Name: Emmanuel Thomas
Position for which you are a candidate: School District 300 Board
Why are you seeking this position?
I am running to remain a member of the District 300 Board of Education because I would like to continue to help my colleagues to improve student achievement across the board. Every child in District 300 is entitled to receive the absolute best education that the District can provide. Prior to COVID, District 300 was developing several programs to offer students access to educational opportunities they will not find elsewhere. I would like us to get back to developing those programs as soon as we can after the pandemic ends.
I also would like to help create new policies to guide the District when necessary and enforce existing polies if need be. I view the Board’s roll, in part, as one of overseer, making sure that the District is doing the best job it can in educating our kids while working within its means and government restraints impacting, policy, budget and curriculum. This includes developing or modifying policies on keeping staff and students safe. Some examples of these policies could be codifying things learned during COVID and addressing issues of bullying.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
My experience and background consisting of the following:
Master’s Degree in Education
Master Degree in Organizational Leadership Management
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Public service for 31 years (Postmaster)
Basketball Coach
Disabled Veteran
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
My highest priorities would be to return students back to school safely. We will continue to do what we have done all along and weigh the safety risks of going back to in-person against the benefits of going back in-person. Metrics are getting better every day, so we can move a little quicker now than before.
Transparency. Our district does a great job of being transparent, especially with regard to the COVID pandemic and how it impacts our children. I would like to help make sure that that transparency continues.
Campaign Policy
Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help voters make their own decisions and participate in the process.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.