Carrie Devitt: 2025 candidate for Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 board

Bio

Office Sought:

City: Wheeling

Age: 39

Occupation: Elementary teacher, fifth grade

Previous offices held: None

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

I have always been an involved parent in my children's education. I have served as the PTO president of their elementary school for the last three years and as I wrap up that role, I am excited to increase my involvement, at the district level.

I think that it's incredibly important for current parents to serve on the school board. Additionally, I have been an elementary school teacher for 16 years and hope to bring my experience in education to the board.

As the typical profile of our learners continue to change, it is important that our schools are adapting to their needs. I hope to support our district's mission to create an “inclusive and dynamic environment, where all students can thrive.”

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

I believe that it is the school board's role to be responsive to the needs of its students, based on data and evidence from the district and its learners. There are many stakeholders that collaborate to determine what curricular programs will be the best fit for the district and the needs of its learners.

It is the role of the school board, to analyze the data and trends of different groups of learners. When reviewing and monitoring data, if it is determined that there are academic areas where growth targets are not being met, then our programs should be reassessed.

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

Currently, the district is reviewing its math curriculum, based on poor growth. It has been interesting to listen to data presentations at school board meetings and learn more about the process for how curriculum is reviewed.

The district has also made wonderful improvements with interventions and identifying students that are at risk for not making their projected growth targets. If I am elected as a school board member, I would like to continue learning more about this process and the programs that are used for interventions.

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, my role is to balance multiple responsibilities, but always prioritize my decision making on the best interest of students and the community. Leadership requires courage to stand by what’s best for the educational environment, even if it’s an unpopular opinion. Giving a voice to constituents is equally important, even if we disagree. My role is to represent all voices and ensure that everyone in the community feels heard.

When we listen to different perspectives, we foster a democratic process where all stakeholders are informed and engaged. At times, we need to defer to state authorities. State laws and regulations take precedence and their standards guide educational practices that we must operate within. Overall, my role is to make thoughtful and well-informed decisions that prioritize our students.

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.

As a new member to the school board, I will be growing my experience in determining policy. However, I hope that my teaching experience will be an asset to the group. I plan to approach these group settings with openness, respect and active listening.

I believe that effective policy decisions are the result of thoughtful dialogue where each member's expertise and perspectives are valued. I plan to be effective in my actions and decisions by fostering open communication, staying solution oriented and making data-driven decisions that always prioritize students.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, of would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.

In their mission, District 21 states that “we believe in fostering a warm, inclusive, and dynamic environment where every student can thrive.” I believe in this mission and working to provide equitable experiences for all students. I plan to continue to support this mission and collaborate with all stakeholders to enhance these programs for our students.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe that as a current parent in the district and an experienced educator, I am the best candidate for the job. As someone who works with students every day, I understand how the needs of our students have changed in recent years and we need to adapt our programming to current needs. Each school board member brings a unique skillset to the board and I hope to add my expertise and experience.

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

Our district is always working to improve our community engagement and connect parents and guardians to their child’s education. Parent engagement is such a key component to student success and fostering strong, positive relationships between school and families is essential.

As a new member to the board, I would like to continue to build parent engagement and generate ideas to create a culture of inclusivity and active participation.