Name: Dawn Martin
Position for which you are a candidate: School District U-46 Board
Why are you seeking this position?
Being an active participant in my children’s education has always been important to me. I have volunteered for many years in order to help them and their peers succeed. This past year however families have had diminished access to educational and social-emotional supports due to the pandemic, leading to various difficulties. I have heard from many in our community about the struggles their children are facing, while also seeing what my two teenagers are going through during this time. Knowing just how much work will be needed to move forward, both educationally and on a social-emotional level, has motivated me to volunteer my time on a much larger scale. I am excited to use my passion for student success and my willingness to continually learn and listen to help the families in the U46 School District.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
During my 18+ years as a Bartlett resident and family in the U46 community I have spent quite a bit of time volunteering. When my kids were younger, I volunteered in various ways at both Centennial and Horizon Elementary Schools. I was also a board member and active volunteer for the Barracuda Swim team at Bartlett Park District. Currently I hold the following positions: Cookie Chair for Girl Scout Troop 1245, BHS Booster Rep for Boys Swimming, Treasurer for BHS Parent Advisory Committee. I am also a certified Administrative Official for Illinois Swimming and volunteer my time at swim meets as needed. Volunteering has let me see firsthand how our district works, see various student struggles and hear the concerns of our families.
While I may not have a background in education, I have worked hard over the years to stay informed of the issues our district faces. I believe my passion to see students succeed with my willingness to do the hard work, research and planning puts me in a great position to help our families. Having students currently in U46 schools also allows me an increased ability to see how decisions by the Board of Education truly affect our families.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
As a U46 board member, my first focus would be a safe and full reopening of our district. This includes assessing current educational impacts, working with teachers on supplemental learning opportunities, and reengaging students and their families through open dialogue and events. Other issues I look forward to being a part of include: continued work on state funding for school districts; ensuring ongoing support of clubs, the arts, and athletics as part of a well-rounded education for students; work on the rollout of curriculum changes as part of the districts new Pathways program and Magnet Academies; review and update of gifted programming at both middle school and high school; and working with our equity group to ensure all schools within our district are supported to best serve their students.
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