Huntley School District 158 Board of Education Candidates answer questions on various, relevant topics
HUNTLEY – The April 6 consolidated elections are quickly approaching, meaning it is time to elect or reelect the four candidates that will serve as a member on the Huntley School District 158 (D158) Board of Education (BOE). Early voting at the Huntley Park District began March 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
With a total of 10 candidates running this year, My Huntley News reached out to each candidate to get insight on questions ranging from their stances on student achievement to major issues that need to be addressed in the school district.
Dana Dalton-Wiley:
If elected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“One of my focuses right now is to just really bring our focus back to the students. So, that’s getting the kids in the classrooms. Looking at the programs that we have at the different schools and making sure that they’re the right programs that we need for the students at all ages and at all schools. Look at how testing might be performed [for] us to be able to evaluate where we have gaps. Whether that’s state mandated or other testing. I just think we need to be able to see what has worked and what hasn’t worked so that we can understand how to adjust things going forward.
“My other goal would be that we [have] other operational controls as a Board. We don’t vote frequently at the general meetings and that seems to cause a lack of transparency for people that listen to the meetings. We don’t always know where our Board members stand on certain things and so it’s hard for us to reach out to them as a community member and as a taxpayer…I also think we need to closely monitor the funding that we’re getting from the federal and state areas for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and disinfectant. Make sure we’re using it wisely.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to serve as a BOE member?
Dalton-Wiley has worked as a project manager for over 20 years, where she oversees proposal development for a tech company servicing the financial services industry. Dalton-Wiley prides herself on her skills pertaining to people management and time management in her professional background.
“From a community involvement perspective, we moved [to Huntley] about 17 years ago…I’ve been involved with sports programs. I was president and vice president of our PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) for Chesak [and] Martin. I’ve been involved with the Huntley Youth Football as a fundraiser chair for three years. I was on the Strategic Planning Committee for District 158 back in 2011 when they were trying to develop their five-year and 10-year vision. I sat on the Huntley High School Parent Power Team in 2018 and I was a coach for Girls on the Run at Martin Elementary from 2017 to 2019.”
Dalton-Wiley had also served as a concessions chair at Huntley High School starting in 2018 and has served as its president for the last two years. She’s additionally been involved with volunteering at St. Mary’s Catholic Church’s religious education program. Dalton-Wiley describes her vast array of community involvement as being the reason for her approachability.
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be elected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“I’ve been a remote employee for over 10 years so being at home for me, this past year, hasn’t been any different other than I’ve got a lot of other people at home with me. So, because I’m remote I can really connect with people in a lot of environments. So, I’ve kind of honed my way. I’ve honed a skill in how to manage people, even in a remote environment.”
Dalton-Wiley is part of the “3 Moms 4 Change” campaign alongside candidates Susan Hochmuth and Laura Murray.
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“You’re going to have a difference of opinion. What I really like about Sue (Hochmuth) and Laura (Murray) and I, we don’t agree on everything…I think that as decisions are made the best way, we can communicate with our constituents is by voting. It allows transparency to the community and it allows the Board to explain their justification for why they voted yes or no for a topic, and it allows people to see that there’s a decision making that goes on behind there and we can learn from those decisions. Even if they’re not popular. We’re going to make decisions that are not going to be popular, but it provides what I think is a better robust engagement of the community so that they can really feel like they’re partners with the district as opposed to being told how the district is going to operate.
“I really feel that as a Board we should be developing policies and interpreting guidelines and then we work with our superintendent to direct how to implement those to benefit the constituents. Our constituents are our students and our families and the staff too and it [must] be done safely, but it [must] be done in a methodical way. I feel like right now they develop a lot of things in silos, and we have such a wealth of knowledge in our district.”
Dalton-Wiley expressed the need to engage more professional, public figures as well as students and staff by means of focus groups and forums. She also sees a need to further engage Del Webb residents on different levels to make them feel more involved in the community.
