Lisa Warren: 2025 candidate for Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board

Bio

Office sought: Lake Zurich Unit District 95 board (Vote for 4)

City: Kildeer

Age: 59

Occupation: Volunteer

Previous offices held: District 95 board member since January 2012

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

The work I have done as part of the school board for the past 13-plus years has helped lead the district to achieve many accomplishments and I am excited to utilize my skills and experience to participate in continuing work toward the district’s mission to empower every learner to achieve personal excellence.

District 95 has enjoyed many successes over the past several years. Two schools, Middle School North and Lake Zurich High School, were recognized with the national Blue Ribbon Award. The entire district is one of 10 nationwide to receive the national Green Ribbon Award.

The district also received a “Great Place to Work” distinction last year. The great work being done by students, staff and families is evidenced with these awards as well as the Illinois School Report Card in which all eight schools are rated exemplary or commendable with improvements in standardized testing scores across the board and a decrease in chronic absenteeism.

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

The school board’s role is to set policy to guide curriculum. Regular curriculum reports are made to the board and any proposed curriculum changes are presented for board approval. Representatives from each grade level and each building gather as part of the curriculum committee for a specific subject.

These groups ensure the current curriculum meets the state and national standards and aligns with the district’s instruction model.

Illinois offers school districts local control, so the curriculum is also evaluated to ensure it is in line with the district’s mission, vision and values as well as compliance with current district policy.

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

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction has established a cycle of review for all subjects taught in the district. Traditionally the cycle is no longer than five years. These reviews ensure compliance with standards, policy and the district’s mission, vision and values.

This process and professional development coupled with the hard work of staff and students is effective, evidenced by all eight schools being rated as exemplary or commendable. The role of the board is to ensure consistent delivery of quality curriculum throughout the district. I am not aware of any curriculum issues that need particular attention from the board.

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 have served as one of two board member representatives to the Policy Committee since 2012. The Policy Committee also includes representatives from the administration, teachers and support staff.

There are set procedures in place to report and evaluate a policy and/or curriculum controversy. If the issue is not resolved at the school or administration level, the issue will be brought to the school board for discussion.

As one of seven board members, my role is ensure I understand the issue, seek perspective from others and review solutions in light of national and state requirements as well as the district mission, vision and values. The District 95 school board has a history of frank and open discussion. The board will arrive at a majority decision and all members of the board will support that decision — even though the board is made up of seven people, it must act with one voice.

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 had the pleasure of serving as one of the two board member representatives to the Policy Committee since 2012. The Policy Committee also includes representatives from the administration, teachers and support staff.

The district utilizes a service available to school boards throughout the state of Illinois to provide guidance on policy wording and additions needed to reflect changes in school law at the state and national level.

Each suggestion is discussed by the Policy Committee to ensure it agrees with the district’s mission, vision and values and legal opinion is requested as necessary. When preparing for these meetings, I ensure my questions and comments reflect not only my personal views but those of my constituents.

The Policy Committee prepares a list of proposed policy changes to present to the board at a public meeting where they are discussed. Questions are answered and clarification provided. The board does not vote to approve a policy change until the next board meeting and the vote will be deferred if additional information or discussion is needed.

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.

District 95 is a diverse community. Meeting each student’s needs has led to more diversity in the hiring of staff. The district has several bilingual classrooms in addition to English Language teachers fluent in Spanish, Ukrainian, Polish and Russian. Schools nationwide have been impacted by the teacher shortage.

To combat this shortage at District 95, the recruiting team has expanded the colleges, universities and job fairs they attend to “cast a wider net” to ensure open positions are filled with qualified candidates.

These actions have increased the number of applications received for open positions, thereby increasing the diversity of the hiring pool and new staff members.

The current strategic plan calls for the human resource department to “Attract and hire high quality and diverse teaching, administrative and support staff.” The values of the district include “equity,” a value that is included in every action plan. I believe the district is taking appropriate steps to toward diversity and equity and I support these efforts.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe I am the best candidate for the job as a school board member because of my experience and dedication to serve everyone who lives in District 95. I have found this role both challenging and educational.

Through my years of service, I have learned how to best bring my talents to the table and how to ask the right questions to learn more. I bring my finance background and have learned so much about education through the work I have done.

I also make an effort to be present at district events to see firsthand our community in action. I serve as secretary of the board. I am one of two board members on the Policy, Sustainability, and Teaching and Learning Committees. I serve as the board representative on the Handbook/Behavior Policy and Health and Wellness Committees.

One of the signers on my petition summed it up best. He said, “Lisa, I gladly sign your petition because I fully believe that you serve and make decisions 100% with the best interest of the students in your heart.”

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

I firmly believe District 95 is a great district! The district has begun efforts to provide a pathway for students at Lake Zurich High School to graduate and pursue a future that does not necessarily involve attending a four-year university.

The district’s current strong financial position allows for the investment in renovations and improvements to facilitate multifaceted courses allowing for the exploration of multiple college and career ready pathways. I believe the acceptance and support for other pathways need to grow beyond the high school building.

Parents and students, the community as a whole, need to expand their acceptance and support of additional pathways, such as attending trade schools and community colleges or entry directly into the workforce as the best path for some students, even potentially their own.