I care deeply about my children’s education. I know that investing my analytic and management skills will allow for the needed discussions to restore Winnetka’s public schools, while providing the community with a board member that represents them.
Patrick Conway
The Platform
A VOICE FOR THE STUDENTS
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY
Patrick believes that our students should come first, and is willing to make tough decisions to restore education excellence in Winnetka. He has served on over 10 professional boards in his financial career. Patrick runs his own company, and has proven himself as a successful leader and invaluable teammate. His problem-solving personality
Patrick believes that our students should come first, and is willing to make tough decisions to restore education excellence in Winnetka. He has served on over 10 professional boards in his financial career. Patrick runs his own company, and has proven himself as a successful leader and invaluable teammate. His problem-solving personality is a critical asset to any group he is part of. A strong background in management and clear integrity will help steer our schools back to the top.
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY
Every parent in Winnetka wants to see the best possible education for their child. Every taxpayer in Winnetka wants to see schools that stand out from the rest and live up to the elite history they were founded on. Every resident in Winnetka deserves to have their voice heard and represented. Each elementary school in Winnetka should be e
Every parent in Winnetka wants to see the best possible education for their child. Every taxpayer in Winnetka wants to see schools that stand out from the rest and live up to the elite history they were founded on. Every resident in Winnetka deserves to have their voice heard and represented. Each elementary school in Winnetka should be equally represented on the school board, and receive equal resources to decrease disparities in education outcomes.
GET INVOLVED
REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY
GET INVOLVED
We are uniting around a common goal, and using this election as a time to show up and be heard. We care deeply about our children's education and think that all residents are capable of voting for the candidates they want, not just who the private Caucus Council of 8 have chosen. We urgently need a fair voice on the School Board to help n
We are uniting around a common goal, and using this election as a time to show up and be heard. We care deeply about our children's education and think that all residents are capable of voting for the candidates they want, not just who the private Caucus Council of 8 have chosen. We urgently need a fair voice on the School Board to help navigate the many important changes coming up, and to bring back education excellence to Winnetka. Independent candidates need more help to get elected!
The questions we need to be asking
Why is School Performance Declining While Taxes Climb Higher?
In 2022 the D36 School Board approved an aggregate levy increase of 6.5%, which excludes the increases from the referendum funding. Meanwhile test scores have declined the past four years with D36 ranking as the lowest rated New Trier feeder school for 8th graders passing algebra 1 and lowest IRA scores in english language arts. D36 remains the furthest behind in recovering from COVID learning loss.
Why Do Disparities Exist Between District Elementary Schools?
The school board should be exploring why there are proficiency gaps between the three elementary schools. Many parents have voiced concern over the lack of uniformity between the schools and teachers yet the previous board has not made this a topic in recent public meetings.
U.S. News & World Report rankings, which was based on 2018-2019 school year, Greeley Elementary School ranked as the #8 elementary school in Illinois. Crow Island Elementary School ranked as #136 while Hubbard Woods Elementary School ranked as #678.
Why Aren't D36 Students Prepared for New Trier?
Parents have been asking for more transparency into how D36 students compare when they arrive at New Trier. According to the Winnetka Caucus Council 2022 survey over 70% of parents would like the board to share this data.
The progressive education system focused on building a foundation in early childhood centered around skills such as creative problem solving and fostering curiosity in learning. Previously, this early investment returned results of children meeting or exceeding their peers by 8th grade. We need to dig in to understand why this is no longer the case.
Why is There a Lack of Trust and Transparency in the Board?
According to the Winnetka Caucus Council 2022 survey results 18% of responses were negative about Board leadership and communication. 55% were negative about school performance.
The School Board has not provided an opportunity for two-way interaction with the community for several years...however, they decided to restart it 50 days before the election.
How Can We Restore the Excellence of Winnetka Schools?
It starts with leadership and the willingness to ask these types of tough questions. It requires a diverse board that can approach topics from different perspectives while being willing to openly and professionally debate, knowing we all have the same goal: restoring Winnetka's educational excellence.
Long before Winnetka was famous for the Home Alone house, it was internationally recognized for the "Winnetka Plan" as a model for other schools to follow. We can get back to being a leader in education; we have the resources, wonderful teachers, and a community that cares deeply about our children (and/or our property values). We can restore the trust in the school board and start working together to get actual results.
Contribute
Your donation is an opportunity to be part of something bigger.
Donate via Zelle by using the email address: patrick@pconway4D36.com or click the link below.