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“I think immediate need right now is we need to get kids back in school full time. I think that the data shows that remote learning is not a good long-term solution for these kids. I look at things a year later and still see that children are sitting on laptops in their bedroom. Looking at the ceilings with their cats and dogs and you know, they’re not engaged. Those are the changes that I think we would see getting our kids back in school full time.
“To do that also, we need to make sure that our staff feels that they’re safe back in our schools. We continue to do the vaccine clinics and we continue to ensure that we’re using money that’s been provided for PPE that we have, so that staff knows that we’re taking care of them from a PPE perspective.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“I think we need to do that testing. I think we need to have a benchmark or a starting point to see where these kids are at and what do we need to be able to start to minimize that gap…I think if we have plans in place, people will see that our district is going to be visionary and trying to mitigate that gap…I think we need to look at the mental health of these students and be concerned about not just what their mental health looks like now, but when we return to the classroom.
“I think it’s integral for us to be able to phase into this remote environment we’ve been in…because right now we have a lot of staff that may not be utilizing the time wisely with students. That has been happening in our blended program for many years. This is a great time for us to maybe pause blended [learning] and revisit it and [ask] how we can implement it as successfully as possible for our older students.”
Dalton-Wiley is a strong advocate for focusing on providing high school students with information on trades and the military as other options to attending a four-year university.
Dalton-Wiley is one of the newcomers running to be a member on the D158 Board of Education.
Jennifer Sargent:
If elected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“I am running as a write-in candidate for the Board because I have experience that the current Board does not have. My motivation comes from being an educator and the parent of three children who are educated by D158 schools. I am running to enhance the current Board by offering a needed level of experience to advance D158’s goals for the future.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to serve as a BOE member?
“I have worked with children for over 30 years in the early childhood profession and still love it! I have coached over 30 local teams at the Huntley Park District including soccer, basketball, and one tee ball. I was a parent member on District 158’s Wellness Committee which focused on improving school health and wellness practices for the betterment of our students and staff. I was an AWANA Leader and [an] AWANA Sparky Games leader for two years where our local children competed at Lake County Community College.”
Sargent explains on her candidacy website that she attended Iowa State University but obtained her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Kendall College at National Louis University where she is also working on obtaining her master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration.
“I run a profitable family childcare group home and have three staff members and 16 children enrolled in my program. I maintain a working relationship with the state, local, and federal agencies due to my business requirements.”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be elected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“I would be an asset to the Board because of my knowledge and experience. I would be the only member that holds degrees in the field of education. I would also be the only Board member that represents a blended, multi-racial family. Being a SEIU (Service Employees International Union) member, I bring an understanding of how unions work, their rules, and the negotiation process.”
“We have lived in six states with the moves [being] for my husband’s career, and this has given me exposure to the way schools in other regions are funded and organized. My knowledge makes me a resource that the Board could use to help guide our schools in the future.”
“It is key to understand any problem, from multiple angles. When seeking solutions I refer to expert analysis that is sound in knowledge and data…I also seek input from individuals who have firsthand, working knowledge,” Sargent said on her website.
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“I will communicate as I am allowed to in accordance with Board rules. As a community representative, it is expected that I consider differences of opinions to create a balanced approach when creating [a] policy that benefits students and our community. I will always focus on what is best for students. The community can email me at any time because communication is key to building a strong relationship between the Board and our D158 community.”
“Improving communication will build stronger working relationships which will benefit the school, childcare providers, preschools, and the families in our community. Similarly, I would like to create [a] means of sharing suggestions that would give teachers and staff a direct way to communicate ideas that they think would improve their classrooms, our programs, and what we are offering the children in our district,” Sargent included on her website.
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“Communication is an area that I would like to see improved as District 158. [To] make recommendations on how to improve communication, I would need to gather data to evaluate all of the ways the district uses to communicate including receiving input from our community. It is important for the Board to implement communication options that are easy for our teachers and community to utilize and stay informed.”
Sargent also states on her website that there is a need for putting into place a “fine-tuned disciplinary policy” to protect the mental wellbeing of D158’s diverse student body.
