Question 2b

Joseph Nowik -

I understand the difference between Equality and Equity. It is critical that the resources of our district be used equitably. Needs are not uniform and are always changing. Board decisions always need to be evaluated through the equity lens.

Richard Evonitz -

My approach to decision making is to evaluate whether the decision is legal and ethical then whether it is in the best interests of our students. I do that by balancing all the input I receive from the community, questioning the administration on the expected value that is to be gained, and using my judgement to make sure that any such decision is fair. We continue to work on objective measures that will help inform our decision making from an equity perspective.

Kathleen Weiss Boyle -

Equity dictates that we provide more to those who have less without others feeling shortchanged, whether it be funding, opportunities, materials, or time, and provide a safe and welcoming environment. To make truly equitable decisions, I pledge to continue seeking further education, dig into existing research, use careful and thoughtful deliberation, and seek the guidance and input from all of the communities we serve. Determining the greater need remains among our greatest challenges, and while we must live within budget constraints, we must always err on the side of the greater good.

Elana Jacobs -

I believe that high school students need to be directly involved in making decisions about the equity of the student body at ALL STAGES of the decision making process. This can be done by having extensive outreach from students in the Bridges Program, Niles Central, Niles North and Niles West, where all of the k-8 school district voices are represented. This will take outreach for the school board members from k-8 districts and families to help make decisions for their high school because involvement of families decreases as students reach high school. Actively recruiting from the ELL Parent Center, Booster groups, and teachers can activate extensive student participation in Niles Township government outreach. Plus brainstorming and dialoguing with Dr La Wanna Wells, Chief Equity Officer, and her networks to help ask important questions to reach the Niles Township community. The important decisions that need community input need to be posted in all of the home languages that students speak, posted with direct link on the 219 school website and advertised, have subtitles and following ADA disability access best practices, have community group feedback with advanced notice, and have child care at in person meetings. I will listen to all sides, look at the data, and make the decisions that will benefit my Niles Township neighbors.

Ross Sawyers -

I believe that the only way to prepare our children for their future roles as leaders is through a cooperative process that seeks to include all voices, stakeholders and points of view and I will seek to elevate those voices and points of view that have been historically marginalized.

Naema Abraham -

My approach to decision-making is driven by policy and objective data. However, in absence of policy and data, my decision is driven by precedent and best practice.

Irena Petryk -

In order to ensure that they equitably benefit the most students, I will approach my decisions with a great deal of care. Before I commit to a course of action, I will examine the information provided to me, ask experienced professionals clarifying questions, conduct the necessary research, reflect on my personal experience, discuss with my fellow board members, and seek feedback from parents and community members. I will take special care to listen to voices that have, in the past, been underrepresented at board meetings or in larger community conversations.

I will seek out equity training so that I can make informed, educated decisions. In addition to engaging in community dialogue and taking a seminar on American race relations at Northwestern University, I am currently participating in SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity).