2017 Election: Pat Savage-Williams, ETHS District 202 Board of Education

Name: Pat Savage-Williams

Town of residence: Skokie, Illinois

Position sought: Evanston Township High School Board of Education

Family:

Roger Williams, spouse, daughters, Crystal Williams (2010 ETHS graduate) and Charity Williams (2012 ETHS graduate)

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

Education: BS degree in Psychology, MS degree in Educational Psychology, Type 75 Educational Administration Certificate

Occupation: Special Education Coordinator, New Trier High School (2007-present), School Psychologist – New Trier High School (2005-present), School Psychologist – Evanston/Skokie School District 65 (1979-2005)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: Evanston Township High School Board of Education member (2013-present), Currently School Board President (2015-16, 2016-17)

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Funding is the most pressing issue. We have provided many academic opportunities for our students and it is important for us to continue this level of support and academic standards. The possibility of a property tax freeze coupled with alternative funding for Illinois schools presents a financial threat to us. In addition, there is the prospect of shifting pension costs to school districts. Our CFO and administrators have developed some plans for our response should this become a reality. We must monitor this closely to determine when and how to respond. We will have a few contingency plans to consider if and when this happens.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Professionally, I have worked as an educator for 39 years, I have worked with students from preschool through grade 12. My 25 years as a School Psychologist in District 65 gives me unique awareness of the issues that students and families face in our community, as does my current position as School Psychologist and Special Education Coordinator in a North Shore high school for the past twelve years. Given my strong understanding of the many pressures that adolescents grapple with today, particularly in our community, I believe that my personal experience as an African-American woman and mother of two African-American students who went through District 65 and District 202, as well as my professional expertise provide perspectives that are assets to the School Board.

Throughout my career, I have worked closely with dedicated school administrators, teaching staff and parents toward our common goal: to create high achieving schools. Providing a solid education is the greatest gift we can give to our children. Every student has the right to an education that enhances individual strengths, improves weaknesses, and fosters confidence and self-esteem. Thus, my highest priority is to meet the needs of all students within our school community.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

I am excited about the work we did on the ETHS goals and the course proposals for the upcoming school year that are aligned to support goal #1.

District Goal 1: ETHS will increase each student's academic and functional trajectory to realize college/career readiness and independence. Recognizing that racism is the most devastating factor contributing to the diminished achievement of students, ETHS will strive to eliminate the predictability of academic achievement based upon race. ETHS will also strive to eliminate the predictability of academic achievement based upon family income, disabilities and status as English language learners.

One of the most important decisions we made for our curriculum is the change in sophomore level classes, writing and civics which is all part of raising achievement and addressing it in the sophomore year will accelerate the work. Both civics and writing will offer all students an intensive challenge in their sophomore year.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

I have learned the valuable lesson about seeking improvement through systemic change. Too often, approaches to solving problems in education are the same ones used by generations of educators-piecemeal, case by case. Currently, the call for systemic change in education is becoming increasingly forceful. Through my work on the board, I understand the need to approach change using a systems approach.

Why should voters trust you?

As your representative on the Board of Education, I advocate for making ETHS a safe school for all students, keeping class sizes small, ensuring excellence in teaching, and protecting each student’s opportunity to learn and succeed. I listen, observe, respect and support ETHS students, staff and families while bolstering the district in providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum that will raise the performance of all students. I also strive to build effective partnerships with parents, district staff and the Evanston community. Currently, I am the President of the School Board. In this role, I make decisions that are fiscally responsible while being mindful of the best possible uses of our resources.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Education is the most powerful gift we can give to our children. I believe that every student has the right to an education that enhances individual strengths, improves weaknesses, and fosters confidence and self-esteem. Thus, my highest priority is to meet the needs of all students within our school community.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

I am very disappointed in the fact that our state government is dysfunctional. We do not have a budget and there are looming threats to school districts that will negatively impact us heavily. The funding of school districts, the proposal to put the cost of funding pensions heavily on districts and a property tax freeze would be devastating to our district. Any one of these will be very harmful but the fact that all three is probable is a major concern.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

We have maintained our Triple A bond rating and presented balanced budgets for several years. Given the financial uncertainty of the state of Illinois, it is highly commendable that we have been able to maintain this. However, in the future, the board may be asking the district administration and faculty to help us discuss the distribution of resources in a way that will not impact student achievement. A property tax freeze is one of the looming threats we face in the future. Because of the way schools are funded in Illinois, this would be financially devastating for our district. We have discussed values based spending at our board meetings. If the property tax freeze becomes a reality, (and it is might very well happen), we will have to make some difficult decisions. These decisions would be made systematically and there would be opportunity for faculty and community input. It is essential to state that as a board, we are all dedicated to maintaining our commitment to the high academic standards we have established over the years at ETHS.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I believe that it is important for School Board members to listen, observe, respect and support ETHS students, staff and families in order to support the district in providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum that will raise the performance of all students. I will also continue to strive to build effective partnerships with parents, district staff and the Evanston community. As a School Board member, I am interested in hearing from parents, students, community members and district employees. I will provide a structure for communication so I can hear concerns and I will make every effort to follow through and respond when issues are brought to my attention. I understand that it may be necessary to communicate with others in order for me to gain a full understanding of issues. I have no problem asking questions to help me understand a concern that has been presented to me.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

To strive for a healthy-balanced lifestyle. I recognize the importance of self-care and prioritizing to spend time and take care of the needs of family.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am very proud of ETHS. The ETHS mission states that Evanston Township High School has embraced its diversity and is dedicated to educating all students to their fullest potential. I believe ETHS can be a model school where a variety of perspectives are offered and all students’ needs are addressed. Evanston has great potential to be an exemplary community where citizens truly work together while maintaining our ethnic and racial identities and celebrating our diversity. District 202 has a significant opportunity and responsibility to prepare our students for a global society that is becoming more complex each day. With my skills, passion and experience, I will continue to be a strong advocate for the school and the community. Please support my candidacy for the District 202 Board of Education.

More via Pat Savage-Williams' campaign website.

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