“Without a uniform discipline structure that is applicable to all students, deterrence is reduced and chips away at a sense of safety amongst our diverse student body. The Board needs to tackle this problem proactively because students are not able to undo that experience of pain.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“The pandemic has created a dynamic where some children are struggling while others have been thriving. Our Board has made some modifications, recognizing that each student must be considered individually and be offered support by teachers, support services, and the administration, to ensure that each student can achieve to the best of their abilities.”
Sargent is one of the newcomers running to be a member on D158’s Board of Education.
Susan Hochmuth:
If elected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“I believe that change needs to happen on the Board and in our school and I am willing to fight for that change.”
“If I was elected, I have a wide variety [of] priorities to put forth on the Board: our students going back to school full time in a safe manner [and] providing our teachers, the needed materials to make them safe and productive to teach in person…There needs to be a curriculum plan to get the kids back up to educational speed from what they lost the past year. Making sure the students in our special education program, continue to get the proper education and IEP fulfilment they deserve.
“The new mandate of diversity teaching has been implemented in our state, now the proper teaching and planning needs to go into effect for it.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to serve as a BOE member?
Hochmuth has lived in the D158 area since 2004 where she has raised three sons and has built relationships with teachers who she has helped in the classroom. Hochmuth feels that there is a need for change on the Board of Education due to a lack of ideas and voices.
“My education degree is in Child and Family Services. I was a stay-at-home mother for many years. That time home allowed me to give my time to [helping] in my children’s classroom. I was a member on the Chesak PTA. I sat on a parent advisory committee at Huntley High School. I have [helped] with my son’s sports programs. I helped with [the] Huntley High School Boosters Program. My husband and I were active volunteer members in the Huntley Youth Football Program. In the last two years, I went back into the working world which I deal with people and serious concerns [daily].”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be elected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“I should be elected to the BOE because I am strong, open-minded, compassionate, trustworthy, and loyal. I am different from the other candidates because I want to be the voice of the families in our community…I will fight for those voices to be heard. I am open-minded to weigh the options that are presented to decide the outcome for all parties involved.”
“I will stand behind my vote even when it is not the popular opinion of the Board. I will always be available for questions, comments, concerns to any community member that will address me.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“I am a firm believer of communication. I would follow what the current BOE is doing and have the meetings televised live. I would continue to offer families [the option] to write in letters and questions…Parents took time to share the thoughts and experiences, they deserve them to be acknowledged.
“Differences of opinion is how we learn. Listen openly to what the members of the community are saying even if it is differences or negativity and bring those concerns to the Board and address them. Reach back out to them and communicate back what the BOE thought/discussed. Those parents deserve to know. Offer up town hall meetings every few months. Allow the community to ask questions and open up discussion.”
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“The major issues that D158 needs to address is first and foremost, getting the students back into the classroom full time with teachers in the classroom teaching. They are making steps to implement which is great but as I had mentioned prior, it doesn’t end there.
“The district needs to come with the academic plan on how they are going to make up for the last year of behind learning. The district needs to work on that plan with administrators, teachers, counselors, and the parents. This needs to be done now so they are prepared and implementing it this fall. The district needs to think outside of the box in that area as well.
“Offer up more summer school classes for all grades for parents to decide if they want their students to take. Offer study groups and tutor sessions after school during the school year in specific grades and subjects to help the students that are still fining learning a challenge.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“The number one focus is and always will be the education of the students. We need to continue to work together to provide the teachers and students the resources they need so the education of the students can flourish.”
Hochmuth is one of the newcomers running to be a member of D158’s Board of Education.
Tara Masino:
If elected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“These are the areas I feel are important including: preparing all children for success by focusing on STEM curriculum; mental health and social and emotional development; fiscal responsibility.”
“As a school district, we need to prepare [students] with the critical thinking skills and problem solving necessary to solve tomorrow’s problems. I think our STEM curriculum [must] start at the early stages of education and continue through high school and be on the forefront of the changing labor needs of our community and beyond. I would like to have a greater partnership with businesses and organizations in the area.”
“The existing technical and fine arts academies are great ways for students to get real life experience, but for students with other goals in mind, I think we have an opportunity to meet a broader need.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to serve as a BOE member?
