Dana Wiley: 2025 candidate for Huntley Unit District 158 board (2-year term)
Bio
Office sought: Huntley Unit District 158 board (2-year term)
City: Huntley
Age: 55
Occupation: Senior proposal manager
Previous offices held: District 158 board of education 2023-present; McHenry County Regional School Board Trustee 2022-23
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
I have a deep appreciation for District 158, we have raised all three of our children in this district. I love feeling that I am part of this community and feel my role on the school board is to be a voice for parents, students, and staff.
What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?
I know firsthand our District 158 curriculum department works hard to ensure that students have materials needed to thrive in our district. I believe materials made available to public school students need to be age appropriate, and that parents have the right to know what materials are being offered to their students. If a lesson is deemed by a parent to not be appropriate for their student, that parent should have the ability to opt their student out of the lesson and be provided an alternative lesson by the school for their student.
Parents should also have the ability to review classroom curriculum and materials and ask questions to staff on how the lesson will be taught, and how the materials will be used.
And like I mentioned above for lessons, if the material is deemed by a parent to not be appropriate for their own student, that parent should have the ability to opt their student out of the material and be provided alternative materials by the school for their student.
The conversations between parent and the school, and the student is how we build those partnerships that will benefit everyone.
Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
We need to be consistent with our curriculum and not change it every year or two. That causes confusion for students and staff. When we change it frequently it does not allow us to see the areas of opportunity or areas that need further attention.
We need to commit to a curriculum for the betterment of students and staff. We also need to see data to ensure blended classes at our high school are being administered to the right students, and the safety nets provide students the right controls.
We also need look to curriculum that will set our older students up for success after graduation. That may be looking at curriculum geared toward technology roles and careers, such as cybersecurity and AI. Or perhaps curriculum that further addresses roles in the trades or in civil services.
We also need to prepare them for life after high school that perhaps don’t involve obtaining a four-year degree. Our students need to know there are foundations to prepare them for many options after high school. I feel our curriculum should not reflect a “four-year college is the only way to be successful” mentality.
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 school board is responsible for adopting policies and programs that meet the needs of our district, as well as adopting policies and rules that comply with state and federal laws. And we task our superintendent and district office to then carry out those policies and curriculum decisions.
At times when policies prove to be unpopular or misunderstood I open myself up to dialogue to understand concerns to determine what will be in the best interest of our district. I learn from people because I don't come into this office thinking I know everything.
Being a school board member means being collaborative and listening to experts in the district office for guidance, along with listening to the public in public comments, emails, texts, or in person. Building relationships with others is how we operate outside of silos that may be present or perceived to be in place.
Ultimately whatever policies or curriculum decisions we approve need to meet the educational goals of District 158.
Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.
Effective groups provide different viewpoints and experiences to gain the best overall understanding. This is something our board has done very well the past few years.
We don’t follow one lead voice, or one strong voice — we work together. I have proven in the past 15 months on the school board that I listen, hear concerns and issues, and collaborate with my fellow board members, district office, staff, students and families.
I spent the bulk of my first year observing and asking questions, especially to those veteran board members and veteran district office staff. They have historical context I do not. That perspective helps me with insight into decisions we need to make today. My participation on district committees such as the SEAC, MPAC, and PTAC this year also provide me a foundation to learn what is being done, what needs to be addressed, what is working, or not working, and to come up with solutions we can execute and measure for effectiveness.
My current experience on the board means I can hit the ground running after the election to continue the positive work we have done, and to carry out the goals we still need to work on that meet our district strategic plan.
What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, or would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.
As a public school district, we are required to follow federal and state laws and orders in regard to DEI. If federal or state agencies require us to eliminate or reduce references to DEI, then we need to do so. My opinion does not circumvent what our law requires. Our job as a school board is to ensure we educate our students.
I know our district diversity/equity efforts reflect what is needed for our community. For example, we heard from staff and families that we needed a strong, competent, and passionate leader to fill our superintendent vacancy last year. We hired Ms. Lombard, not because she was a woman, but because she was the best person for the job. She had experiences and a background that was essential to lead this district — things that had nothing to do with being a woman. And she proves every day that our selection was the right one for District 158.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
My passion and commitment to this district. I have been involved in our district as a volunteer for over 17 years — no paycheck, benefits, or contributions are given to me as a volunteer. I do it because I truly care and want to see District 158 grow and evolve.
Being involved for so long has allowed me to develop strong relationships with staff and community. I listen to many constituents to get valuable feedback — even if it is criticism. If elected, I will listen to everyone, not just those that vote for me.
To be well prepared I have completed required courses. Attending IASB Kishwaukee Valley workshops and the IASB Triple I conference allow me to learn about topics that affect Illinois school districts. I also attend as many district events and celebrations as possible to connect our board to the community.
Outside of my career and family commitments board member is a top priority for me. My time is not divided between other volunteer commitments or activities. I am fully engaged as a board member with limited distractions or influences. My physical attendance at board meetings and events is important to me, voters trust us to be there to represent them and act in the best of D158.
What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
I support a student board member role be brought to our school board. We have many great students that want to be leaders. I feel this is a great way to help develop those leaders by getting them involved early on.
They have great ideas and energy, and they have the ability to get feedback and insight from their peers and bring it to the adults. We can harness the peer relationships to provide us insights into things that are really affecting our students, not what we as adults think affects them.
It's an excellent way to collaborate with the people that are directly affected by decisions we make as a school board.
I attended a session this fall on the topic and heard great feedback from other districts that have successfully implemented this role. I fully support the concept and want to do what I can to make it happen.