Joselyn Cutforth, Lockport District 91 Board Of Education Candidate

LOCKPORT, IL — Joselyn Cutforth is a candidate for Lockport School District 91. There are five candidates running for three open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

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

Your name:

Joselyn Cutforth

Age (as of election day):

44

Town/city of residence:

Lockport

School district:

91

Family:

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

BA from University of Indianapolis, MA from Lewis University, Special Educaiton Transition Specialist certification from Illinois State University, Forum I & II completion from the Landmark Forum Chicago IL.

Occupation:

Special Education teacher, 14+ years

Campaign website or Facebook:

I don't have one

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.

student mastery of academic foundational skills, rebuilding the teacher-parent team

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

I grew up in Homer Glen, attended Lockport Township High School (LTHS), then received a BA from the University of Indianapolis and an MA from Lewis University. I am a mother of three children attending district 91 and LTHS district 205. As a 17-year resident of Lockport, I have been teaching special education for 14 years working with students in K through twelfth grade. I am currently a special education teacher of students in K through fourth grade in the city of Lockport. I serve as a member of the D91 PTO and D91 parent volunteer.
My commitments are to, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, parent awareness and involvement, curriculum transparency, teacher support, as well as childhood preservation.

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

I do not believe the current school board has actually "failed the community or district." To think just because someone is running for an open school board seat means that the current school board must have failed is very divisive and cretinous.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

N/A

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

Being professionally educated and trained in almost all aspects of public education, gaining higher education and continuing education in public education, and having children attending the district's public education for the past 14 years.

Why should voters trust you?

I am honest, understanding, do my best to understand all perspectives, listen to all ideas and comments, and always welcome respectful dialogue.

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

Rebuilding of the parent-teacher team relationship

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

maintaining fiscal responsibility is always smart in every aspect of life.

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

Teachers jumped through hoops thrown at them by the powers that be and did so with grace and determination. I do not recall a mass exodus of teachers from D91 and I thank and commend them for sticking with it.

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?

Respectful and open dialogue by all individuals should the standard and always encouraged.

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

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?

D91 has a high percentage of students performing at grade level, which is wonderful, however, the entire state, as well as all Lockport districts, need to improve upon the percentage of students performing at or above grade level in math and ELA.

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:

Early is on time and on time is late.