Elizabeth Hitzeman, Homer District 33C Board of Education Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — Elizabeth Hitzeman 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.

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

Your name:

Elizabeth Hitzeman

Age (as of election day):

69

Town/city of residence:

Homer Glen

School district:

Homer 33C

Family:

My husband and I have been residents of Homer since 1977. In 2019, my husband of 49 years retired from his occupation as a Manufacturing Engineer. I retired in 2014 after teaching 26 years at the 6th grade level from Homer. Both my adult children graduated from Homer 33C. Education has always been a priority in our family. Our oldest daughter has a dual degree in education and teaches in a neighboring district. Our youngest daughter earned a dual degree in the fields of Architecture and Structural Engineering. She is presently working as a Structural Engineer out west.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NO

Education:

Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois (UIC) in Education. Sixty-three post graduate hours in the study of emerging technology and education.

Occupation:

As stated previously, I retired in 2014 after teaching 26 years in Homer. Presently, I serve as a Homer District 33C School Board Member (elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019) and wish to continue to serve our students. Previous to my occupation as a teacher, I was a manager for multiple departments at Bell and Howell for their Home Study Division in Chicago.

Campaign website or Facebook:

www.facebook.com/electhitzeman

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Current Homer District 33C Board Member

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

After the pandemic, some students are experiencing social/emotional and academic setbacks. The district monitors those academic gaps and sets goals for improvement. The district has provided summer school as an additional resource. The DESSA screener is a rating scale that identifies students who are struggling socially/emotionally. Additional support is provided to help struggling students. Finally, classroom space and growth is being presently addressed. Plans have been developed to connect Hadley and Homer Junior High.

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

At this point, I am not familiar with the other challengers for this post. I am a candidate who does not run on a narrow agenda. Some candidates that run for school boards become known for what they oppose rather than what they stand for. My commitment is to the continued quality and high excellence that all students have received. I have been a Homer resident since 1977, retired Homer teacher, parent and an active board member. Those experiences give me a perspective that drives me to serve my community.

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

The question would not apply to me because I am an incumbent and not a challenger for the school board position.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

There are many ongoing priorities:
• The teacher shortage brings to the forefront that Homer needs to be competitive so we can hire and retain the most qualified staff.
• The district should have local control to make independent curriculum decisions.
• We need to make sure our budget dollars are not wasteful, but used wisely, so we can be accountable and transparent to all stakeholders.
• Oversee implementation of the 5 year strategic plan
• Complete the Hadley and HJH expansion project which will address our growth and space needs

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

My past accomplishments have led me to be proficient in my present position as a school board member. As a former Homer teacher, I understand the needs of the students and staff. Also, I have insight to the needs of our buildings and physical spaces. As a supervisor at Bell and Howell, I met my budget and kept my employees accountable for their work. Both of these occupations helped me develop insight into the academic and corporate world, and hone my interpersonal skills.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters judge candidates not only on their stance on issues and experience, but also their personal characteristics. I believe my former students, parents, and colleagues have found me to be honest and trustworthy, and that speaks to my integrity. Also, the community has had the opportunity to listen to my questions and interactions at the monthly school board meetings over the past eight years. I think this gives our community a sense of confidence in my continued service.

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

A successful term would include the implementation of our 5 year strategic plan. The five goals address student achievement, learning and professional environment, family/community and the responsible use of districts resources. Also, our board is addressing our growth needs. We have finalized our plans for the Hadley and Homer Junior High expansion project that will connect both buildings.

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

District 33C operates with a balanced budget and has been recognized by the ISBE with the highest rating for financial health. The budget relies on property taxes with minimum government contributions. Our district faces increases in operating expenses, staffing, growth, and ongoing repairs/improvements to six schools. As a taxpayer myself, controlling costs is essential but I do not want decisions made that will negatively affect the students. Finding efficiencies and cost reduction is an important on-going process. We seek out grants and have been awarded a COPS grant for security improvements. Also, we realized cost savings in the areas of energy, transportation and technology. Our budget is fiscally sound and meets the needs of over 3,000 students across the district.

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

The pandemic has been challenging for everyone. The board and administration’s goal was to provide as much in-person learning as allowed per CDC and IDPH guidelines. When schools were forced to close, our district pivoted to a remote hybrid learning model. There were many challenges such as understaffing, operational issues, and other legal considerations that affected students and staff. The board and administration did a commendable job by keeping everyone safe, while providing as much education as possible.

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?

School boards are obligated to conduct public comment sessions during their meetings. Community members sometimes passionately and emotionally express their opinions and concerns. Comments should be respectful and board members should not be subjected to personal attacks. At this time, our expectations and procedures for public comments are sufficient. We ensure everyone is heard and still have sufficient time to conduct board business.

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

I believe our district should have local control to make independent curriculum decisions. If the present IL house bill passes, it would mandate K-12 sex education with a parent opt-out option. Even with that option, teaching sex education along with a sexual or gender identity curriculum should not replace other subjects taught. Parents should have control as to how and when to introduce sensitive topics to their children. Students who identify as LBGTQ also have the right to be themselves, respected by their peers and not be targeted, harassed or bullied. Teachable moments in the classroom can ensure that all students are supported. Homer strives to provide a safe environment for all students. Respect for others is paramount; therefore the district enforces anti-bullying policies.

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

Critical Race Theory is not a curriculum that I advocate being taught in our district. CRT concepts/tenets that examine the role of race and racism and teach that systematic racism embedded in our institutions are not suitable at the elementary level. Those are discussions and debates for higher academic institutions. At the K-8 level, the focus should be that all students, no matter what race, feel equally included and respected. American history has shown that there have been “inequities”, but I do not believe any group should be identified and labeled as “oppressors”. Parents can be proactive in their child’s education by viewing Homer 33C books and curriculum materials.

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, the board has been effective in supporting racial equality. Homer has a diverse population of students. Our district has always believed in inclusivity and academic equity no matter what the student’s race, socio-economic circumstance, culture or lifestyle differences. Also, our teachers provide a welcoming environment and demonstrate to students the importance of equality in and out of the classroom. The district implemented a program called Second Step, which among other strategies, builds a foundation for developing peer relationships. Those relationships result in the building of a supportive community in which equitable learning can occur. When students feel good about themselves and build positive relationships, then academic achievement improves.

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?

Student achievement has always been a priority for our district. Progress is monitored by formative assessments which provide data for goal setting. A new initiative called “Clarity for Learning” is research-based and it shows that achievement improves when students “own their own learning”. Also, student-centered coaches collaborate with teachers as partners by utilizing the “Clarity for Learning” initiative. Finally, student achievement improves when students feel good socially/emotionally. The DESSA screener identifies social and emotional competence. Results help guide strategies to promote social awareness, self-management, relationship skills and goal-directed behavior.

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:

Be a kind person who makes a difference and others may be inspired to do the same.