Re-Elect Debbie Chafee to your North Palos School Board

I am a candidate for re-election to the North Palos school board in the April 4th elections. My husband, Ian, and I have lived in Hickory Hills for 25 years and are proud of the education that our children have received from North Palos schools.

Why I am Running for Re-Election to the School Board

I firmly believe that a good education opens the door for future opportunities. I feel very fortunate to live in such a great community and to have such amazing schools for our kids. I am interested in volunteering my time as a school board member to help keep our communities and schools successful and strong. I do not have any political agendas or alternative motivations.

School Board Qualifications

A healthy school board is comprised of elected community members with diverse backgrounds that are willing to listen to each other. I have extensive experience in school finance and school funding that is of value to our school board and community.

Prior to joining the School Board in 2019, I was involved in helping rewrite the state school funding formula. The initial proposal by legislators incorrectly classified North Palos as “affluent” and would have eliminated most of our state education funding. In response to that proposal, I formed a community group named EDGE Illinois (Everyone Deserves a Great Education) and worked with parents, legislators and school administrators to stop that bill from being passed. I then worked with legislators and key stakeholders for three years on a more comprehensive school funding formula that included regional cost differences, funding for academic interventions and funding for English Language Learner programs.

The results of the new Evidence Based state funding formula have been very positive for our community and school district. Instead of eliminating 90% of our state education funding, our state funding has increased by 10 million dollars a year. In the new Evidenced Based state funding formula, North Palos is in the group of school districts that receives the majority of any new state funding.

Link to Phil Kadner articles documenting my role in writing the new Evidenced Based state funding school funding formula: Chicago Sun-Times article and Chicago Tribune article

Academic Excellence

North Palos is recognized at both the State and National level for high academic achievement.

• North Palos schools are designated as Illinois Exemplary schools
• North Palos schools have received the prestigious National Blue-Ribbon award 3 times.
• North Palos schools have received the National Distinguished award 2 times.
• North Palos is recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community

We believe that a child's education can be determined by their zip code, but not predetermined based on wealth and high spending. Students that attend North Palos are well prepared for Jr. High, High School and to achieve their dreams.

North Palos spends $8,000 less per student than the average spent by the districts above to provide a best-in-state education for our students.

Proven Property Tax Relief Plan

We respect and appreciate the tax dollars that you entrust us with to educate our community’s kids. We have a proven plan to keep more of your money in your bank account, while still providing a best-in-state education for our students.

Our School Board has provided $3.5 million dollars in property tax relief (approximately $700 per household).

I will work diligently to receive the Illinois Property Tax Relief Grant that would LOWER your North Palos school property taxes by 8%. The Property Tax Relief Grant was part of the new Evidence Based state funding formula that we advocated for. I understand the grant's prioritization formulas and we are making financial decisions to put us in the best position to receive the grant within the next few years. We were #3 on the "wait list" for this important grant last year.

School Building Improvements

We have renovated all of our school buildings without increasing taxes (referendum) or incurring new debt. We have a major renovation and expansion project starting this Spring at Conrady Junior High.

Conrady Junior High Additions & Renovations

• On the east end add a 2-story addition with 14 classrooms and other flexible learning spaces.
• On the north end add a 1 story addition that expands the cafeteria and fine arts space
• On the east end of the campus add an additional parking lot.
• Renovate/relocate/repurpose existing spaces to better meet the needs of Conrady
  • Create a dedicated learning space for the LEAP program.
  • Renovate the library media center.
  • Create a fitness center for gym classes and afterschool activities.
  • Create a new staff lounge.
  • Create a new conference room.

My Education and Professional Background

• 25 years of experience working in the financial services industry
• Certified Public Accountant
• Graduated from Argo Community High School in 1991
• BA North Central College with a double major in Accounting and Computer Science - 1995
• Master of Data Science degree from Elmhurst College -2018
• MBA from Elmhurst College - 2022

My Commitments to You

North Palos provides a best-in-state education to our students that we should be very proud of. However, we can't take it for granted. If elected, I will work hard to keep our communities and schools successful while being fiscally responsible and a good steward of your tax dollars.

• Make decisions that are in the best interest of our students, families and community.
• Provide the supports needed by our teachers, staff and administrators.
• Continue to provide meaningful property tax relief to our community.
• Ensure that we spend within our means and have balanced budgets.
• Continue to work with state legislators to further increase State education funding.

You can learn more at www.SupportNorthPalos.com and on Facebook

I humbly request your consideration and support in the April 4th school board elections.

Sincerely,

Debbie Chafee