Suzan Atallah, Palos Dist. 118 School Board Candidate

PALOS PARK, IL — Suzan Atallah running for her first term on the Palos Dist. 118 school board. There are four candidates running for three open seats.

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Early voting is underway. The consolidated election is April 4.

Read Atallah's answers to the Patch candidate survey.

Your name: Suzan Atallah

Age (as of election day): 34

Town/city of residence: Orland Park

School district: 118

Family: My husband, Malak Jaber and I, have lived in Orland Park for eight years and are proud parents to a five year old boy and a three year old girl. Zachariah will be entering Palos West in the fall and Serena will be attending the year after him.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? If yes, please explain. No

Education: I grew up in Palos Hills, to hardworking Arab immigrants. I am one of seven children, six college educated, and one attending Moraine Valley. As a first generation college graduate, my parents emphasized the importance of education and community service. I am a graduate of Amos Alonzo Stagg High School (2007). I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2011) in the Teaching of English with certifications in bilingual Arabic, and teaching grades 6-8. I received my Masters from Olivet in Educational Leadership (Type 75) in 2014. As a school board member, I would give my time to help ensure that all students are afforded the educational same opportunities and given a chance at success.

Occupation: English/EL Teacher at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School (2011-present).

Campaign website or Facebook or other social media: Suzan for Palos118 and Suzan Atallah For Palos Dist. 118 Facebook.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

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

The most pressing issue our board will be facing is electing a new school board president. Like every school board, ours will also have to make decisions about the allocation of funds with regards to bussing and teacher contracts. Being fiscally responsible with taxpayer money is crucial.

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

I have over 12 years of experience as a teacher at Stagg High School. While being an educator on the board of education is important, being one from a school that students from 118 will attend is crucial. I am in the classroom on a daily basis so I understand the social and academic needs of students from District 118. I have two children who will be entering Palos West in the fall. I also represent communities that heavily populate District 118 schools. I celebrate diversity and strive for inclusion for all students. I am passionate about making sure that all students have the same access to resources that will help them on the path of success. District 118 has excellent standing, and I have every intention to help maintain and foster its continued success.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district? I do not believe that the current board or any officeholder have failed the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have been working with educators, parents, and students in many different capacities. I’ve sat on committees with teachers, sponsored a variety of different clubs, and have contributed to the positive atmosphere of our building at Stagg. Throughout my years at Stagg I have developed a well-established rapport with administrators, parents, staff and students.

Why should voters trust you?

I believe in transparency. I believe that our district should function as one and should have the community’s best interests in mind. I, too, am a voter in the community, and I want to see the success of every student, regardless of their background or situation. I take great pride in serving the community as an educator for over 12 years. I was raised in Palos Hills and attended all the District 117 schools. I have friends and family in the community as well and always strive to be the best version of myself both professionally and personally.

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

When speaking with constituents in the community, several points were made about having a full time kindergarten program. If feasible, I would create a committee dedicated to having open dialogue about the program. Many community members also expressed concerns about how neighboring districts have taken a day off for “Eid” but their children in the same household who attend District 118 schools are still in attendance. I will make it a goal of mine to look into this particular issue because equity is necessary.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I believe that we should be mindful of taxpayer dollars and allocate funds appropriately.

What are your thoughts on how the district has handled the COVID-19 pandemic? I think the district responded to the best of its ability with the knowledge that became available to them throughout the pandemic. The district did their best to keep the doors open while maintaining safety protocols.

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?

I believe that listening is key. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but at the end of the day we must be a cohesive unit. I believe that every topic has a time and place to be discussed. Creating open forums for the public is incredibly important as we serve them and reflect their values.

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

The Illinois State Board of Education mandates the development of sex education standards, but school districts are not required to adopt any of these standards. Currently, Palos 118 will not change its 5th-8th grade sex education standards. Families in 118 are given the option to opt-in or out of the sex education program. I believe that all students should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in their curriculum. This applies to children from all different walks of life, including acknowledgement of their cultural background.

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

Critical Race Theory is not taught in Palos 118. All students should be valued and respected. Our district should maintain its positive atmosphere in making sure that all students feel welcomed in the district. Inclusivity is a must, and the acknowledgement of this inclusivity should be stressed. We are a diverse district, and it needs to be celebrated.

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

The current board has done what they can to the best of their ability. Racial equality is on the forefront of my platform. Recognizing and respecting marginalized communities is a necessity and a work in progress. If we are not striving to make ourselves better, we are doing a disservice to our community. Our community is always changing, and we need to be mindful of these changes. Students’ social, academic, and emotional constructs are related to the level of respect they feel in their environment.

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?

One of the reasons I chose to live in the Palos 118 area was for its excellent standing in academics. However, post COVID, many of our children need extra support across the board. While District 118 has a Blue Ribbon standing, many constituents expressed the need for additional reading programs after school or over the summer.

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: You cannot control the actions of others. You can only control your reactions. Language is powerful and impactful. We may forget what was said, but we can never forget the feelings associated with those words. When encountered with adversity, you are allowed to feel however you want. No one can take that away from you, but the way you react is key.