James J. Taylor: 2025 candidate for Palatine Township District 15 board

Bio

Office sought: Palatine Township District 15 board (Vote for 4)

City: Unincorporated Arlington Heights

Age: 47

Occupation: Occupational Therapist

Previous offices held: School Board Member CCSD15

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am seeking reelection because I bring a unique and valuable perspective to the board. As a parent of three children in the district — an advanced learner, a child with special needs in a self-contained program, and a general education student with ADHD support — I understand diverse student needs firsthand. As a school-based occupational therapist, I also offer the insight of an educator in both general and special education.

My experience helps the board consider the broader impact of its decisions, particularly on underrepresented populations. I am committed to ensuring all students and families have a voice in our district’s policies.

What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?

Our school board plays a crucial role in setting and monitoring the curriculum to ensure it meets state standards and serves all students. We oversee how the curriculum is implemented, evaluate its effectiveness based on student performance and teacher feedback, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. We also empower district leadership to select high-quality educational materials that support student success. By providing oversight of district administration and supporting professional development for educators, we help create an inclusive and effective learning environment for every student in our schools.

Are there any curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

At this time, I do not see any curriculum issues within the district that require particular attention from the board. The district is already hard at work updating curriculum and standardizing it across schools to ensure consistency and quality in instruction. Our educators and administrators are actively engaged in this process, and I am confident in their efforts. As a board member, I remain committed to providing oversight and support as needed, but I do not see any pressing concerns that require additional board intervention at this time.

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?

As a school board member, I believe my role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies involves a balanced approach that includes all these aspects. First, I would refer to state authorities regarding our requirements, ensuring we comply with necessary regulations while understanding our responsibilities. Additionally, I am committed to providing leadership, even when it may be unpopular, as making difficult decisions is essential for the long-term success of our students and schools. Finally, I recognize the importance of giving a voice to all constituents, including those with whom I may disagree. Listening to diverse perspectives enriches our discussions and helps us make informed decisions that reflect the needs of our entire community.

If the Bears succeed in developing a new stadium in Chicago instead of Arlington Heights, what type of development would you want to see on the Arlington Park property? How would you see that benefiting the community?

If the Bears succeed in developing a new stadium in Chicago, I would like to see an entertainment district established on the Arlington Park property. The plans presented by the Bears would be wonderful for the community, and I hope that other components of the development can still take place. I envision a multisport complex that could serve as a venue for youth sports practices and tournaments, providing valuable recreational opportunities for families in our area. However, I would advocate for minimizing housing development on the property. While housing can attract more families, it could also place a significant strain on our school district due to the influx of new students. Without proper funding from fair property taxes, this could create major challenges for our schools. By focusing on an entertainment district and a sports complex, we can generate revenue for the community while benefiting everyone, ensuring that we create a vibrant space that supports both families and local businesses.

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.

In my part-time role at a nonprofit, I gained valuable experience working in a group setting to develop policy and open new locations. My approach has always been to actively engage with everyone involved, listening to their thoughts and ideas. It has been incredibly helpful to reference existing policies, identifying what works well and what doesn’t. I believe that collaborating with others to develop policy is the most effective way to achieve our goals. During my time on the school board, I shared my insights on current policies up for revision and worked closely with fellow board members. Emphasizing collaboration and including diverse perspectives has been key to successfully updating our board policies. This approach fosters open communication and encourages buy-in from all stakeholders, ultimately leading to more effective actions and decisions for our school district.

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.

I believe the district does an excellent job with its diversity and equity efforts. Every department consistently focuses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in their work, and during public meetings, I appreciate how board members ask questions to ensure this priority is upheld. I share the board's commitment to DEI, as it creates a richer learning environment by bringing together various perspectives and experiences. This focus ensures that all students receive equitable opportunities and support, helping to close achievement gaps and promote fair access to resources. An inclusive environment fosters empathy and respect among students, contributing to their social and emotional development. By prioritizing DEI, we not only enhance students' understanding of the world around them but also achieve better academic and social outcomes. I fully support the continuation and enhancement of these important programs in our school district.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe I am the best candidate for the school board because I bring a unique and valuable perspective to the table. As a parent of three children in the district — an advanced learner, a child with special needs in a self-contained program, and a general education student with ADHD support — I have firsthand experience understanding diverse student needs. Additionally, as a school-based occupational therapist, I offer insights from both general and special education settings. This background allows me to consider the broader impact of our decisions, particularly for underrepresented populations. I am dedicated to ensuring that all students and families have a voice in our district’s policies, advocating for an inclusive and equitable educational environment. My combined experience as a parent and educator positions me to make informed decisions that benefit every student in our schools

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

As a candidate for the school board, one of my key ideas to improve our district is to enhance our focus on the inclusion of special education students. While the topic of inclusion is often discussed within the broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework, I believe we need to specifically address the high number of self-contained programs in our district. While it's commendable that we offer various levels of support for our diverse learners, the prevalence of self-contained programs raises concerns about opportunities for inclusion. There will always be students who require this level of support, but I believe our district should work towards minimizing the number of self-contained programs and increasing efforts to integrate special education students into general education settings. By fostering a more inclusive environment, we can better support all students in their educational journey and promote a sense of belonging within our schools.