Academics
About 31% of Chicago Public Schools elementary students are meeting state standards in reading, and 19% are meeting math standards. How would you approach growing reading and math achievement?*
I will champion an approach that includes enhanced teacher training, community tutoring programs and expanded access to learning resources. We must ensure every student benefits from tailored support. A collaborative initiative that prioritizes early intervention, integrates innovative teaching strategies and emphasizes professional development for educators. We must ensure all students, especially those struggling, have access to the tools necessary to succeed academically. This comprehensive approach aims to uplift every student, boosting achievement in essential skills like reading and math.
Do you support standardized testing more than once a year?
I support working with educational experts, including teachers, to determine the most effective testing frequency that benefits student learning without causing undue stress. This collaboration ensures that our approach is informed, thoughtful and conducive to the real educational needs of our students. I certainly do not support over-testing our students and causing other issues.
Do you support requiring all schools to select from a certain curriculum authorized by the board of education?
I support a flexible approach to curriculum selection that respects the unique needs of each school while maintaining high educational standards. Collaborating with educators and curriculum experts, we can provide a range of board-approved options that empower schools to choose what best fits their students. This ensures quality education across the board without stifling the individuality of each school’s approach.
Chicago Public Schools has consistently fallen short when it comes to serving students with disabilities. What would you do to improve special education?
I am committed to transforming special education in Chicago Public Schools by pushing for increased funding and securing resources specifically aimed at enhancing services for students with disabilities. This includes specialized training for educators, collaboration with experts and strengthening partnerships with advocacy groups to ensure our programs meet the highest standards. Fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment for students with disabilities will only be reached when we’re engaging with stakeholders to develop and implement the best strategies.
CPS finances
In recent years, Chicago’s Board of Education has consistently raised the property tax levy to the maximum allowed by state law every year. Should the board continue to raise the levy to the maximum?
It is important to find an approach to funding our schools that considers both the needs of our students and the economic realities of our communities. I advocate for working with budget and financial experts and community stakeholders to explore diverse funding solutions. This way, we can ensure our schools are well-supported while also being mindful of the tax burden.
Do you think CPS needs more funding, or do you think the school district’s budget is bloated? How would you balance the CPS budget?*
I believe CPS would benefit from increased funding targeted to strategic areas to enhance the educational environment for all students. The budget must allocate resources where they are most needed, such as in classrooms and student support services. This approach involves working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that every dollar spent is an investment in our students’ futures, promoting the highest-quality education system.
School choice
Do you support the current board of education’s decision to prioritize neighborhood schools and shift away from the current system of school choice with selective enrollment, magnet and charter schools?
Neighborhood schools are in desperate need of revitalization. Our policy cannot be to abandon and forget them. Every student should have access to quality education close to home. This is also not a decision to end the diversity of educational options. Many of these institutions have fostered nationally renowned learning environments and should continue to be celebrated. But, reviving the neighborhood school will strengthen that community and enhance its image. Collaborating with education experts and community stakeholders, we can provide all students with excellent educational opportunities.
Given the board of education’s decision to prioritize neighborhood schools, how would you balance supporting those schools without undermining the city’s selective enrollment schools and other specialized programs?*
I’ll ensure a balanced approach that enhances these institutions while continuing support for selective enrollment and specialized programs. By allocating resources strategically and equitably, we can uplift neighborhood schools and promote their value and positive image, without diminishing the standards or opportunities offered by selective programs. My commitment is to an inclusive education system where every school, regardless of its model, is equipped to provide exceptional world-class education regardless of the neighborhood.
The first charter school opened in Chicago in 1997 and these privately run, publicly funded schools grew in number throughout the 2000s. Today, 54,000 Chicago Public Schools students, or about 17%, attend charters and contract schools. Do you support having charter schools in CPS as an option for students?
There are 128 charter schools in Chicago, including 15 in the 7th District. Approximately one out of five students in Chicago are enrolled at a charter school. It’s clear that parents have sought these schools, and I do not intend to close any schools, this includes charters. At the same time, I intend to push to fully fund and uplift neighborhood schools and work to promote their value and positive image. Charters and traditional public schools should be held to the same standard and accountability. This includes establishing labor norms and community input through local school councils. Regardless of the selection made by the parents, every child deserves a world-class education. I will use my voice on the school board to always prioritize the needs of my community and students’ needs above all.
Independence
If elected, how will you maintain your independence from the mayor’s office, the Chicago Teachers Union or other powerful forces shaping the school system?*
I will always prioritize community and student needs above all. I’ll collaborate with all stakeholders, including the mayor’s office and labor, but decisions will be guided by the community, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Police in schools
Do you support having sworn Chicago Police Department officers stationed in schools?
I am a believer in empowering the community to dialogue on safety initiatives. Our communities have been traumatized by both violence and over-policing and must have a seat at the table to discuss this reality. We should have a process to develop a comprehensive safety plan alongside students, faculty, parents and the school community as a whole to ensure safety and trust in sending their kids to school. For this plan to be successful, it is paramount to include incorporating counselors, behavioral health professionals and wraparound services for all students.
Busing and facilities
Last year, in an effort to prioritize transportation for students with disabilities as required by state and federal law, CPS canceled busing for general education students who attend selective enrollment and magnet schools and hasn’t found a solution to reinstate that service. Do you support busing for general education students?
All students, including those in general education, should have access to reliable transportation. We must look towards partnerships with advocates in labor to ensure the district has the proper staffing levels for professional drivers.
About one-third of Chicago public school buildings have space for at least double the students they’re currently enrolling. Chicago officials have previously viewed under-enrolled schools as an inefficient use of limited resources — and a decade ago the city closed a record 50 schools. Do you support closing schools for low enrollment?
I do not support closing schools.
Bilingual education
CPS has long struggled to comply with state and federal laws requiring bilingual programs at schools that enroll 20 or more students who speak a different language. The recent influx of migrant families has exacerbated the problem. What policies do you support to ensure the district is supporting bilingual students and in compliance with state and federal laws?
To support bilingual students and comply with state and federal laws, I advocate for expanding and properly funding bilingual programs across all applicable Chicago Public Schools. This includes recruiting and retaining qualified bilingual educators, enhancing professional development and ensuring these programs receive the resources they need. I’ll work closely with community leaders and families to understand their specific needs, ensuring our policies are not only compliant but also effectively tailored to support our diverse student population. This approach fosters a more inclusive educational environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Top local issue
Please share one issue that’s a top concern for your community or your larger elected school board voting district.
I am dedicated to significantly enhancing dual-language programs across Chicago Public Schools. Given the recent influx of new students, it’s crucial to scale these programs not only to aid students in learning English, but also to provide all students with valuable bilingual skills. A greater priority to gaining additional funding and resources to ensure that every student can learn more than one language, preparing them for success in the future. By working with specialists and drawing on community partnerships, I aim to implement a more robust and inclusive dual language framework.