Vote #1 for Academic Growth, Transparency, and Financial Expertise
Vote on April 1st!
I care deeply about my children’s education. I know that investing my communication, leadership, and finance skills will allow for the needed discussions to grow Winnetka’s public schools, while providing the community with a board member that is accessible, engaged, and who represents them.
Patrick Conway
Team Winnetka
I coach many youth sports teams and have been heard saying this to my athletes:
“Remember, when we are at practice we compete to bring out the best in each other, but when practice ends we are all on the same team working towards the same goal.”
I believe that all of the candidates running for school board are working toward the same goal of giving the best education possible for the children of Winnetka. But how we achieve these results is by having board members that have the ability to be engaged, focused and accessible to all constituents. My job allows flexibility with my schedule. Our three children will soon be at three different Winnetka schools (Crow, Skokie and Washburne) giving me first hand experience with each grade level school. Whether I am dropping kids off at school or on the flag football sidelines, I am always accessible to any parent who wants to share ideas or concerns. Should I have the honor to serve the families of D36, I will make being a school board member my top priority. Having children across all levels of the District means that K-8 education is very important to our family during these years.
My PLatform
Communication
For years I have seen survey results or heard through word of mouth “parents want more data." Although the district has made positive strides by providing Otus, etc, there is still opportunity to grow. I believe we have less of a data problem and more of a communication problem. The school district, superintendent, and principals all send an enormous amount of information but we still hear there is a gap in what parents are looking for. Why? Because the school board needs to do a better job engaging with our constituents. Talk to each other, two way communication, don’t shy away from data – there is a lot the district should be proud of, but addressing where we can grow is also very important.
When someone asks a straightforward question and doesn’t receive a straightforward response, it leads to suspicion and rumors. I believe the best way to address this is transparency and authentic communication.
Consistency in the Curriculum
We have big discrepancies of achievement scores among the schools. Yet, we have world class educators teaching our children. As we are rolling out new math and literacy curriculums, we have a unique opportunity to narrow the differences. How do we make sure that the "tides lift all boats" and we are meeting the needs of all types of learners?
The recent US News and World Report shows large differences between our own schools and that we lag behind our peers. Winnetka: Greeley #31, Crow Island #410, Hubbard Woods #125; and Skokie School #45, Carleton Washburne #69 - middle schools
Kenilworth: Sears #40
Wilmette: Romona #32, Central #52, Harper #59, McKenzie #55, and Highcrest #15, and Wilmette Jr. High #51 - middle schools.
Why should you care?
- The methodology that US News and World Report uses is unclear. However, this is a credible source that potential home buyers find when learning about a town/school district to target in their home search.
- We can agree that the US News and World Report rankings may be flawed but we should not have such large gaps between our schools. All of my children attend, or attended, Crow Island, and I believe it is "The best school ever made", so we need to understand why these gaps persist.
While we are making these curriculum changes, this is an ideal time for the board to work in conjunction with the administration to ensure we have the proper processes, data and tools for a seamless transition. If we have chosen a curriculum that is effective, then it needs to be standardized throughout each building and throughout the district. We do not want to leave any learner behind. Let's elevate the experience for all the students of D36.
We want all D36 parents to feel that they do not need to supplement their child's education with an outside tutor.
What can not be lost in this transition is providing strong leadership and oversight to make sure our teachers still feel they have "freedom within the framework" and the necessary support. Our teachers are the ones interacting with our children on a daily basis. We have world class educators that care about our children, so let’s make sure they are empowered to give feedback and support them along the way.
Part of standardizing this process is to establish clear goals. This helps us track success and identify areas for improvement. We are always learning and adjusting for the best possible outcomes, let's make sure we create that feedback loop between parents, teachers, administrators and students along the way. We want everyone to feel comfortable sharing their feedback.
Finance
I have dedicated a significant portion of my career to investing and finance. With our district currently managing a building project amid rising costs, financial oversight remains a crucial responsibility of the school board. Ensuring fiscal responsibility while maximizing the quality of education for our tax dollars is essential, and my financial expertise can be a valuable asset in achieving that goal.
Winnetka spends almost $30,000 on each student (Sep 24, 2024 - School Board Meeting Notice and Agenda for Public Hearing on the FY25 Final Budget). Meanwhile part of D36's culture is our historical buildings, which cost a lot to maintain. In order to balance being fiscally responsible and providing the best education we need to evaluate the rising costs vs. what impacts our students on a daily basis.
Attention to detail in finance committees can feel very tedious but it is one of the most important aspect of the board - we are responsible for delivering the best education for the tax payers in Winnetka.
Unite Around Our CommON Goals
Like many of you, I have been saddened with how divided society has been in recent years. I have read comments insinuating political views and outside money are pouring into the Winnetka school board election which is just causing division within our community. For the record I have NO “outside money” funding my campaign nor do I have political views fueling my run for school board. Anyone who says or insinuates otherwise is spreading lies. I would never accept outside money from political organizations or people with political agendas. I believe in focusing on offering the best educational experience for Winnetka’s children and families.
Open respectful communication, enhancing our processes of curriculum, and contributing financial expertise are not political. If parents and community members choose to support my campaign because they align with the above goals then they are welcome to. I cannot speak for the other candidates running but in my opinion we need to focus on education not politics.
I believe I am a candidate that WILL unite rather than divide.
Vilifying For Asking Questions Has Gone Too Far
It seems as if parents are afraid to ask questions for the fear of being “cancelled”. I have been called horrendous names for choosing to volunteer for the school board – but this shows I am still willing to engage with people even when they (think) they disagree with me.
- 2 years ago I was told my reputation would be damaged for running independently, which was attempted to do by spreading falsehoods.
- I have had people yell things at me, including “book banner” in a Winnetka public parking lot, in front of my family (for the record I am completely against "book banning").
- Now I'm receiving harassing voicemails - go ahead and listen.
- This is the result of cancel-culture and it has gone too far. Cancel Culture discourages discourse and we can see it here - if you ask a question you will be labeled and slandered.
More Engagement, Not Less
You can hear by the voicemail that attacking a school board candidate is giving a bad name to all of Winnetka. Winnetka has tremendous pride, and it should. We need to unite around our common goal of wanting the best education possible for every student. Not tearing someone down for a volunteering for a position.
We should encourage more people to ask questions, not less. The board should exist to represent everyone, not to be an echo chamber with themselves. Unanimous voting and censoring questions is not going to move the needle for our children's education, we can do better. The fact that I am still passionate about the school board shows my willingness to engage with everyone, especially those who may have questions or criticisms.
Board Experience is Key
This behavior of vilifying those asking questions has now persisted to school board members limiting questions from fellow board members at public meetings. We need board members that understand we are all working towards the same goal and the “us vs them” attitude needs to stop. We are on the same team. My vast professional board experience will be an asset to team building.
Contribute
$0.00
Your donation is an opportunity to be part of something bigger. Show your candidate that you have their back. All the help is appreciated!