Molly Ansari: 2023 candidate for Geneva Unit District 304 board, 4-year term
Bio
Town: Geneva
Age on Election Day: 38
Occupation: Assistant professor/counselor
Employer: Bradley University
Previous offices held: Appointed to Geneva Unit District 304 board in March 2022
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: I have worked as a mental health counselor for over 12 years and feel that I could lend my expertise and my voice to advocate for the mental health and safety of our students and teachers in all decisions the board of education makes.
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: The role of the school board is to support the district's superintendent achieve the goals for the district. We provide an oversight of accountability to the superintendent and ensure that our district's academic, social and emotional goals are being achieved.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: I believe that all students deserve a fair and equitable education that is delivered in a safe and compassionate manner.
Q: How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?
A: I am a strong believer in looking to, and seeking consultation from, the experts. I do not claim to be an expert in any or all curriculum-related issues. I vow to always employ the voices of those that are the experts, to look to the evidence and policies that guide our curriculum.
I also vow to consider the mental health, emotional health and safety of all our students when making any decision.
Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?
A: I believe that we have learned a lot and yet there is still a lot to learn. I believe that following the advice and direction of the experts is best practices. We want to ensure that all who enter our building feel safe. This is a collaborative process that demands the consultation of experts.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.
A: When working within a group setting to determine policy or practices, it is vital to have a venue where all voices are heard and validated. I believe that we must look to evidence to support our decisions in policy - in particular, when they impact many. No decision should be made lightly or by one person alone.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am a mother to a Geneva student, I am a community member, I am an educator and I am a professional clinical counselor. I believe that the hats that I wear allow me to have a unique perspective and voice to lend to Geneva District 304. I have built a career in advocating for children and families and supporting goals of growth and positive/healthy change. I would like to lend my voice to the board of education to ensure that our students and teachers have an advocate they can trust to ensure their own growth, mental health and safety within our schools and community.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I believe that more attention and voices should be shared regarding the experience of our students as it relates to mental health. We are not far removed from the pandemic and the full fallout is yet to be realized. I want to ensure that as we continue to move away from the pandemic and into the impact that it had, that the lived experiences of those impacted are shared, heard and considered when making decisions going forward.