Masino has been in the global human resources profession for 20 years where she has supported small and large organizations in their paths to create and grow people strategies. Masino has her undergraduate degree in Psychology and an MBA with a focus on training and development. She has lived in the D158 area for 21 years.
“I am on the board of my neighborhood homeowner’s association. I am active at my church (Light of Christ Church, Algonquin, IL). I was board president at the Light of Christ preschool for the 2019-2020 school year and a board member for the 2018-2019 school year. I was a leader of a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program until COVID required us to pause. I have been involved with Team World Vision which raises funds for clean water in areas of the world where it is not currently available.”
Masino is also involved in the Education Foundation in her hometown, where she manages a scholarship in memory of her father. She was partnered with Women Unlimited, Inc while at Motorola, to aid in personal success of potential women within the company.
Lastly, Masino has volunteered for Junior Achievement where she focused on helping youth with the importance of education, while assisting with various critical life skills.
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be elected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“I believe I bring a unique perspective to the board given my global human resource background and my role in helping organizations be successful through the development of people. Personally, I am a parent of a dual language student and a preschooler with developmental needs. I am not running to further a personal agenda, but to be an advocate and a voice for families in our community.
“I am passionate about the mental health of our children and their families and believe the health of the family is a significant contributor to the success of our kids. Our kids are under significant social, emotional, and family stress only complicated by a pandemic.
“I think the district is doing some great work with efforts like offering opportunities to learn about youth mental health first aid, but I do not think we can or should underestimate the needs in this space and we can continue to focus efforts here and within our special education services to ensure we are helping our kids be the best versions of themselves.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“I think in any leadership role it is important to first listen for understanding before taking any action. During this process, I have made myself available to anyone with [an] interest to have a conversation about what is important to them and would continue to do so, should I win election to the board.
“I believe it is critical to share differences in opinion with the board as part of a circular feedback process and believe in transparency when communicating with constituents. Where there are differences in opinion, my focus returns to what is best for our students and would base decisions on factual data points and inputs that point to that choice.”
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“Development gaps created [because of] remote learning should be measured with a plan to close those gaps for each student. I think there is much to be learned from the past year (both good and bad) that can be applied going forward. From students preferred method of learning and ability to engage in a remote setting, to the social and emotional support our children need, we should use this as an opportunity to improve and be prepared for the future.
“The staffing strategy for our special services is an area that I would like to see a focus on. The ability for our staff to be successful in the future would benefit from a review of the changing needs of our students and the structures set up for staff in these areas to execute. It is important for the staff to reflect the diversity of experience that our students will undoubtedly find when they enter the workforce. Preparing our kids to understand and appreciate people and experiences different than themselves is important.
“I would recommend a strategic hiring plan to focus efforts on bringing the best talent into the district.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“Being able to get kids back into the classroom in a safe way is essential and I believe will be impactful to both their educational development as well as their social and emotional development. Until the time when all kids are back in school full time, it is important for teachers and parents to work together to raise concerns, communicate openly and honestly, and identify solutions to address.
“The Board should always be focused on strategic goals centered on the students. No matter the issue presented, the Board should never lose sight of what is best for the students.”
Masino is one of the newcomers running to be a member on D158’s Board of Education.
Laura Murray:
If elected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“My priorities are getting students K-12 back to in-person learning for that that want that choice. Next would be fully functioning extra-curricular activities.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to serve as a BOE member?
“I have worked many years in the customer service industry and enjoy being in a team focused environment. I have been and continue to enjoy being a team manager for the CL Force Soccer Club since 2019.”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be elected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“For starters, I am not an incumbent. I am not totally different or similar to other candidates, but I have wanted schools to have the choice to be in-person, full time since fall and others have not.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“Day to day, we are not politicians, but here to shepherd the school district to continue the path that is best for the students. Involving the community is very important and their opinion should most definitely be considered in certain decisions.”
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“The major issue is getting schools K-12 open full time for those students that want it. Listening to survey—every single one! I will be more acutely aware of issues to address if elected to the BOE at the point, I would be able to give a fuller response.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“Being back in school full time. Fully functioning extra-curricular activities. Period.”
