Kelly Beall: 2025 candidate for candidate for Antioch Elementary District 34 board

Bio

Office sought: Antioch Elementary District 34 board (Vote for 4)

City: Lake Villa

Age: 56

Occupation: Substitute teacher

Previous offices held: District 34 board member since 2023

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

My children were raised through CCSD34 and CHSD117 schools and are thriving because of the outstanding public education they received. I’m passionate about assuring that all students in our district receive the quality public education they deserve. Also, I am invested in our strategic plan and the projects we are currently working on and would like to see them through to completion.

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

The school board should work with the recommendations of the administrative team who in turn have worked with teachers and staff to determine the best ways to assure curriculum meets state standards and requirements and meets the needs of all students. Data and classroom feedback should be monitored to determine what is working and make adjustments where needed.

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

District 34 currently has 1 exemplary and 3 commendable school designations per the Illinois Report Card. The board is currently working on improvements in English Language Arts and math by expanding instructional time and rigor in the upper grade school.

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 an elected school board member, it is important to listen to constituents, follow legal guidance, adhere to board policy, and use all information to provide leadership, because ultimately everyone should be working in the best interests of the 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.

I spent 10 years working as an account manager for multiple self-funded medical plan cooperatives. Effective organizations have members who do their homework, collaborate, discuss, work through differing opinions, and come up with the best course of action.

Coming to the table with an open mind, working together even when we disagree, and always centering district decisions around students will lead to producing effective decisions.

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.

As it is outlined in our strategic plan, “equity, diversity, and inclusion are foundational elements that make us stronger together — enriching our experiences through belonging, respect, and self-awareness.”

Of our roughly 2,560 students, about 15% receive special education services and about 8% are English language learners with 29 languages spoken.

In order to serve all students, we must meet them where they are and provide supports and tools necessary for growth. I absolutely support these programs, the teachers, and the students. All students.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have spent the last two years on this board working diligently to make sure our decisions benefit all students in our district. We work well together and were even awarded a board governance award last year.

Also, I have spent the past 20 years working and volunteering in our schools in various capacities. I have worked in a district office on curriculum, as an aide in the middle school, as a cafeteria worker, and as a substitute teacher in elementary, middle, and high schools. I have a unique perspective that has walked a mile in many shoes.

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

I would like to see the state provide an insurance cooperative for all public school districts in order to have a larger pool providing more leverage with insurance companies to lower overall costs.