Pamela J. Nelson: 2025 candidate for Mount Prospect Elementary District 57 board

Bio

Office sought: Mount Prospect Elementary District 57 board (Vote for 4)

City: Mount Prospect

Age: 72

Occupation: Retired librarian; active on several nonprofit boards

Previous offices held: District 57 board member

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

I am running for reelection to the District 57 school board to share my experience with education of children in a public library environment and my expertise in building projects. District 57 gave my son a quality education that enabled him to attend Harvard, earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in four years, all without any student loans. While college is not every student’s goal, having an excellent educational foundation will give our students the opportunity of success in whatever career path they choose. I support the district’s “Inspire every student, every day” pledge.

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

The school board hires and supervises a superintendent, and it is the superintendent who hires the rest of the team that is responsible for the curriculum and educating the students. The role of a school board member is to read the board packet prior to the board meeting, come prepared to the meeting, stay alert during the presentation about curriculum news and changes, ask relevant questions, and vote if a vote is needed.

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

The board is aware of and alert to the nationwide trend of reading and math scores lower than desired after COVID. Our administrators and teachers are using the updated Danielson’s “Framework for Teaching,” a road map for effective teaching and imparting knowledge. Curriculum continues to be tailored to the needs of the students and discussion of curriculum takes place on a regular basis in the board meetings.

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 am comfortable voicing questions or concerns in a businesslike manner, and to provide any relevant knowledge or to share any community concerns that I know. The state of Illinois sets policies and gives guidance on which the board discusses potential impact on our students. Fellow board members are not hesitant to share opinions and concerns.

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 member of several nonprofit boards in the community, I am comfortable sharing my opinion, just as I am comfortable hearing the concerns and opinions of the six other board members. Hearing other opinions is a healthy method of looking at an issue from a variety of angles as a method of reaching an acceptable agreement. Respecting the experience and expertise that other board members bring to a discussion allows for a better decision.

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 57 requested an Equity Audit in 2023 and the report was presented in May of 2023. The recommendations were added to the new strategic plan and to the superintendent’s goals. We are in year 2 now, and continue to strive for the best outcomes possible. I support continuation of the enhancement of this vital diversity and equity program as one of several efforts to better represent the diversity of who we are in the community.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

District 57 was the reason we moved to Mount Prospect in 1985. As a result, my son received an excellent educational foundation and I am grateful. I have a history of the community and of the school district.

That knowledge and history, coupled with 47 years experience as a professional librarian in a variety of leadership roles in other publicly funded institutions, gives me a good understanding of the function and purpose of a public education through District 57.

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

My idea is a goal is to remain responsive to outside influences. I remain alert to any changes that the federal government may be making on the Department of Education and on any policy changes, including equity and diversity, freedom to read, and our country’s history, that will impact our students and educators. But, I do believe that our members are alert to these potential impacts as well. I am future-looking as an individual and ready to support our students and educators as needed by any changes that may impact.