Debra Martin, Homer District 33C Board of Education Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — Debra Martin is a candidate for Homer District 33C Board of Education. There are six candidates running for three open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

Martin's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire can be found below:

Name:

Debra Martin

Age (as of election day):

56 years old

Town/city of residence:

I have lived in Homer Glen for the past 30 years.

School district:

Homer CCSD 33C

Family:

Married to Rob, and we have four adult children that attended and graduated from Homer CCSD 33C.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Teaching Certification, Graduate work in Curriculum and Instruction

Occupation:

I have been an educator for the past 20 years, teaching grades from fifth to preschool.

Campaign website or Facebook:

Debra Martin for Homer CCSD 33C School Board

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Current member of Homer 33C Board of Education.

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Overcrowding has been a concern for our district. As a district, the administration, and district leadership have worked towards a final plan. That plan will result in a grade center model beginning the 2023-2024 school year. Excellent communication, feedback, and input have been put in place for a smooth transition at all buildings. The grade center will benefit the district overcrowding, need for greater collaboration within grade levels, and consistency. There is also a need for added space at Hadley Middle School and Homer Junior High. The district has worked on plans for a campus connection in order to create an added flexible space that is necessary for our students and staff. This was a long undertaking with dedicated involvement from many stakeholders. I am committed to the grade centers and campus connection completion.

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

I am heavily invested in a high-quality education for our students of Homer 33C. I value the quality of our educators, administrators and support staff. While being an educator myself, I can link my personal knowledge to the needs of our students and the educational system. In other cases, I have the necessary skills and tools to seek out the information needed to make an informed decision. As a long-term community member, I represent the parents and community members of our district. As a district leader, I will continue to be collaborative with other board members, approachable, flexible, and open-minded to the needs of the community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

The top priorities include, but will not be limited to, monitoring the implementation of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. Overseeing a balanced budget, while looking for ways to reduce or alleviate spending through grants, partnerships or other avenues. Evaluate any new changes or security risks that may develop. Monitor student achievement, learning loss and Social Emotional skills. Remember to ask, “What else do our students need?” Teacher, educational and substitute staff shortages or burnout may create other areas of concern from not having enough staff to lowered substitutes requirements which could mean some lack the ability to cover core materials.

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

Effective school board members contribute individual talents while collaborating and working as a team with the other members. I am an active and willing participant. As a passionate and qualified teacher, I have been able to foster similar relationships with my students. I understand the needs and differences of students. Collaboration with team members and administrators is part of what I do everyday. In my profession and through my work as a School Board Member I have served and been chosen to serve on many district committees and teams. My background and position will continue to allow me to gather data, and make informed decisions, which sometimes may be difficult. While teaching requires that we connect with students to gain a better understanding of differences that may arise from culture, family experiences, developed intelligences, and approaches to learning. Teachers need to be able to inquire sensitively, and listen carefully. It is with similar approaches that I communicate and develop relationships with others. It is because of these reasons and many more that I am able to be an active participant in the job of a school board member.

Why should voters trust you?

As a current School Board Member, I am committed to communicate openly and transparently to keep the trust of the people we serve. I will continue to uphold this commitment. Our board meetings are open to all stakeholders, for communication and comments. Our meetings are recorded for convenience and minutes are available on our website.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

The successful implementation and completion of the elementary grade center model and the Hadley Middle School and Homer Junior High Campus Connection to utilize space efficiently and effectively as our enrollment changes. Student academic achievement and growth for academic success. As well as equity for all learners in the areas of opportunity and academic growth. A long term balanced budget that will sustain our growth and support the needs of our learning community. An atmosphere and culture that continues to retain parent partnerships, as well as attract and retain high-quality staff, and a positive culture that supports our students Social Emotional Learning Skills.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I am committed to delivering the highest quality education to the students of Homer 33C. While doing that I will always advocate not only for responsible spending, but a long term balanced budget, as well as ways to alleviate financial expenditures. Such as the COPS grant to update security, programs that help support themselves, intergovernmental agreements w/area districts or partnerships that facilitate added discounts. As a resident and homeowner in our community I will remain open and transparent to our constituents. I will continue to propose a sound budget while fulfilling the goals and needs of the students and community of our district.

What are your thoughts on how the district has handled the COVID-19 pandemic?

The ultimate goal was always to provide as much in person learning as possible. Many districts struggled to open schools in the fall of 2020. As a district, many meetings were held to put a plan in place. As mandates and changes occurred, new plans were made. This resulted in the Hybrid Learning Model. Nothing was a perfect fit for everyone, but many hours were spent listening to stakeholders and changing plans to meet our needs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic there was also an increase in the need for Social/Emotional support. The district had recently implemented Second Step in K-8 and has now implemented DESSA. A screener that helps identify struggling students and another component of Second Step.

There is a learning gap that is a result of COVID-19. A summer school program and academic interventionists supported those students below the 25th percentile. Students are successfully exiting from services. This program will continue into the 2023 summer for those students still below the 25th percentile.

Despite many challenges that continued throughout the school year, the administration and all staff of Homer 33C did a great job navigating the pandemic and getting students in person while keeping staff and students safe.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some school boards saw extremely heated disagreements during public meetings. If elected, what changes, if any, need to be made to ensure meetings are run efficiently while still allowing open discussions?

It is important to allow stakeholders a place to speak. When it involves our children and loved ones, sometimes we become overly passionate. I feel it was our responsibility to listen to our stakeholders. While some districts were limiting comments, a limit was not set on the number that came to speak. We will continue to allow comments from our public in the same format. Respectful comments are the best form of communication.

How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not?

Parents always have the option to review curriculum and to opt their child out of lessons and or content. Health and anatomy should be the center of sex education in elementary schools as well as being age appropriate. Different family structures, healthy friendships, treating others with respect and social-emotional skills should be introduced. All students have the right to feel safe and included in their school community to enable all students to reach their full potential. Stigma, discrimination, or bullying is not tolerated in Homer 33C.

What are your views on critical race theory and whether it should be taught in the district?

Critical Race Theory is not part of Homer’s curriculum. I do not believe that it should not be taught in elementary school.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Yes, I believe we do support racial equality and do not tolerate inequalities. However, additional training can be offered to support staff and administrators. This would uphold culturally relevant and inclusive practices in our schools in order to keep the promise of ensuring equity practices throughout.

When it comes to student achievement, what are schools within this district doing well and what needs to be improved? How can those improvements be made?

Currently, Goodings Grove is designated Exemplary and our other five schools are designated Commendable by the ISBE. The Strategic Plan was approved in March of 2021 and since then district staff has received PD and begun implementing Goal 1, Clarity for Learning. Teachers and building principals have the support of our student-centered coaches. They continue to be booked throughout the school year. We also continue to move forward with the full implementation of the DESSA screener to improve our SEL model. Giving time and support for our teachers to implement and complete the screener. We continue to monitor and assess the results on a quarterly basis.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen to others, more than you speak.