Election 2025: Mokena District 159 Board Candidate Katie Carley

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:

Katie Carley

Campaign website:

Vote Katie Carley for District 159

Age (as of election day):

44

Town/city of residence:

Mokena

School district:

159

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

Husband Ryan Carley, daughter Kaylan Carley age 13, Son Jace age 11

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

No.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University
• MA from Lewis University in Organizational Leadership

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Social Work over 25 years currently working for a Therapeutic foster care company the past 5 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office

N/A

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

One of the most pressing issues facing our district is the onboarding and retention of a new superintendent. A strong and effective superintendent is essential for maintaining the quality of education in our schools. Bringing in a new leader can present challenges, especially when it comes to creating a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages long-term stability.

If elected, I would prioritize fostering a positive organizational culture that not only supports our new superintendent but also strengthens collaboration between the board, administrative staff, and the community. This means ensuring open lines of communication, setting clear expectations, and working to establish a board that operates with professionalism, respect, and a shared commitment to the best interests of our students.

Additionally, I believe it is critical to restore proper function to our school board, ensuring that decision-making is student-focused, transparent, and guided by our district’s mission and values. By working to build trust among board members, administration, and the community, we can create an environment where the superintendent is set up for success, allowing them to lead effectively and make a meaningful impact on our schools.

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

My background in leadership, combined with my experience as a social worker and administrator, sets me apart from the four incumbents. Throughout my career, I have worked in nonprofit social service agencies, tackling many of the same challenges our schools face today. This experience has honed my ability to problem-solve, think critically, and navigate complex issues with a focus on creating positive outcomes.

Unlike the other candidates, I bring a unique perspective rooted in both leadership and direct service, allowing me to approach decisions with a well-rounded understanding of the needs of students, families, and educators. My commitment to fostering collaboration and finding practical solutions makes me well-equipped to serve our district effectively.

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

The current board has fallen short in key areas, particularly in community engagement, active listening, and collaboration. Many parents who have sought support or voiced concerns have felt unheard, receiving little to no feedback, follow-up, or even basic acknowledgment, such as eye contact, when addressing the board. This lack of responsiveness has created a negative atmosphere at board meetings, discouraging open dialogue and trust between leadership and the community.

Additionally, the board's inability to work cohesively is evident. Instead of functioning as a unified body with a shared vision, there is a noticeable lack of collaboration. Too often, discussions become about who presents an idea rather than the merit of the idea itself. This dynamic prevents meaningful progress and hinders the board’s ability to implement positive changes that benefit our students and schools. If elected, I would prioritize restoring respect, engagement, and teamwork to ensure our district moves forward in a productive and student-focused direction.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am about restoring leadership and accountability, Expanding extracurricular opportunities for student growth, Improving student achievement and closing gaps, Fostering open clear and consistent communication -especially with financial decisions and addressing teacher concerns, staff shortages, and class sizes.

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

My qualifications and experience demonstrate my ability to effectively serve on the school board. I hold a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, which has provided me with the skills to lead, problem-solve, and foster collaboration within complex systems. I have applied this education throughout my career, including over a decade in an administrative role overseeing a residential behavioral health program for individuals with disabilities and mental illness. In this role, I managed operations, ensured quality care, and developed internal systems to improve services.

Currently, I work to set foster children up for success by matching them to foster homes, coordinating essential services such as therapy, mentoring, and educational support. Additionally, my work with the Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA) and my commitment to quality assurance initiatives further highlight my ability to navigate challenges and implement meaningful improvements. My work with Adults with disabilities and children has earned me multiple awards for outstanding management and leadership

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I believe in transparency, authenticity, and service. I am a clear and open communicator—what you see is what you get. I don’t believe in hidden agendas or political games; I lead with honesty and integrity.

As a servant leader, my passion lies in helping others and making a meaningful impact. I have dedicated my entire adult life to serving individuals and communities in need, ensuring they have the support and resources to succeed. My commitment to this work is unwavering, and I will bring that same dedication to our school board, always putting students, families, and educators first.

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

Success in this role would mean creating a more efficient, productive, and welcoming school board environment—hopefully, with meetings that don’t last three hours!

More importantly, If I can help create an inviting atmosphere where parents, teachers, and community members feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas, we can gather the necessary information to drive meaningful change. My goal is to ensure that the board operates with professionalism and purpose, working together to implement the improvements our district needs. Whether that means advancing learning initiatives, strengthening special education programs, adding extracurriculars, or addressing other key areas identified by our community, I want to ensure that the changes we implement reflect the needs and priorities of those we serve.

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

We would need to seek guidance from district officials. Like many in our community, I share concerns about the changing state and federal laws impacting public schools. I believe in upholding the rule of law and encouraging people to exercise their right to vote for the officials who shape these policies.

Regardless of these changes, my priority will always be supporting our students and families. I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure our students’ safety and well-being while fostering a supportive environment for their families.

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

I agree with our current policy on cell phones. Electronic devices must be kept powered off and out of sight during the regular school day unless a student is permitted to use it by school policy or a building principal.

Parent Communication:
Parents can contact the school for permission for their child to use a phone during the school day or for specific situations.

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

I believe parents should have the primary role in teaching their children the values and lessons that are important to their families.

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?

Our goal should be to create an environment where every student has the tools and support needed to reach their full potential. I believe we need to dedicate more resources to support students who require extra help or specialized services. At the same time, we should offer more advanced learning opportunities to challenge and engage our high-achieving students. The academic standards set by Lincoln-Way 210 are high, and it’s essential that Mokena prepares our students to excel in high school and beyond.

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

No.