Murray is one of the newcomers running to be a member on D158’s Board of Education.
Katherine “Kate” Policheri:
Why are you running for the BOE? If elected, what will be your priorities?
“This is my first time running for office. I have many ideas that I feel would benefit our students. Supporting our teachers is a large part of that. When we support our teachers, our students directly benefit. Our teachers need as much access to resources and technology as possible to teach our students during this hybrid learning model as well as when all students return to school. Bringing more technology into the classroom allows for unique learning experiences.
“I am passionate about special education…Remote learning has challenged educators and support staff to think outside of the box…I have been talking to our Department of Special Services to bring the Nora Project to District 158. This is an amazing opportunity to utilize a program that teaches empathy, inclusion, and diversity.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to serve as a BOE member?
Policheri has been in the customer service industry since she was 16 years old. As a pharmacist, she prides herself as having the ability to serve the public as a medical expert in advising them on various medications.
“I am also someone who rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. I am not good at standing idle. I am a problem solver and enjoy a challenge. In general, I am happiest helping others. I look for opportunities to do so.
“I am a member of the District 158 Special Education Advisory Committee. Prior to the pandemic, I used to volunteer for my sons’ teachers, which I really miss…I am a pharmacist at the Walgreens in Huntley outside of Del Webb. I became a pharmacist to help people. I guess you can say I participate in our community every day. My position as a pharmacist right now focuses on giving COVID vaccines. I believe I have the best job in the world, giving the vaccines to those that wish to have it.”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be elected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“I should be elected because I love to help and volunteer. I do not plan to sit behind the desk in the Board room. I plan to be in our schools and community listening to our students, teachers, and community members. I want to roll up my sleeves and help where I can. I am approachable. I am willing to listen and talk with anyone. This is so important because the Board gives a voice to the community.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“Once elected to the Board, my website will shift from election mode to Board member mode. I will post the ongoings with the Board, work we’ve done as well as post the links to meetings and agendas. I want to help our community become more involved in our district. My father says you can be part of the solution or part of the problem.
“I choose to be part of the solution and recruit others to join me. There will always be differences of opinions. When there’s a difference of opinion, it is important to understand and respect both parties’ opinions. Being transparent and explaining why a decision was made will help address those differences.”
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“The major issue our district and community face right now are the division between parents, teachers and BOE/administration. This pandemic has been frustrating for everyone. However, the finger pointing needs to stop and we need to get ourselves back on track with the goal of our students in mind.
“We repair the division by getting everyone refocused on what the mission of our school district is: all students, all ways. Everyone needs to remember that our district is a great one. We all need to work together to keep it that way.
“I would like to see an improvement in communication and transparency. For example, prior to the January 11, 2021 Board meeting, an email was sent saying what would be discussed [regarding] the Return to Learn Plan…The district should have released the plan prior to the meeting, allowed parents to digest it and submit questions…I think if the district is more upfront with parents, there would be less frustration.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“I think the pandemic has shifted our focus to our struggling students. Our district has been providing more resources both in school and remotely for our students that are struggling. However, I think we can always do more. Although our middle school students have more access to their teachers due to study halls occurring at the same time for the entire grade level, it would be beneficial to offer maybe before school help as well.
“Our high school students that participate in community service clubs or need community service hours could provide tutoring help for all grade levels that would like it. When my son was a third grader, he hated RTI and was pulled out of class. He missed fun things like movies, which made him hate it even more. I believe he would have been open to getting help from a high school student.”
Policheri is one of the newcomers running for election on the D158 Board of Education.
Anthony “Tony” Quagliano:
If reelected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“I’ve obviously spent a consumable amount of time on the Board. Some things were very well in place and you know, COVID comes and [suddenly], we’re facing all these challenges.
“I just decided that the district needed a few more years out of me from a stability standpoint. A lot of people who are running right now, I have my concerns about some of those individuals who are running and that reasons they’re running for. So, I felt that it was the best interest for the district. It may paint a certain level of stability that I bring to the table.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to continue serve as a BOE member?
