2017 Election Questionnaire: Mary McNicholas, D300 School Board

Name: Mary McNicholas

Age: 20

Town of residence: West Dundee

Position sought: Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education Member

Family: My parents, Sue and Brian, are longtime Dundee residents. I have two younger sisters, one of whom is currently enrolled at Dundee Middle School.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: I attended D300 schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade, including Dundee Highlands Elementary School, Dundee Middle School, and Dundee-Crown High School. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy with a specialization in Education Policy at the University of Chicago.

Occupation: Student at the University of Chicago

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: If elected, my greatest challenge will be serving on a public school board at a time when public education in the United States is threatened— particularly in Illinois where the state budget crisis poses a critical risk to education funding. I truly believe that every member of the D300 community should have access to a well-funded, well-staffed school, and that D300 schools should be the best option. As a Board member, I would continue my legislative advocacy work to ensure that D300 can keep serving the community in a tumultuous political climate. This involves not only maintaining but expanding education services, all while keeping a balanced budget that places the smallest burden possible on taxpayers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I am seeking a seat on the CUSD 300 Board of Education because I want to bring my strong passion, experience, and unique perspective to the board. As a recent D300 graduate, my voice is the closest to a student perspective of anyone running. I have experienced first-hand exactly what makes D300 schools so remarkable, and I have also seen the problems that need to be addressed. During my time as a Dundee-Crown High School Student, I served on the D300 School Board Legislative Committee, where I learned many of the ins and outs of state funding challenges, including unfunded mandates and the difficulty of receiving large portions of funding categorically. I also acted on district concerns regarding policy issues such as virtual charter schools and the Sears EDA. Since graduation, my passion for D300 and education policy has only increased, and I would use my position as a Board of Education member to act as a voice and advocate for the people most affected by district decisions— the students.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?: The current D300 school board has not failed the community, but they do lack an important perspective. On many issues, I would bring not only my experience as an advocate for public education, but also my perspective as a recent D300 graduate. Many district decisions and questions center around the student experience and the board should have a member who understands the experiences of current D300 students and has proven their willingness to advocate for them.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: As a recent D300 graduate, my voice is the closest to a student perspective of anyone running. I have experienced first-hand exactly what makes D300 schools so remarkable, and I’ve also seen the problems that need to be addressed. While at Dundee-Crown, I served on the now-defunct School Board Legislative Committee. During my tenure as the high school representative, I helped establish and plan a “Bring Your Legislator to School Day.” The ultimate goal of the program was to invite state-level legislators into D300 schools to experience the unique challenges and opportunities available to D300 students. To plan this program, I visited multiple schools across the district, speaking with teachers from every department and specialization possible to learn what struggles and triumphs they saw on a daily basis. After planning a few potential schedules, I worked to coordinate visits with several Board of Education members who spent an entire day visiting a diverse set of classes and educational situations, from remedial math to Advanced Placement English, from the lunchroom to the counseling center. While I by no means have a comprehensive view of every issue in the district, learning about the problems faced by students have driven my passion for public education advocacy. I hope to serve D300 as a Board of Education member to serve as a voice and advocate for the people most affected by district decisions— the students.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?: If elected to serve D300, no single accomplishment would be sufficient to define my term in office as a success. Instead, I would look to improve quality of education for each and every student in the district, and to expand and improve access to the fantastic resources of D300 schools.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career: When I was in high-school, I was a fairly high-strung student. There was a specific paper for an English class where we had to select a topic on which to write a research paper. I remember wanting to write about an unfamiliar topic, but passing it up in place of an easier topic. While I earned a decent grade on the paper, I still regret not choosing the theme I was really passionate about. I would have learned more, even if my paper would have been harder to write or I would have received a lower grade. The experience reinforced the importance of challenging myself and trusting in my own abilities.

Why should voters trust you?: Voters should trust me because I care deeply about education. I have proven my dedication to D300 by serving on the School Board Legislative Committee and actively participating in the community for years. D300 schools brought me to where I am today, and I’m committed to making sure every student in the district has access to those opportunities. It’s time for me to give back.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. - Nelson Mandela

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?: The D300 Board of Education only has one government employee directly accountable to the board, and that is the superintendent. Superintendent Heid is currently employed by the district and, in my opinion, has been an effective leader. I would appreciate his continued innovation and leadership, and would ask that he continue to be a partner to the Board of Education.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?: District 300 has consistently maintained a per student spending level far below the state average for both operational and instructional expenditures. The reason that the district currently has a budget surplus is because of the excellent financial work accomplished by the district in recent years. Despite adding important programming like full-day kindergarten and STEM labs to elementary schools, D300 was actually able to lower the property tax levy and still maintain a budget surplus. Of course, district finances should be constantly reviewed to ensure that the district remains fiscally responsible, but given the lower than average tax rate levied by D300 and the recent vote to lower the tax levy further, I believe that the district is already doing what it can and should to place the smallest possible burden on homeowners. The priority of a public school district and school board should be to provide the best education programming at the most efficient property tax rate.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: While a student at Dundee-Crown High School, I held organize students to effectively fight the Sears EDA. I also served on the District 300 Legislative Committee where I helped lobby for the passage of a temporary moratorium on virtual charter schools. I also learned many of the ins and outs of state funding challenges, including unfunded mandates and the difficulty of receiving large portions of funding categorically. I attended almost every single board meetings for two years straight while a student. I am intimately familiar with the district budget, current issues, and the legislative process at the local, state, and federal levels.

The best advice ever shared with me was: The best piece of advice I ever received was to not be afraid to fail. Failure is an important part of learning.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I am committed to serving each and every D300 community member. If elected, I will bring my enthusiasm, energy, and experience to the position. I would appreciate your vote on April 4th.

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