Election 2025: Mokena District 159 Board Candidate Jen Francis

MOKENA, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and the Mokena District 159 Board of Education could see some new faces.

Seven candidates are jockeying for four spots on the board, with incumbents Anna Briscoe, James Andresen, Lisa Zielinski, and Eric Bush seeking to retain their seats. They're challenged by Jen Francis, Katie Carley, and Lauren Doman.

Mokena District 159 offers a public education to approximately 1,570 students. The District is comprised of three schools: Mokena Elementary School (K-3), Mokena Intermediate School (4-5), and Mokena Jr. The district is led by its seven-person board of education, with each member serving a four-year term.

Patch sent a questionnaire to the candidates, and the answers from those who participated are now shared in candidate profiles.

Early voting begins March 17.

Candidate:

Jen Francis

Campaign website:

Jen Francis for Mokena 159 School Board

Age (as of election day):

46

Town/city of residence:

Mokena

School district:

Mokena District 159

Family. (Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.)

My husband, Joe, and I have been married for over nine years and moved to Mokena eight years ago, as we were drawn to Mokena’s strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere. Our daughter, Mia, is 5 years old and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. She has special needs and has spent the last two years in the Early Childhood Preschool Program at Mokena Elementary School. We also have two mini goldendoodles, Buddy and Charlie!

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No one in my family works in politics or government, including the local government I am running for.

Education:

I graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park and then went on to New Mexico State University, where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I spent the first 25 years working in the retail industry, starting at Orland Square Mall and working my way up to serving as the Director of Retail for American Girl Chicago on Michigan Avenue, where I managed multi-million dollar budgets and led large teams to drive success, always remaining open to suggestions and fostering collaboration across teams of all sizes. Eight years ago, I transitioned from the retail industry, secured my insurance license, and began working as an Insurance Broker for our family's insurance agency in Orland Park. I am licensed in all lines of insurance, but I am most known as the IVF Insurance Guru, specializing in helping women secure benefits for infertility treatments. My diverse background has provided me with valuable experience in leadership, financial management, and strategic planning.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

I served on the Board of Directors for The Magnificent Mile Association, including as a member of the Executive Committee and co-chair of the Membership Committee. In these roles, I helped shape strategic initiatives and expand the association, which represents businesses along Michigan Avenue in Chicago and neighboring areas. I collaborated with board members and the executive team to develop initiatives that supported the association’s mission, fostering a vibrant community for local businesses.

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

The most pressing issues facing our district are fiscal accountability, prioritizing safety, and ensuring that resources are properly allocated to support teachers and students at all levels. We need to reevaluate how funds are spent to ensure that every dollar is being used in the best interests of our students. As a school board member, I will prioritize safety projects first to ensure our schools are secure for both students and staff. I will also advocate for more efficient use of our budget, redirecting funds to classrooms, and providing teachers with the tools they need to foster student success. Additionally, I will focus on transparency, collaboration, and ensuring that the voices all stakeholders - parents, educators, community members are heard in decision-making processes.

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

One of the key differences between me and other candidates is my long-term commitment to the district. While some incumbents, who have served since 2013 or 2017, will no longer have children in the district by the end of this term, I have 9 more years ahead with my daughter actively attending our schools. Having children in the district gives me a unique perspective on decision-making, as I see firsthand how choices impact students and families. When your own children are directly affected by decisions, your focus stays on prioritizing their safety, education, and well-being—not on forming friendships or cutting taxes at the cost of students. I have a real stake in this community, and my focus will always remain on what matters most for our students.

I also bring a strong background in business and financial management. I hold a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, and I've spent 25 years in retail management overseeing multi-million dollar budgets. This experience has honed my skills in fiscal responsibility, and I would use that experience to ensure every dollar is spent effectively—especially when it comes to prioritizing safety projects and supporting our teachers and students.

In addition, I pride myself on being open to dialogue and always willing to listen to others' perspectives without judgment. I believe that by fostering a collaborative environment with all stakeholders, we can make well-rounded decisions that truly benefit our community.

Together, these qualities set me apart and equip me to make a lasting, positive impact on our district.

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

As a challenger, I believe the current board has not fully engaged with all stakeholders, including the community, in a transparent and accessible way. For example, the board has voted twice against recording meetings for the community to watch, limiting access to important discussions and decision-making processes. Transparency is vital for building trust and keeping the community informed. Additionally, there has been a lack of focus on effectively allocating resources to support both students and teachers, and an insufficient prioritization of safety improvements. Some board members have claimed that safety is not their responsibility—I disagree. I am committed to ensuring that safety is a top priority and that policies are regularly updated to reflect the community's needs.

