculum, school buildings, maintenance, annual budgets and communicating with parents, teachers, and the superintendent.

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

A: I'm very impressed and proud of the educational system we have here in District 2.

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: I am very much so looking forward to working with other school board members, parents, teacher, principles and all other district staff.

I understand we are all going to have different points of views. Having different points of views in my opinion is a great thing because we all get to collaborate our ideas and learn from one another respectfully.

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: In my opinion the schools have all done an exceptional job with handling COVID case situations within the last couple of years.

Nurses/staff are following strict rules and protocol requiring documentation before returning to school and children are given the opportunity to learn at home via Zoom. No matter the circumstances, we will learn how to adapt, we will adapt.

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 plan on keeping an open mind, being positive, staying respectful to others opinions when weighing out the options for decision making.

I work well with others and I consider myself a loyal, compassionate, friendly person who is a problem solver not a problem maker.

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

A: My experience with working in education became a passion and priority after having my son because I developed an even stronger bond and love for all children.

If selected as a candidate I will always make my decisions based on the needs and priorities of children.

I have the time, the energy, and the knowledge needed to help get the job done.

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

A: I would love to find different ways to get more parents more involved in school activities.