Candidates Endorsed by the Crystal Lake Elementary School Teachers Association (CLEATA)

Found on its Facebook page:

Questions of and answers from School Board candidates can be found here (link found on CLEATA Facebook page):.

Those on the ballot follow:

• Debra L Barton
• Lea Grover
• Alena Hansen
• Devon Hubbard Tessmer
• Mike Mueller
• Andrew Buckler
• Maria Krause
• James (Jim) Nelson

This District 47 School Board Candidate Questionnaire and Parent Guide were created by members of the Crystal Lake D47 Parent Group Advisory Council (PGAC), a non-partisan group of PTA/PTO volunteers who do not endorse specific candidates. The district was not involved in developing the questions or responses below and is simply sharing this information to inform the community. School Board candidates provided their answers, which have been posted unedited. Election Day is April 1, 2025.”

• What is your past experience with District 47 and what is your current connection with the district?
• What motivates you to run for the school board and what do you hope to accomplish?
• What would you consider to be a successful school district and how do you plan to achieve those characteristics in D47?
• WhWhat role, if any, should our schools play in supporting the social, emotional learning for our
• What steps would you take to support mental health resources for students and staff?
• How would you prioritize the district’s budget to ensure that resources are allocated equitably and effectively?
• How would you support the district’s teachers and support staff?
• What do you love best about District 47 and what do you see as some of their biggest challenges?
• How would you ensure every child has a voice in the district and make sure their needs are met?
• What is your perspective on addressing disparities in student outcomes across different demographic groups?
• What role do you feel the school board plays in the academic success of D47 children and schools?
• What is your vision for supporting arts, sports, and other extracurricular programs in the district?
• How would you address issues like bullying, school safety, and disciplinary policies?
• Do you feel the current policies are working?
• Given the recent changes in the White House administration and the shifting policies from the Department of Education, how do you plan to ensure that school district is adequately prepared for potential impacts and what steps will you take to advocate for the needs of students and educators?
• Can you comment on the recent changes being made in D47 programs for gifted and talented learners (EC) and how do you believe these students should be given equal opportunities for learning?
• Is there a decision made by the current school board that you would have approached differently? In hindsight, what alternative options do you think could have been considered?
• The board members elected will eventually have the responsibility of hiring a new superintendent, what qualities do you feel are important for the next D47 superintendent to have?