Mokena School Board Candidate: Samantha Tunney

Candidate Name: Samantha Tunney

Age (as of election day): 36

Town/city of residence: Mokena

School district: Mokena 159

Family: James Tunney, 41, Husband Mackenzie Tunney, 8, Daughter, 2nd grader at Mokena Elementary School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: High School Diploma

Occupation: Manager at CTO Enterprises ( 11 years)

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/peopl...

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Mokena PTA President, Mokena Chamber of Commerce, Board Secretary Mokena Youth Athletics Association (Burros & Jr. Celtics) Scholastics Coordinator Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation Director of Communications

What are the most pressing issues facing the district and what do you intend to do about them? Our world is changing every day, and with it, we need to make changes in order to keep up and maintain excellence in our schools. The decisions made by the school board affect the entire community. If elected, my focus would be on student achievement and programs, teacher support, safety and security, maintaining facilities, and ensuring that the district is fiscally responsible.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I have served on many boards and had to set aside private wants and feelings to vote for all. My ability to continue to do this will benefit the entire community. I want my voice to represent our children, educators, taxpayers, and parents. Serving on many boards has opened my eyes to personal agendas and bias. I feel that I can take into consideration different opinions and vote best for all involved.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: My decision to run for the school board was not made because of one particular issue I want to fix, but to research current policies and procedures, and maintain or improve what might be needed. I was a part of the strategic planning committee, so I am aware of our strengths and weaknesses.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My job as a manager requires me to handle HR policies, evaluations, disciplinary actions, and compensation, among other things. As PTA president, I have executed the meetings, communicated with administration, staff, and parents, organized fundraisers, and budgeted funds throughout the year. Finally, my position on the executive board for the Mokena Chamber of Commerce requires me to help decide on what would be best for our local businesses, I have plenty of experience making decisions that are best for the overall group.

Why should voters trust you? The Mokena school district is an integral part of the community in that I live, work, and serve. My daughter will be in our school district for the next six years, and I have many friends with younger children that will follow her soon. Besides having a vested interest in those closest to me, I truly care about what is best for our entire community. Our education is molding the children that are crucial to the success of Mokena, and are growing up to be an even larger part of that community. I truly have the best interest in all things Mokena and promise to always care about the larger picture when voting.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? My goal is to maintain the academic excellence of Mokena. My largest hope is that we can ensure our staff is supported in order to give our children the best education possible. Our district just underwent a strategic planning update that I was fortunate to be a part of, and I would like to see that continue to be a priority while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending, and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I think our district does a great job in deciding where the funds should be spent, but there is always room for improvement in all things. If elected, I will ensure our district continues to be fiscally responsible and would hope to strengthen the partnership with taxpayers and the district with open communication.

What are your thoughts on how the district has handled the COVID-19 pandemic? COVID came in swinging, and we had no information at the very beginning. With so much unknown, and the safety of our children being a priority, I believe the district did whatever it could at that time.

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? Our school board meetings allow public comments as the first agenda item every month. However, many parents wanted answers and discussion during this time, which is not possible during the public comments time. To my knowledge, if a parent wanted a discussion and answers, they would have to set a meeting with the administration outside of the board meeting. If elected, I would like to see a follow-up policy in place for these situations. Perhaps a special forum or town hall-styled event for the week after the school board meeting.

How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not? The sole purpose of sex education in school is to ensure each child understands the risks of unprotected sex and to help make good decisions to keep a healthy lifestyle. This would include any information necessary to ensure that while using medical explanations that include everyone.

What are your views on critical race theory and whether it should be taught in the district? I am strongly opposed to anything that divides our children. All students should feel safe and valued at all times, especially in their learning environment. Every student should be exposed to ALL viewpoints.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so? 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?

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? None.

What is the advice ever shared with you? Raise your hand, not your voice. It is something that a friend of mine said many years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. We as a community have our own ideas and thoughts about many things, but often complaints and not ideas on how to improve are what is voiced. In order to make a difference, you have to get involved.