Merima Biacan: 2025 candidate for Queen Bee Elementary District 16 board

Bio

Office sought: Queen Bee Elementary District 16 board (Vote for 4)

City: Glendale Heights

Age: 35

Occupation: Business manager

Previous offices held: First time running for office

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

Having three children of my own attending schools in Queen Bee District 16, to me, as a parent, it is extremely important that our children receive best education possible. Our district can greatly benefit from someone like me, who can bring new ideas and fresh perspective to our community. I am running for the office to represent all the voices that want to be heard, from students and teachers to parents and community overall.

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

School board plays huge and important role in setting and monitoring the curriculum. Board is in charge of approving the curriculum that district will follow. Curriculum should be based on value and needs of our community and board should be involved in curriculum from beginning and through entire process.

Consistent evaluation of students progress and aiming for academic excellence. Board should be asking for ongoing feedback from parents as well, and make necessary updates to curriculum to fulfill student’s and community’s needs.

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

Education is not one size fits all. Curriculum should be more personalized with focus on getting students prepared for real life events with emphasis on critical thinking and decision making. Our children should be learning how to think and not what to think.

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?

With extensive background in management and customer service some of my greatest strengths are team leadership, conflict resolution and active listening. The key is understanding the policy and voicing your concern. To provide leadership and to be the voice for others you have to be an excellent listener.

As a board member, I will always lead with empathy and understanding other party’s point of view to better provide solution that is satisfactory to everyone. School board should always work closely with local and state authorities and seek support when needed.

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 been working in a group setting my whole professional career. I believe that greatest and most productive decisions are made when collaborating with others. As previously mentioned, listening is the key.

All and every idea and suggestion should be taken into consideration. Making any decision when it comes to our children should not be taken lightly and it should be reached cohesively.

At the end of the day, as a member of the school board, I will work toward implementing policies that are in the best interest of students, teachers and parents.

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.

Our community is very diverse and diversity is our strength. Although there is always room for improvement and further discussion, I believe our district is doing great job with diversity and equity. I am also firm believer that schools should be free of politics and remain free of every and all type of agendas.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am very open and honest, and I will always have our students best interest in mind. I want the best education for all district families and I am willing to put work in to make District 16 the best school district in state of Illinois.

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

Higher level of student, staff and parent satisfaction across the district.