Elizabeth Massa: 2023 candidate for Des Plaines School District 62 board

Bio

Town: Des Plaines

Age on Election Day: 39

Occupation: Stay at home parent, former teacher

Employer: n/a

Previous offices held: Current Board Member, Forest Parent Teacher Council

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I want to continue to volunteer my time for all students who attend our schools. Since I was appointed in 2019, I have had the pleasure of seeing all of our amazing students and talented staff at work. I want to continue to work with our leadership team to help our students become productive citizens by providing safe schools, effective curriculum, and staff well-versed in student educational and social-emotional needs. My teaching experience is primarily with underrepresented students, and I believe strongly in equity and transparency. I also want to see full day kindergarten, more support staff in our classrooms, and continued integrated social-emotional support for our students.

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

A: The school board has a responsibility to ensure the chosen curriculum best aids all students reaching educational goals. We have a responsibility to review data and work with the Instructional Services team and teaching staff. Together, we work to ensure the curriculum is best serving our students and preparing them for further success.

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

A: I think we could be doing a better job teaching our kids to read. The reading test scores are recovering, but we can do better. The literacy program should be consistent throughout the district, and phonics needs to be taught deliberately.

Q: 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?

A: The board of education has to follow the law. However, the board does listen to parent voice, and considers concerns when discussing policy and curriculum. We might not always agree how to get there, but we all want what is best for our students. Transparency and proactive communication are critical pieces when building trust between the board, superintendent, other administrators and families.

Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?

A: Communication and patience are so important. In a crisis, people want information, and transparency is critical. Because our job is to ensure education for all students in the district, we must ensure students and staff are both physically safe, and *feel* safe in our buildings. We've learned that even our Kindergartners can take care of an iPad! Access to technology, such as hot spots for Wi-Fi and iPads, should continue to be provided. I'd like to see the district provide more education for using these devices for parents too.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

A: I am the policy liaison for the board which requires careful reading and consideration of proposed new policies. Our policy reflects changes in the law, but we do have to be exact in our wording, since policy directs the work the district does. I am a careful listener. I think gathering points of view and opinions in addition to applicable facts is valuable. It is important to be mindful of equitable practices and long term effects of our policies. So, listening to each other on the board and working collaboratively with the superintendent is critical.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I listen well, thoroughly read information given to me from the superintendent, and do research which makes me prepared, thorough and ready to actively participate. I do not make decisions lightly, and I always ask questions for clarification. My kids attend District 62 schools, so I think of them and their classmates across the district when I see bar graphs of test results or resources for classrooms. I consider students of all abilities and backgrounds and ensure equitable access to resources, staff and technology for all. I have visited all our buildings numerous times since 2019, and I care deeply about gaining context across the district. I take my responsibility to our community seriously. I find these qualities make me prepared to participate and contribute to conversations throughout the district.

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

A: I want more interaction between families and the administration. I would love to have more student voice, and show the results of their participation. I would like to tell the story of the work being done at District 62 more effectively. I want families to know about the services that are available for them such as food backpacks and contact with the Kenneth Young Center, our partner in social-emotional education. There are so many wonderful groups, committees and individuals that work together with the administration and unfortunately, I think most families don't know about them. We are lucky to live in Des Plaines, a place with many different community groups, cultures and languages, and by working together, our students benefit and become active citizens and lifelong learners.