Linda Nudera, District 205 Board Candidate

ELMHURST, IL — Linda Nudera is one of nine candidates for four seats on the Elmhurst School District 205 board. Here are her responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Name:

Linda T. Nudera

Town of residence:

Elmhurst

Age:

55

Campaign contact email:

j.l.nudera@gmail.com

Campaign website:

lindanuderad205.com

Family:

Husband, 4 children: D205 graduates, Nike our dog and the fish in the pond

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband does not work in politics but he is a city alderman. Jim is an educator.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Michigan State University
• Master of Science in Education: Foundations of Education from Northern Illinois University

Occupation:

Teacher

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

None

The single most pressing issue facing the school board is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

• Let me start by stating D205 has wonderful teachers and families that support our students. Many of our students have gaps in basic education and are passing from one grade to another without firm foundational math, sentence structure, writing skills and spelling. These gaps will continue throughout a student’s career if they are not intensely addressed. Currently, those who can afford private tutors are paying others to fill in these learning gaps. This is not acceptable considering the amount of tax dollars D205 receives. Parent should not have to pay twice to ensure their student is learning.
• What can I do about it? I know how to analyze educational data. I will be honest and direct about what is lacking and work with the teachers/admin/board to implement tangible solutions appropriate for grade levels. I will advocate for memorization as well as the continuation of concepts from year to year to solidify knowledge, build confidence, and initiate imagination. As a teacher, I collaborate with staff to find knowledge gaps so we could jointly address those students.

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

• I can only speak to my record and what I can offer the district. I have strong communication skills and working knowledge of educational systems. I have actively participated in the D205 classroom; coached youth and York HS athletics; and operated behind the scenes with fine arts/student led programs. I get to work early and leave late ensuring my students have an enriched, dynamic experience.
• I seek to unite and find common ground. I do not adhere to the current trend, “If you aren’t with me, you must be against me.”
• I encourage the voters to define the differences between myself and the other candidates by going to candidate websites and attend their open forums. It is the voter’s responsibility to decide who has the most comprehensive experience to be an effective leader and advocate for our youth.

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

• I am a second career educator who has taught/coached both in and out of our district.
• I recently earned my Master of Science in Education: Foundations of Education. I will bring the most up to date strategies to promote learning and support teacher development.
• I have more than 20 years of committed service to D205 as a PTA member/committee chair, Cub Scout leader, Elmhurst Eagle Board Member, parent liaison with YSET & Freshmen Parents, tailor to the fine arts, regional/state/national judge, York Cheer Coach, and more.
• I have been a club advisor, mentoring students who have attended local, state, and national competitions.
• I have written original curriculum for a foundational course in Health Science. This is a dynamic class that incorporates community members as guest lecturers, ran comprehensive labs supporting experiential learning, and took fieldtrips to enhance student curiosity.
• I was trained in healthcare; I have strong communication, analytical, and empathetic skills. I bring organization, experience, and expertise in negotiating with students, parents, and administrators.

What can the school do to counteract dropping standardized test scores?

• School districts can establish foundational patterns of learning through rote memorization and continuation of essential concepts. Through consistent repetition, from grade level to grade level, core skills are built. When students have a variety of basic facts committed to memory, critical thinking and creative initiatives will flourish. Inclusion begins here, because all students advance when core concepts are strong.

Do you generally support the work of the school district's administration? Why or why not?

• Yes, I do. Morale is high, that is important for a healthy classroom/school system. When teachers feel supported, everyone “wins.” That is a positive step forward.
• We are all accountable for our actions. Accountability is lacking. I will support those on the board who understand they are accountable to the student, the parent, and the community.
• Can some things be done better? I believe they can. Can finances be streamlined? I believe they can.

Do you support the district's recent decision to raise the property tax levy by 5 percent, the maximum allowed under state law?

• Absolutely not. The district already has $45.5million in reserves and another $8milliion coming in this year bringing the total to $53.5million.
• According to their own accountants, $45.5million is an adequate amount to have on hand.
• Why are they taxing the residents more?

What is your view of critical race theory? Is it being taught in the local schools? If so, what evidence do you have of that?

• Yes, like most school districts D205 has been encouraged to embed this viewpoint into some the current curriculum, it is not a separate course.
• CRT is the latest in a long line of buzz topics. In time it will fade and a new version of division will emerge gaslighting and dividing communities.
• Strength and confidence come from knowing historical events, not interpreting them. As individuals, we view the world through the lens of our own experiences. We should never be told how to view an event for that practice stifles independent, critical thinking.
• Our great nation protects the right to speak upon that which we experience. I know teachers who take liberties with this right infusing their own political agenda into many of the lessons they teach. This is unacceptable. Comprehensive curriculum should educate through multi-tiered lens and when done compassionately, creates an inclusive learning environment for everyone.
• A teacher’s political affiliation/agenda should not be revealed during classroom instruction. The time for sharing an opinion would be while mentoring students in a club or after class through conversation. By definition an opinion is a belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof. (Google 2023)

What is your view of sex education in local schools? Should an LGBT component be included? Why or why not?

• As a healthcare worker and an educator, I am a proponent of appropriate timing for sex education. School districts have teachers trained to manage these discussions based on stages of growth and cognitive development. There is no need to embed the information into curriculum. Children are naturally curious and will ask if they want to know. It is perfectly acceptable for a teacher to share that they are not an expert on the subject and to redirect the question to parents and physicians.
• Schools need to consider the effect of sexual education within the family dynamics including but not limited to cultural beliefs, students with cognitive processing, religious orientations, and individual student maturity.
• Schools were designed to teach foundational basics that students and parents can align with, not to teach polarizing content that could divide family and friends.
• It has been my experience that kids just want to be kids. When young, we encourage children to be friendly with all peers. As children grow, they become friends with others who are like minded through common interests, clubs, music, or athletics. This is the natural progression of friendship. When this is allowed to happen organically, students will accept the sexual orientation of their peers because love and respect is already established.

Will you take questions from the media if you are elected?

Of course

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:

• Don’t worry about being liked. You will never please all the people all the time, nor should you try.

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

• I am approachable and open minded.
• I prefer conversation to texting.
• I love a respectful debate.
• I let faith and my family keep ground me.
• I am thankful to those who keep us safe, our police and military.
• It is my intention to serve our community to the best of my ability.