Quagliano has been a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) for 25 years, however he has been employed at his current firm for 30 years. Quagliano states his optimization of financial situations and his interpersonal skills are factors contributing to the firm’s success.
“I’ve been on the Board for the last 14-15 years. About 20 years ago, I started getting interested in the school district…[I] started to pay attention to what was going on financially with the district.
“At the time, it was in fund balanced deficits. It was running referendums and obviously I got very involved in it over time. So much so, that I helped pass several tax laws in the state related to property taxes related to referendums and stuff. Which my skill set lends itself very well to the financial end of it. Over time, I’ve certainly morphed that into the educational element of the district.”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be reelected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“It’s either people like what I’m doing, or they don’t. They either know of my accomplishments within the district and what I’ve brought to the table, and where I’ve helped place our district in the highest of standings. Both financially and academically.
“So, if that doesn’t stand on its own then you know, I’m not saying everybody knows about me and everybody knows of my accomplishments, but it’s okay. They think they want to go in a different direction, I’m not interested in spending anything on a ‘campaign.’ It’s not how I operate.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“It was a lot easier to involve the community prior to COVID. Post COVID is again, a bit limited here, in respect of you know, it’s primarily through emails and listening to public comments…I’d rather talk to somebody than keep going back and forth through email.
“I’m at football games. I’m out when we’re able to do stuff like that. So, it’s just communicating with people through that. I communicate with people within the district just usually by [occasionally], being in a building or I do volunteer for reading to the kids, again, when we’re back in school. There’s always several opportunities throughout the year where they’re running events and I always participate in those items.”
Quagliano is happy to invite people to talk to him over the phone, his preferred method of communication, or he is happy to talk to those who attend the Board of Education meetings.
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“You’re always in a constant state of improvement. For the time frame I’ve been on the Board, the things that have been addressed are lightyears away from where they were.
“Personally, my biggest ambition for our district…has just been with elementary, at the early stage, and then it was middle [school] where you’re trying to get the kids through, and then high school. So, if you look at the high school and the [number] of programs that exist, I can guarantee you cannot find another high school in this state that gives as many opportunities and pathways as our high school does.
“So, what I’m more focused on and have been talking to administration about is, you got yourself to a certain level here at all these grade levels now it’s time to recircle back down at the elementary level so that the kids are not just meeting, but exceeding…That’s where I think our biggest challenge lies is trying to get more of our kids who are exceeding and can really take advantage of all these programs we put together at the high school level. We can really get them ratcheted up at the elementary and the middle school levels, to really take advantage of those programs.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“The other thing the district is working on, and this is more of the superintendent and his specific expertise in this…is the whole movement towards personalized learning. Meaning more of an individualized [learning] instead of the kids being taught whatever within a certain structure. Trying to understand where an individual kid is and being able to react to their specific needs and allow them to move along at their pace that suits them better, as opposed to assume that everybody has to move at the same pace.
“Again, we’re definitely on our way on it. It’s just that’s one of the things you got to continue to ratchet up.”
Quagliano is one of the incumbents running for reelection on D158’s Board of Education.
Lesli Melendy:
If reelected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“During the current health pandemic, decisions must be viewed through a comprehensive lens that considers all relevant factors of each decision. Decisions cannot be emotional; they must be deliberate and fact-based.
“At my core, I have a passion not only for community involvement and civic duty, but I truly have an aspiration for helping the children of our community reach their potential and I believe the district is heading in the right direction to achieve that goal for all students.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to continue serve as a BOE member?
“I have lived in Huntley for 21 years and all of my children are products of the school district, so I feel a strong connection. I have been a community volunteer for over 20 years. My volunteerism includes president of the PTA and PTO, executive board member for Huntley Cheer, founding member of a special needs cheer squad, executive board for HHS Athletic Boosters, member of the Huntley Chamber of Commerce and volunteer at several community events.
