Name: Eva J. Porter POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE: School District U-46 Why are you seeking this position? I am seeking the position for the U-46 School Board Member because I am committed to education, children, teachers, parents and the community. I have spent 30 years in the field of education, and I am dedicated to education and the well-being of all children. I want to give back to my community and bring my educational, business experience and knowledge to the School Board. I am committed to serving the district that believes in a quality education for all [...]

Name: Jeanette Ward POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE: School District U-46 Why are you seeking this position? In my 1st term I worked to ensure board member access to closed session recordings, resulting in a bill passed unanimously in the IL legislature. I supported the 1st charter school, increasing parental choice. I advocated for transparency via release of closed session minutes, and elevated dialogue regarding academic freedom/diversity of thought. Challenges remain. “Pathways” implementation must prepare students for college/career, while preserving a general education option. Tax levies continue to increase in spite of declining enrollment and increased IL funding; [...]

Name: Susan Kerr POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE: School District U-46 Why are you seeking this position? I would like to continue the work I have been doing the past 4 years as a member of the school board. U-46 faces exciting challenges and decisions, including allocation of new funds available through the state's new school funding model; the implementation of new programs such as career pathways; and the implementation of ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) which will bring new accountablity measures to all school districts. I would like to have a voice in those decisions. What experience [...]

Name: Kate Thommes POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE: School District U-46 Why are you seeking this position? I am running because I love U-46, its staff, families, and diverse communities. My family chooses to stay in U-46 because it is the best choice for my family. I want other families to have positive experiences as well. I want to build U-46’s reputation so others see us as the model I know we are. I want to build our levels of inclusion. I want to grow and expand our Dual Language, Ignite, and AVID programs. I am optimistic about [...]