Question 6a

Naema Abraham -

The individual board member’s primary role is to advocate for students, parents, teachers, and administrators. This is in addition to establishing a vision for the District and implementing strategies to support its educational goals.

Irena Petryk -

The role of an individual member is to be informed about the school board’s mission and policies, including conflict-of-interest and confidentiality policies. Board members should attend all board and committee meetings and functions, including special events like the ones organized by Student Government. Before board and committee meetings, school board members should review the agenda and supporting materials, conducting research and asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding. They should keep up-to-date on developments in the education field and act as an advocate for the students and teachers.

Joseph Nowik -

Individual School board members are elected by the entire community, Lincolnwood, Skokie, Niles and Morton Grove east of Harlem Ave.

We represent this diverse community by making sure that we listen to the residents of our district. A board member strives to make sure that the needs of the community are reflected in the mission, policy decisions and programs at our schools.

Richard Evonitz -

I believe that a Board Member’s role is to: (a) bring their experiences and judgment to Board discussions; (b) understand that Boards make decisions, not individuals; and (c) make sure that the decisions they make are in the best interests of entire District 219 community.

Kathleen Weiss Boyle -

An individual school board member’s role is primarily to serve the students, teachers, and staff of the district - providing them with the education, tools, resources, support, and exposure to confidently walk the path of opportunity feeling safe, respected, and prepared. An individual school board member seeks to build a strong team that is committed to the betterment of the district, supports the efforts of administrators but is not afraid to respectfully challenge them. An individual school board member is an independent thinker who listens and learns and is not afraid to consider the ideas of others or to take a stand for their own. An individual school board member should be nobody’s “rubber stamp”, remembering that they are accountable to taxpayers and other stakeholders in the district.

Elana Jacobs -

As an individual board member, I am only one of 7 votes. This means that I need to prepare for meetings, listen to fellow board members, share their perspective, understand school law, and take professional development from the school board association and obtain other important training that are the priorities of District 219. I have the responsibility to make very difficult decisions that are well researched and benefit District 219. It is essential to amplify voices from community members that are not heard or are fearful of sharing their experiences. This goes back to engagement with community organizations and making sure all of the Niles Township k-8 school districts have their voices heard with extra attention to the special education collaboratives and ELL parent center. Another very important role is to be part of a team that evaluates and oversees the school superintendent.

Ross Sawyers -

An effective School Board Member should work to build community and represent all of stakeholders.