Deborah Cain: 2025 candidate for Villa Park-Lombard Elementary District 45 board

Bio

Office sought: Villa Park-Lombard Elementary District 45

City: Villa Park

Age: 29

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: N/A

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

From a young age, I was taught the importance of public education and education became a passion of mine. I have always wanted to work in education or be on a school board and took every opportunity available to me to increase my knowledge of education law and policy.

I believe that serving on the school board is the best way for me to serve students and ensure all students can be successful. I want to be on the District 45 school board because I grew up in this district, value the opportunities it has given me, and want to give back to my community.

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

The role of the school board is the evaluate and approve the curriculum that aligns with district policies and ensures the best education for all of our students. The school board selects the district administration, who is then responsible for researching and presenting a curriculum to the school board that will best educate all of our students. The school board then approves the curriculum if it aligns with district policies.

Once the curriculum has been implemented, the school board evaluates the performance reports to make sure that the curriculum is achieving its goals. If there are any issues, the school board directs the administration to reevaluate the curriculum and make any necessary changes.

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

I believe that the school board has to make sure that the curriculum is serving all students, preparing them for high school and the future, regardless of each students style of learning. The school district does a great job of working with DuPage School District 88 and Salt Creek School District 48 in preparing out students for high school.

I want to make sure that the school boards administration keeps up with those discussions, as well as making sure the school boards also collaborate. I also want to make sure that our curriculum is adaptive to the needs of different students, allowing for each student to excel and learn in the way that is best for them.

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?

I believe that the role of a public official to serve their constituents. I also believe that the role of a school board member is to best serves students. As a school board member, I would always make sure to put the needs of the students before my own personal beliefs.

I would also make sure to listen to the concerns of constituents, but, again, I am always going to choose what is best for the student.

As a lawyer, I also know that there are going to be times when state authorities take precedent, but I will always do my best for the students and advocate to make sure we are meeting our students’ needs.

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 have served on various boards and currently serve on the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce board. I make sure to listen to the other board members and as wells as concerns from the public members. I view my role as trying to do what is best for my organization and understanding that while each member may have different ideas, they have the same goals as me. This means I work on compromising with other board members and understanding where best to put my time and effort.

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.

We live in one of the most diverse communities in Illinois. It is important as a school board that we always protect diversity and champion equity in our schools. Diversity is necessary to education as the exposure to different ideas and cultures helps students to learn and grow.

Equity is also important because each student is an individual, despite their background, and we have to make sure that they have the opportunities so that they can grow to their potential.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am the best candidate for this job because of my love of education and my community. I grew up in the district. While I grew up in Lombard, attending Westmore and Jackson, I now live in Villa Park near North and Jefferson. I love and care about both Villa Park and Lombard, and have connections to most schools in the district.

I am also invested in my community as a part of a small business and a board member of the chamber of commerce.

When it comes to education, as an attorney, I can interpret and give advice on the law. I also have experience with education, having interned with a school district in Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. My passion for my community and public education make me the best candidate for the job.

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

I want to make sure that the district always has accessibility as a priority in our schools. In order to do this, I want to not only make sure the buildings and educational material are accessible, but make sure the students themselves see the value in having an accessible environment.