Election 2025: Mokena District 159 Board Candidate Lauren Doman

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:

Lauren Doman

Campaign website:

District 159 Mokena School Board: Lauren Doman

Age (as of election day):

40

Town/city of residence:

Mokena

School district:

Mokena District 159

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

I am happily married to Jason Doman, and we have two amazing children. Our son, Evan, is 11 years old, and our daughter, Leah, is 8 years old. Both of our children attend Mokena District 159 schools and are actively involved in various activities, which keeps our family engaged and connected to the community.

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:

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree major in English, Communications minor in Criminal Justice. Also, I have two Master’s Degrees, in Special Education and School Administration. I have licensed educator endorsement in English Spanish Learners. I am trained in Wilson Language Literacy, Orton-Gillingham Literacy / Spelling and Crisis Prevention Intervention.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I am a Public School Teacher with 17 years of diverse experience. I have taught students in grades 1 through 8 across various subjects. I currently teach at a Blue-Ribbon Award-winning middle school. I have firsthand experience in bringing high-quality, award-winning education to a community. I understand the struggles of our student population ranging from delivering Special Education services to servicing our advanced learners.

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.

The most pressing issues facing our district are the dysfunction of the current school board, the instability resulting from high turnover in the Superintendent position, and the critical need for improved safety measures within our schools. Here’s what I intend to do about them:

Dysfunctional School Board: It is evident from observing board meetings that the current board's dysfunction detracts from the quality of education our district can deliver. To address this, we need to bring in new members who are committed to reinstating leadership and functionality for the benefit of our students, staff, and community. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative and respectful environment where all voices are heard, and decisions are made with the best interests of our educational community at heart.

High Turnover in Superintendent Position: The instability caused by high turnover in the Superintendent position has far-reaching effects throughout our district. As a board member, I believe I can add significant value during the onboarding process of our newly hired Superintendent. I will be devoted to ensuring his success, providing the support needed to establish a stable and effective leadership. The incumbent candidates have had their chance to address this issue and have not been successful, which is why fresh perspectives are essential.

Safety as a Top Priority: Safety is paramount for our students and staff, and it has been a recurring theme in community surveys. Unfortunately, the current board has voted against establishing a Safety Committee to explore opportunities for improvement. I strongly disagree with the incumbents' passive approach to safety; it is indeed the responsibility of the Board of Education to lead these initiatives and allocate necessary funds. If elected, I vow to work collaboratively with my colleagues to prioritize safety and actively pursue measures that ensure the well-being of everyone in our schools.

The critical difference between me and the other candidates seeking this post is that I am the only licensed educator running for a seat on the board. If I am fortunate enough to earn the support of Mokena voters, I will be the sole educator serving on the board, which brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table.

With my background and experience, I am ready to hit the ground running and add immediate value to the board's work. I understand what it means to deliver a high-quality education. This firsthand experience equips me to effectively partner with my colleagues in onboarding our new Superintendent and ensuring his success from the outset.

Moreover, I am deeply committed to serving our students, parents, teachers, staff, and the entire community. If elected, I will prioritize transparency, which is currently lacking, and make myself readily available to the community. I recognize the importance of increasing parent and community involvement in our schools, as it has a profoundly positive impact on our district's success.

As a challenger, I believe the current board has failed the community and district in several significant ways:

Financial Management and Resource Allocation: Mokena taxpayers contribute 35% of their property taxes to District 159, yet the amount levied has increased by 30% over the past five years due to rising home values. While administrative compensation has also increased by 30%, classroom sizes have grown without hiring additional teachers, and the current board projects that no new teachers will be hired in the next five years. This is unacceptable! I understand the value of smaller class sizes and know how to prioritize spending wisely. The decisions being made by the incumbents are irresponsible and are leading the district down a dangerous path.

Lack of Strategic Leadership: The incumbent candidates have repeatedly failed to implement a winning strategy that aligns with community needs. For instance, they eliminated our Enrichment Program in 2015 and the Dual Language Program in 2022 despite public outcry. Additionally, they voted against recording board meetings for transparency when parents requested it and disregarded a petition for improved safety measures. Instead, they chose to allocate funds to projects like a $160k shed at the junior high to house a snowplow, prioritizing that over the safety of our students and staff.

If elected, I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow board members and the administration to explore opportunities for improvement within our classrooms, ensuring that our educational priorities come first. Leadership should be about teamwork and listening to the community, and the incumbents have not demonstrated this commitment.

As a candidate for the school board, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging educational environment for all students. My 17 years of experience in education, combined with my dedication to our community, will guide my decisions to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

I have witnessed the challenges and triumphs within our schools, which motivates me to make a difference. I welcome your support and ideas as we work together, and I am dedicated to listening to your concerns to find effective solutions.

