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NAME: Leslie LaMarca
POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE:
Community Unit School Dist. 300
1. Why are you seeking this position?
As a highly engaged parent of two school-age children, a long-time community activist, and someone who has a passion for education, I am seeking a seat on the D300 School Board with a commitment to investing the time, energy, and dedication necessary to continue our district’s positive momentum. While the infusion of a fresh perspective will be beneficial, I am also genuinely excited to collaborate with fellow Board members, our outstanding administration, and other parents. Considering the tumultuous state and national political landscape as well as the typical intrinsic issues challenging our district, I can wholeheartedly state that I am motivated and inspired to diligently work to comprehend, examine, and resolve the issues facing our district today and in the future.
2. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
I am a parent of two children that will be attending D300 schools for the next 6 years. I have lived in the district for 25+ years; and, in that time, I have consistently been an active community member, organizer, and activist in a variety of realms. The majority of my professional background is in human resources, communications, and project management. I have owned and operated two successful small businesses (communications and event planning/organizing) and built relationships with numerous other local business owners, corporate representatives, and charity groups. Since December 2012, I have served as Director on the Board for Northern Kane Educational Corporation. I was appointed by the Village to be on the Pingree Grove Events Committee (2010-2012) and continue to be an active participant in Pingree Grove Cares. Additionally, as Volunteer Coordinator, I serve as a member of the leadership team for the D300 Food Pantry.
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
My greatest challenge would be just general acclimation to board processes, policies, and procedures. There is typically a learning curve in situations like this. If I am elected, I am hopeful that my previous experience will expedite this process and allow me to fully engage sooner. I am the type of person who likes to wholly understand things by seeing the full circumference of issues; and so, catching up regarding on-going topics would also be a challenge, but one I am excited to tackle! The other challenge that will take diligence to overcome is the ability to adequately represent such a large body of constituents. I understand that where I live, where my kids go to school, and what I think is just one very small sliver of the pie. It is imperative that a high level of inclusion be integral to every aspect of board considerations and decisions.
Release for publication? YES
I will attend the forum? YES
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