“My professional background in state and local government provides me with a deep understanding of the political process and an unmatched ability to review, discuss and advocate for education-related issues at the state and local levels.”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be reelected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“I believe what makes me different from other candidates is my unique background in state and local government and the ability to advocate for what our district needs at a higher level with decision makers.
“My ability to look at all sides of an issue and make decisions based on the benefit of all involved is another positive quality. Lastly, I have a proven record for voting independently; on several occasions I have been a sole no vote on issues I believe might negatively affect taxpayers and other specific stakeholders.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“Before COVID, the district was working on the strategic plan and involved the community in the planning with several well attended focus groups. These groups include a cross-section of community stakeholders. There are also advocacy groups made of parents and educators for special education, equity, and others.
“I would like to build upon those small group discussions to help lead the district. I always try to make myself available to speak to those who have questions. The pandemic has brought new challenges and I hope to take those lessons learned and improve upon them.”
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“We must continue to transition our students back to a face-to-face learning as soon as we can, given limitations and protective measures recommended by the CDC and the Illinois Department of Health, and restrictions imposed by the Governor. Due to forward-thinking leadership, our transition to remote learning was much easier than most other districts across the state.
“Teachers who are to be commended for showing great levels of flexibility, ensured that teaching and learning continued during the height of the pandemic. Still, the disruption to families was difficult and some parents have hard feelings. A concerted effort to repair the district’s relationship with the community will be key, as trust must be rebuilt with those who disagree with the board and administration’s handling of the pandemic as it relates to delivery of education.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“Educating students during a global health pandemic is a polarizing issue. Every decision a school board makes is viewed positively by some and negatively by others, with emotions running high on both sides. Our role as a board is to remove emotion and to base our decisions on the best data available to us and with an eye on safety and maintaining high student achievement under incredibly difficult circumstances.
“Moving forward, the District should explore creating a ‘pandemic response plan.’ We have crisis plans in place for various emergency situations, yet none of us envisioned a global health pandemic that would upend education for an extended [period]. When things normalize, any educational backslide experienced by students will need to be addressed through targeted interventions.”
Melendy is one of the incumbents running for reelection on D158’s Board of Education.
Sean Cratty:
If reelected to the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“Two of the important [priorities] are extending our services for our special service students and making sure we continue our efforts to increase our students understanding of the importance of the trades. I believe these two areas need to be addressed more and given more of a platform and we can do better as a school district to help our special service students.”
Cratty was appointed as a member on the D158 Board of Education in July of 2020.
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to continue serve as a BOE member?
“I played an active role in the D158 Foundation, organizing many community events, such as, the Huntley Hootenanny, which helps provide scholarships for our seniors at HHS (Huntley High School). With my expertise in finance, I hope to help guide our district in making sound financial decisions during budgeting conversations and spending efforts.
“I currently am a Grafton Township Trustee, Huntley Library Trustee and am also one of the co-chairs of Huntley Fall Festival and Huntley Goes Bald. I love giving back to the wonderful Huntley community.”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be reelected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“As a father of three young children, I am personally invested in the direction of the district. I deeply value the quality of education D158 has offered this community and look forward to playing a role in continuing the great academic traditions of D158.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“I have been presented with numerous questions or situations the last 8 months from families, teachers, students and leaders in the district and I do my best to find out the answer for them that they are seeking. I feel it is important to listen to all sides in the community and present them to the administration.
“While the board does not directly vote on every school policy, such as the return to school plan, I feel that it is the responsibility of the school board to listen to the community and be their voice at all meetings while these said policies are being presented. Being on the school board you have to stay neutral, listen to both sides and try to make the best decision for all even if you don’t agree with it.”
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“I know that right now the current school day is not ideal for everyone however I believe that when it is safe, and the timing is correct, that all students will be back in school full time. I believe until then that all students and their families should be able to choose what is best for them. We all want our students back at school. The teachers want their student in class with them. The students want to be able to see all their teachers and friends daily but as a community we need to work together to make sure that we do it in a timely and safe manner.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“The mental health and educational success of the youth in our community is just as equally important. If the children have the support of their family, community, and the school district I believe that they will be able to thrive and be successful in whatever path life takes them. In a time of uncertainty, many changes and a new normal now more than ever it is very important to provide students with the coping materials and support that is needed as they navigate through their school career.”
