Meet CHSD 218 School Board Candidate Tricia O'Sullivan

OAK LAWN, IL -- Tricia O’Sullivan is seeking election to the CHSD 218 Board of Education in Subdistrict 6, which covers a portion of Oak Lawn. O’Sullivan is an elementary school teacher for Hazelgreen Dist. 126. O’Sullivan is a life-long resident of Oak Lawn.

Dist. 218 oversees Richards (Oak Lawn), Shepard (Palos Heights) and Eisenhower (Blue Island). A new school board will be chosen in the April 2 municipal elections. Following are O’Sullivan’s answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire.

Name: Patricia “Tricia” O’Sullivan
Age: 49
Education: Loyola University of Chicago (1991) BA Liberal Arts and Science - Cum Laude, St. Xavier University
Occupation: Teacher
Activities/civic Involvement: I serve on many educational committees. I’m a member of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Oak Lawn. I am also a volunteer and supporter of St. Martin DePorres House of Hope where I led parent education programs for single mothers.
Family background: I grew up in Oak Lawn, my maiden name is Gallagher. I am the daughter of the late Dr. Joseph Gallagher, a well known physician at Little Company of Mary Hospital. I am married to John O'Sullivan, Supervisor of Worth Township and we have three sons. I am a proud mom of a Marine. My oldest son is a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps currently on active duty.
Campaign website/social media page: Tricia O'Sullivan for CHSD 218 School Board.

Why are you running for the Dist. 218 school board? What skills, qualifications and experience do you bring to the office?

As an elementary school teacher for the past 15 years, I am passionate about education. I have a great deal of direct classroom experience that will be beneficial in making decisions that give our children the best chance to succeed. Throughout my time as a teacher, I have reached beyond the classroom walls to broaden my educational perspective by not only being a school mentor, but also serving on my district’s math and literacy committees, participating on my Building Leadership Team, the PBS ( Positive Behavior Support) Team and as the Parent Faculty Liaison. Because I am in the classroom every day, I will bring a well-rounded, experienced voice to the Board.

What do you see as the board’s role and responsibilities?

I believe the most important responsibilities of the board are to provide guidance, feedback and input on curriculum, finances and the overall educational experience our schools are providing. I do not believe the Board should overreach in their responsibilities but instead should work with administrators, teachers and principals to strengthen schools and improve outcomes.

What role does policy play/have in the functioning of the board?

Clear, concise and sound policy is vital in ensuring that District 218 schools are achieving their maximum potential and that the priorities and general education philosophy of the Board is being reflected consistently across the district. I strongly believe policy should be based on educational research and facts and should be determined through communication, cooperation and where possible compromise.

Do think board members/the board should have a role in the day-to-day operation of the district? Can you/should you support a board decision that you were not in favor of?

I believe the Board has a role in setting the broader direction of the District and that means letting the professionals do the job you hire them to do. District 218 has many excellent teachers and as a teacher myself, I do not think any elected Board member should meddle in day-to-day classroom activities. I do believe the Board should be diligent in its oversight role, but I do not believe in overreaching.

I will always be ready and willing to work with my fellow Board members to negotiate on the best policies for the school district. I will always keep an open mind when it comes to areas of disagreement, but I will never compromise my core values as an educator.

What is your vision for education in the D218 community?

As an educator, I understand that education is constantly evolving, and our schools need to be ready to prepare young adults for success in a variety of fields. In addition to continuing to provide quality educators and resources in Science Technology Math and Science (STEM) fields, and ensuring our students are college ready, I also firmly believe in an expanding trade /vocational programs so that every child has future career options.

Do you think Dist. 218 is on the right track? Why or why not?

Our District 218 Schools are doing great things and I look forward to being part of a great team. As a teacher, I firmly believe that we should never get complacent, and we must always strive fo improvement. The world is always changing, therefore how we educate our children is always evolving. I have worked hard to stay on the cutting edge of best practices in education and I look forward to applying that knowledge to ensure District 218 schools stay on the right track for generations to come.

If elected, what three steps would you take to put the school district on firmer financial footing?

As a new board member, the first thing I would do is review the overall budget and tax levy to look for areas where cost savings could be implemented. Next, I would look at where the district is prioritizing spending, Lastly, I would work with our local and state elected officials to maximize grant funding and opportunities.

What would you do to make the school district more accessible to parents, students, faculty and community members? How would you involve stakeholders in the district’s decision-making process?

One thing I have done as part of my campaign is to talk with the voters. I've knocked on hundreds of doors and had the pleasure to hear directly from the constituents and hear directly about their experiences with district.

As a Board member, I will make myself available both in person and through social media and electronic outlets to keep in contact with residents to ensure they know that they have direct access to their voice on the Board.

How would you handle teacher-contract or other union negotiations as a school board member?

As a Union teacher I have a great deal of respect for the job teachers do and I will always support fair wages and benefits for teachers. As a Board member, my primary responsibility will be to do what is best for the students in my district. I will always work to negotiate a fair solution to any contract negotiation.

If you could change one thing about district policy, what would that be?

Not every child is college bound, therefore I would like to see an expansion in trade/vocational training programs and I will work with Board members, local unions and administrators to offer dual credit courses for trade/vocational training.

What do you consider to be Dist. 218’s greatest assets?

Without a doubt, District 218's best asset is the students. We have a moral obligation to the students to offer them the best educational experience that will prepare them for success in all their future endeavors. Working for their best interest will be my mission as a Board member.