Anthony Q. Lee: 2025 candidate for Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102

Bio

Office sought: Aptakisic-Tripp Elementary District 102 (Vote for 4)

City: Buffalo Grove

Age: 46

Occupation: Civil engineer

Previous offices held: None

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

I am running for this office because I believe in public service, public education, and being active in the community. I also have two children currently enrolled in the school district and have a vested interest in the well-being of the children in District 102.

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

The Illinois School Code sets curriculum standards for the state. Each district adapts their curriculum to the needs of their students. The role of the school board is to put in place district staff and a superintendent that will manage and properly set curriculum standards.

The school board reviews curriculum and will speak up if any issues arise, making sure that the curriculum meets state standards.

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

Within District 102, there exists an unusually high number of children for whom English is not their first language. These children speak many different languages, and going forward, the board will need to continue to encourage the school staff to come up with ways to meet the needs of these children, while continuing to provide the quality education that the district is known for.

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?

If elected to the school board, my role would be to listen to constituents, other board members, and provide an opinion once I've taken all the available information into account. Being in a leadership role sometimes means making unpopular decisions for the good of the whole. I would not shy away from this duty.

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.

I am an engineer by trade and in my experience the best way to come up with solutions is by listening to the concerned parties, examining all the available data and using that data to come up with a logical solution. By looking at the facts and taking into account all sides of an issue, informed decisions can be made.

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.

In my opinion, District 102 has been making good progress with their diversity and equity efforts. I would like to see them continue because the district is constantly evolving and changing. The school board must remain vigilant in its efforts to serve the needs of all the students in the district.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am serious about helping District 102 move in the right direction. I have been attending board meetings for months in person as well as remotely in order to familiarize myself with the basic workings of the school board. I have a work schedule that is often flexible enough for me to attend committee meetings during the day. I will listen to all sides of any argument, using evidence to arrive at sensible conclusions.

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

New community outreach events that will improve relations between the community and the school board. It could serve the district to reach out specifically to taxpayers that do not have children in the district, so they have a chance to see where their money is going and ask any questions they might have.