Cratty is one of the incumbents running for reelection on D158’s Board of Education.
Paul Troy:
If reelected for the BOE, what will be your priorities?
“Our board has led honorably with integrity and transparency, and I pledge to continue the same going forward. I have always been open to conversations with people about our schools and welcome those conversations – good, bad, and indifferent.
“Under COVID, our board has been cautious to re-open schools under extraordinary circumstances. I have tried to keep our students safe while abiding by the local metrics, and the guidance set forth by the state and local health departments, to the detriment of the single-issue candidates who have voiced a desire to throw caution to the wind.”
What particular experiences or skills prepare you to continue serve as a BOE member?
“I was part of the board team that decided to bring solar panels to our three district campuses. The project was completed in the Fall of 2021, and I look forward to the reduced carbon footprint and energy savings D158 will enjoy in the coming years. This is the largest such project on public lands in Illinois. As chair of the Building & Grounds Committee, this was a moment of extra pride for me.
“As a board member, I have participated in meetings with neighborhood captains to listen to concerns. I have attended sporting events and arts programs in the different schools. I have volunteered as an ‘elf server’ at the Breakfast with Santa events, as a guest classroom reader, as mock job interviewer, as a set constructor transporting and building the sets for marching band competitions and as a bus chaperone.”
What differentiates you from other candidates in the race to be reelected as a member for the D158 Board of Education?
“I have worked closely with the Director of Operations on a number of projects aimed at increasing energy efficiency for the school district. Through those endeavors, the board has approved projects that have led to Energy Star Ratings for [many of] our buildings. Such efforts have included retrofitted light ballasts and bulbs district-wide to highly efficient LEDs in schools and parking lots, added motion sensors to turn lights on and off, replaced air handler controllers, developed energy consumption strategies for electricity and natural gas that locked in historically low pricing.”
As a Board of Education member, how will you communicate with your constituent groups as well as address difference of opinion that may arise?
“As a board team, we communicate with one voice with the community. We use email and social media as well as public meetings (which are live-streamed), for which agendas and board packet information are posted in advance for the public to read. Each meeting allows for Public Comment, where the public [can] address the board with their thoughts and concerns. The board abides by the Open Meetings Act laws. I take this Act seriously, and I believe our board does as well.
“I receive emails from the public that are directed to me as well as the board team. I respond to them the best that I can or redirect customer concerns to the superintendent and staff. I do not expect to be in 100% agreement with the entire community all the time. But with difficult issues, I seek out answers to questions so I can make an informed, well-reasoned, rational decision. I know differences of opinion will arise, and I am always open to a civil discussion and exchange of positions.”
What major issues do you believe D158 needs to address? What would you recommend for improvement?
“Clearly, COVID has resulted in schooling loss, but what remains to be seen is the depth of learning loss – and that will be different from student to student at all grade levels. As a board member, I believe I have an obligation and duty to support our students by giving front-line educators what they need to navigate the challenges you describe. The board’s job is to utilize our educational experts to evaluate instructional supports and staffing needs to address those gaps.
“I believe that rigor and relevance need to be maintained as a high priority for teaching and learning…Both formative and summative assessments must continue to be utilized to determine which skills are mastered and find learning gaps…With this information, educators will need to determine the extent of targeted interventions for their students. Critical and timely support to students will help to close those gaps – whether through a small group setting or adjusted pacing to address gaps for a larger group.”
What should D158 do to better prepare students for a higher degree of student achievement?
“I do believe our district does an excellent job of preparing students for their next life chapter after Huntley High School. I believe that the more opportunities students have available to them, the more likely that something will capture their imagination/attention to explore a new interest and get involved. The academics are rigorous, and I think the club/activity groups are abundant – I counted 56. Whether in the classroom, or through activities, clubs, work-study or sports, Huntley students have gotten involved, and their accomplishments are celebrated.”
Troy is one of the incumbents running for reelection on D158’s Board of Education.