Six years ago, after the bonds for the Junior High were paid off, instead of returning those funds to taxpayers, the board passed a referendum to support the district's need to maintain, repair, and update current facilities, with the goal of keeping our students "warm, safe, and dry." This fund receives over $2.2 million annually. However, some current board members have prioritized the purchase of a shed for outdoor equipment over critical safety projects, such as fire panels and addressing roof issues at the Intermediate School, delaying repairs until the summer of 2026. Additionally, some board members voted against forming a Safety Committee, despite it being a clear priority for parents. This is a significant misstep by the incumbents. I am committed to bringing a fresh perspective to the board, ensuring greater transparency, listening to the voices of our community, and making decisions that truly prioritize the needs of our students.

My campaign is built on several key priorities that are essential for the future of our district. First, I am committed to fiscal responsibility. Our budget, primarily funded by taxpayer dollars, must be managed wisely to maximize its impact on students and teachers. This means carefully re-evaluating how funds are allocated to support educational excellence, enhance safety, and provide the necessary resources for our classrooms.

Additionally, classroom sizes continue to increase, yet the district’s five-year projection shows no plans to hire additional teachers. This puts added pressure on our educators, making it difficult for them to provide the personalized attention every student needs. Larger classroom sizes are stressful for teachers and impact their ability to engage with each student effectively. Addressing this imbalance is critical to ensuring our teachers are supported and all students receive the attention they deserve.

I am also dedicated to supporting learners at every level, from our youngest preschoolers to our advanced learners. We must expand programs that foster inclusivity and provide opportunities for growth, no matter where each student starts. It's also essential to prioritize the needs of students requiring additional support, including those in special education programs and those working to meet academic standards.

Finally, I am a strong advocate for transparency and greater community engagement. Decisions affecting our schools should be made through open dialogue with parents, educators, and community members, ensuring that every voice is heard. Transparency in the decision-making process is key to building trust and making informed choices that truly benefit our students.

These priorities are at the heart of my campaign because they directly shape the success and future of our students, teachers, and families.

I bring 25 years of experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, along with a degree in Business Administration. My previous service on the Board and Executive Committee of The Magnificent Mile Association helped me develop expertise in governance, strategic planning, and team leadership. I’ve also led large teams with diverse backgrounds, which has enhanced my ability to collaborate and make well-rounded decisions. These experiences demonstrate that I can make sound, fiscally responsible choices and lead effectively for the benefit of our district.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I’m deeply committed to our district's future. I’ve attended every board meeting over the past two years, except for one, giving me firsthand insight into our challenges and opportunities. With 25 years of management experience and a strong commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, I will make informed decisions that benefit our schools. As a parent with a child in the district for the next nine years, I understand what’s at stake and am dedicated to fostering a positive, effective learning environment for all.

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

If I win, my term will be successful if I can increase transparency and community engagement, efficiently allocate resources to support every student, manage projects effectively with safety as a top priority, and foster a supportive work environment for our teachers to retain quality educators.

What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools?

This is a legal issue that should be handled by local law enforcement, district officials, and legal counsel. It’s important to ensure that all actions are in compliance with the law and district policies, and that the safety and well-being of all students and staff are prioritized.

Should cell phones be banned during school? Why or why not?

The District's current policy (6.80 – Student Use of Electronic Devices) provides a clear framework for their use. Students are prohibited from using electronic devices during instructional time unless granted permission or in an emergency.

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

I believe the district should provide basic, age-appropriate sex education, but I support empowering parents to make decisions that align with their family’s values. Parents should have the primary role in guiding their children’s education on this topic. This includes the ability for parents to opt their children out of optional curriculum or testing, as the district currently permits.

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?

Schools in the district are excelling in providing a solid foundation for early education and supporting a range of learning needs. We’ve seen positive progress, including increases in IAR test scores, with more students meeting or exceeding expectations year over year in ELA and mathematics. However, there is still work to be done, as over 23% of students have not met expectations in ELA, and more than 48% have not met expectations in mathematics. To continue improving, we should focus on ensuring that all students, from those who have not met expectations to advanced learners, are appropriately challenged and supported. This can be achieved by expanding personalized learning opportunities, increasing professional development for teachers, and ensuring resources are efficiently allocated to meet the diverse needs of all students.

I applaud the Illinois State Board of Education’s listening tour, which focuses on "Assessment & Accountability Redesign: Supporting Continuous Improvement for All Schools." This initiative is a step in the right direction to improve accountability and assessment practices across the state, and I hope our district is actively involved in these important discussions to ensure we are continually advancing the quality of education for all students.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

I am fully committed to serving my term of office and ensuring that I work diligently on behalf of the community.