Priorities

As your school board representative, my focus will be on ensuring the success and well-being of every student in our district. Below are the key areas I will prioritize to create an inclusive, high-achieving, and supportive learning environment.

Advocating for Fiscal Responsibility and Equitable Funding

In my first term on the District 203 School Board, I have been able to participate in both state and federal-level advocacy that identifies areas where inequities in funding provide undue pressure on local taxpayers. I am currently a member of the Legislative Education Network of DuPage (LEND) a legislative group including board members, administrators, and state legislators. Priorities include:

  • Stable and consistent funding for schools. It is imperative that the state continues to provide stable and consistent funding to schools to ensure that there is predictable funding and resources available for districts to provide the required education and resources for students. Additionally, we need to cap unfunded mandates placed on our districts.

  • Dual credit programs for schools. Enhancing dual credit programs for students throughout the state, not only enhances a school-to-career pipeline for youth, it also provides a safe and affordable way for students to earn college credit while in high school, reducing the heavy cost of college or certification programs post-graduation.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend the Consortium of State School Boards Association (COSSBA) National Conference in Washington D.C., in which school board members throughout the nation were able to advocate for critical areas impacting schools with federal legislators. These funding priorities include:

  • Full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In this current legislation, school districts are to receive support from the federal government at the rate of 40% funding to support students with an identified disability. Currently, the average funding received is only 10%. Advocating and ensuring the allocation of funding based on the demands outlined in IDEA would provide significant relief to our district by millions of dollars.

  • Mental Health support for k-12 education. Provide more funding to schools to support the mental health crisis that would support the hiring of staff like social workers, counselors, psychologists, etc. District 203 already makes this a priority and ensures every school and student has access to these resources; however, if we were able to get federal funding to support this staffing, this would provide relief to taxpayers.

Belonging: Advancing Positive Mental Health and Equity for All

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience specializing in children, youth, and families, I am deeply committed to addressing the mental health crisis affecting our students. The statistics are sobering: in 2023, the CDC reported that 40% of students experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness, 20% seriously considered suicide, and nearly 10% attempted it. These alarming numbers underscore the urgent need for action.

In District 203, we’ve prioritized creating a supportive, safe environment where students can thrive emotionally and mentally through initiatives such as:

  • Fostering a Safe and Supportive Environment: Utilizing tools like Panorama surveys and School Improvement Plans (SIPs) to address each school’s unique needs.

  • Providing Mental Health Education: Programs like the Amplify: Equity & Mental Health Student Leadership Conference and Signs of Suicide workshops empower youth and staff to address mental health challenges.

  • Ensuring Accessible Counseling Services: Collaborating with partners like Linden Oaks and 360 Youth Services to provide vital resources.

  • Implementing Early Intervention Programs: Initiatives such as Restorative Practices and the RISE Program proactively address challenges.

  • Building Strong Parent-School Partnerships: Strengthening family connections through Home & School partnerships, parent surveys, and Focus 203 events.

  • Promoting Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Continuing Naperville 203’s work as a Lighthouse District, emphasizing SEL for all students.

I also remain committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), ensuring every student, staff member, and family feels valued and supported. Through strategic DEIB initiatives, District 203 is transforming its schools into spaces where equity is prioritized and diversity celebrated. Key efforts include:

  • Systemic Transformation of Culture: Equity Teams at each school, restorative justice practices, and culturally responsive discipline policies.

  • Equity-Centered Staff Training: Implicit bias training, equity-focused professional development, and enhanced recruitment to attract diverse staff.

  • Inclusive Curriculum Practices: Partnering with equity organizations and reviewing materials to reflect diverse cultures.

  • Empowering Families and Communities: Programs like SUCCESS and cultural celebrations, coupled with expanded support for English Learners.

These efforts reflect my passion for ensuring all students feel emotionally safe, empowered, and able to thrive. As your School Board representative, I will continue to advocate for policies and programs that prioritize mental health, DEIB, and a culture of belonging.

Learn more about Naperville 203’s DEIB work

Connection: Building Partnerships for Innovation in Career and Sustainability

District 203 is dedicated to preparing students for success in their future careers and lives through innovative programs and opportunities that engage local businesses within our district.

Initiatives like:

  • Career Motive-8: allow 8th graders to explore over 100 careers by connecting with local businesses,

  • NNHS Career Takeover: brings professionals into schools to provide guidance, insight, and inspiration about various career paths.

  • Career Internship Program: for juniors and seniors, offering hands-on experiences in real-world work environments.

Additionally, as part of District 203’s commitment to environmental sustainability, we are taking proactive steps to integrate green initiatives that align with our Strategic Focus 3: stewarding resources effectively to promote learning. These efforts demonstrate our dedication to reducing the district’s carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable future for our students and community.

Key Initiatives Include:

  • Transitioning to Electric Buses: Investing in electric buses to significantly reduce carbon emissions and minimize our environmental impact.

  • Engaging a Green Initiative Consultant: Partnering with an expert to evaluate the district’s carbon footprint. The consultant will analyze historical data, establish a baseline Greenhouse Gas inventory, and develop a comprehensive Carbon Action Plan for implementation.

These actions are part of a long-term strategy to address climate change, reduce resource consumption, and promote sustainability within our schools. As a School Board candidate, I am committed to advancing green initiatives that support both our planet and our students’ learning environments.

Together, we can build a brighter future for all students. Thank you for your support in this campaign. If you have ideas or concerns, I want to hear from you!

Let’s make our schools a place where every student can thrive.