Key Issues of My Campaign Platform:
-Support for Educators: I will advocate for resources and professional development to empower our teachers and staff.
-Student-Centered Policies: My focus will be on ensuring that all policies are designed with the best interests of our students in mind.
-Community Engagement: I aim to foster two-way communication between the school board, parents, and community members to strengthen our educational programs.
-Diversity and Inclusion: I will promote an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates our diverse student population.
-Fiscal Responsibility: involves not only managing budgets wisely but also ensuring that every dollar spent effectively to enhance educational outcomes. I am committed to prioritizing transparency and accountability in our financial practices to maximize resources for our students and staff.

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

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

With 17 years of diverse experience as a Public School Teacher, I have developed a strong foundation in education that equips me to handle the responsibilities of this role effectively. This breadth of knowledge allows me to understand the unique needs of different learners and adapt my approach accordingly.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have actively contributed to my community as a team manager and coach. These roles have strengthened my leadership skills and my ability to collaborate with parents, students, and fellow educators. Being an advocate in the community has further deepened my understanding of the challenges that families face, and it drives my commitment to creating the best supportive educational environments.

These accomplishments demonstrate my dedication to education and my capability to contribute positively to the school board. I believe my experience positions me well to make impactful decisions for our schools.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because my motivation for running for the school board is steadfast and clear: I am dedicated to being an integral part of the decision-making process that drives improvement in Mokena, helping our schools and community reach their fullest potential. My focus is solely on the betterment of our educational system and the overall well-being of our students, teachers, and families.

I pride myself on being honest and transparent in my actions and communications. I believe that trust is built through open dialogue and accountability, and I am committed to listening to the concerns and ideas of our community. By fostering strong relationships with parents, educators, and community members, I aim to create a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

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

If I win this position, my primary accomplishment that would define a successful term in office would be the implementation of a comprehensive support system for both students and educators. This would include advocating for increased resources, professional development opportunities for teachers, and programs that cater to the diverse needs of our student population.

Success for me would also involve fostering a culture of open communication between the school board, parents, and community members, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the educational process. By building strong partnerships and engaging stakeholders, we can create an inclusive environment that addresses the needs of all families.

Ultimately, if I can contribute to a noticeable improvement in student performance and well-being, and create a supportive framework for our educators, I will consider my term a success.

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

In the event of potential ICE enforcement at schools, staff should be guided by clear protocols that prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, families, and staff members. Staff should be informed about the rights of students and families, as well as the legal protocols surrounding immigration enforcement. Understanding that schools are safe spaces for children is crucial. Schools should have access to community resources that can assist families who may be impacted by ICE enforcement, such as legal aid organizations and counseling services. As a board member I will work to ensure the Administration is doing all we can to keep students safe, staff informed and armed with all tools they need.

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

I personally believe that cell phones could be brought to and from school and used outside of school hours. However, I believe there should be a policy in place, during school hours. As an educator with extensive experience, I have witnessed firsthand how distracting they can be in the classroom. The presence of cell phones often leads to students diverting their attention away from lessons, which can hinder their learning and engagement.

Moreover, there are negative consequences associated with cell phone use, including issues like cyberbullying. I have seen how this can affect students' mental health and create a hostile environment for some peers. Allowing phones during school hours can exacerbate these issues, making it challenging for educators to maintain a safe and productive learning environment.

I understand some parents might get comfort in being able to reach their students during school hours and how this approach might be troubling. I am willing to have conversations that explore how to alleviate these concerns and will always seek to adopt policies supported by our community.

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

I believe that sex education is a crucial aspect of a comprehensive education curriculum. Schools are bound to some legal mandates in this area and most of those decisions are made above the school board. Many of these are in high school districts and not elementary school level topics. At the end of the day, many of these lessons are up to parents to teach their own children based on their personal values and beliefs. Our job as educators will well defined and is supplemented to the hard work parents have teaching their children!

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?

When it comes to student achievement, I believe that our district has made significant strides in many areas, particularly in providing foundational skills and support for students. However, there are notable inequities in academic performance among different student demographics that we must address to improve overall achievement levels.

One of the strengths of our district is the commitment to supporting struggling students through various interventions. However, I believe we can enhance these efforts by promoting targeted interventions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of those who are falling behind. By increasing the availability of resources and support services, we can ensure that more students have the opportunity to succeed.

On the other hand, we also have advanced students who may not be receiving the challenge they need to grow academically. Insufficient programming for these students can hinder their development and engagement. Although there is currently a task force working on this issue, I will actively seek partnerships with local organizations and educational institutions to assist with this initiative. By expanding access to advanced courses and enrichment opportunities, we can ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, can thrive and reach their full potential.

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 entire term of office and have no intentions of stepping down for reasons other than health or family considerations. My motivation for running for this position stems from a deep commitment to our schools and community, and I believe that continuity is essential for implementing meaningful change and achieving our goals.

I understand the importance of stability in leadership, especially in the educational environment, and I am dedicated to seeing through the initiatives and improvements that I advocate for. My focus will be on fostering collaboration, listening to community concerns, and working tirelessly to enhance the educational experience for all students.

I am prepared to dedicate my time and efforts to serve my full term, as I believe it is crucial for the success of our schools and the well-being of our students and families