Noah Frank: Candidate For West Northfield School District 31

NORTHBROOK, IL — Ahead of the April 4 consolidated municipal elections, Northbrook Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Five candidates, including an official write-in candidate, are vying for three seats on the West Northfield School District 31 Board of Education on Election Day. Current board members Daphne Frank and Melissa Choo Valentinas are not running for reelection when their terms ends next month. The candidates that will be on the ballot are:

• Maria Vasilopoulos, current member (terms ends in 2023)
• Noah Frank
• Elizabeth Kim (write-in candidate)
• Meghan McMillin
• Nick Parfitt

Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Noah Frank

Age (as of election day)

40

Town/city of residence

Northbrook

School district

West Northfield School District 31

Family

Wife, Molly. Sons Joey (Kindergarten) and Ethan (pre-K) at Winkelman.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes. My mother is the president of the Lake County School Board of Trustees and has been for over 30 years. I grew up understanding the importance of district governance for families and the impact on education. One of my cousins served 2 terms on the West Northfield School District 31 Board (current term expiring). Another cousin is on the Lake County Board.

Education

I am a quadruple Illini: J.D., University of Illinois College of Law. M.H.R.I.R, Institute of Labor & Industrial Relations. B.A. History and B.A. Economics, UIUC.

Occupation

Attorney (15 years). Currently, Associate General Counsel for a senior assisted living provider. Previously, private practice representing private entities and government agencies in employment, workers’ compensation, and business matters.

Campaign website

fb.com/United4District31

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.

I intend to rely upon my decades experience in effective board governance to ensure that District 31 meets challenges directly to provide the highest quality education. I fully support the D31 Strategic Mission, I personally believe I can impact the area of Family and Community Partnerships as this is an area where we can do better for our families by building a greater sense of community and belonging. I believe this starts with improved communication, engagement and participation from stakeholders.

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

I bring 25 years’ experience as an executive member of boards and committees with the highest ethical standards, collaborative professionalism, and effective governance. As an attorney, I bring efficient, pragmatic, and effective solutions that make positive impacts aligning with stakeholder’s shared goals and commitments. My background enables me to amplify the District’s purpose, goals, and strategic planning through continuous improvement and data-informed decisions.

On a personal level, my family and I have 9 years of D31 education ahead of us, joining the board at this time will allow me to maximize my impact for current and future families of D31.

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

Meghan McMillin (Punch #101), Nicholas Parfitt (Punch #104), and I (Punch #103) would like to build upon prior Board successes and continue to enhance the brand, reputation, and quality of education. As parents of young children, the future success of our children and their classmates will be largely dependent on the success of District 31.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am a champion for diversity and inclusivity, advocating for all students. My family and I celebrate the uniqueness that unites District 31 and believe our district will be most successful when we provide equitable opportunities for all students in a culturally responsive, diverse, and inclusive environment.

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

Why should voters trust you?

As an attorney, I have a unique responsibility for the quality of justice. I will bring the highest ethical and professional standards to this office. With a 1st grader and incoming kindergartener, I am invested in the District successfully accomplishing its mission, vision, and values.

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

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? I plan to enhance public perception of the District. This will be accomplished thorough the development of an updated 5-year strategic plan aligning with stakeholders’ needs.

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

I will be a fiduciary for the community, ensuring that our tax dollars are spent prudently.

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

I am pleased that District 31 navigated pandemic based on the information available and has continued to adhere to the state laws. However, these are minimum requirements. As a District, we must ensure that schools are a safe and healthy refuge for students, teachers, and staff.

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?

We will encourage respectful public comment from stakeholders, while complying with District policy and state law.

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

School administration along with teacher input should determine age- and cognitively-appropriate curricula. Personally, I believe that Love is Love, and fully support and embrace LGBTQ+ family and community members. I acknowledge that everyone has their own personal views, and parents may choose to opt-out of such education.

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

History should be taught fully and accurately to allow future generations to learn from the mistakes and successes of previous generations.

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

Diversity, inclusion, and belonging continue to be a journey, not a destination. My mission is to continue to learn, understand, include, and implement programs and strategies to ensure our students are seen and their voices are heard.

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?

District 31 produces some of the most high school-ready students. However, several community members have shared with me that there is a significant perception that District 31 lags the other Northbrook & Glenview districts, particularly in math. District 31 should ensure mastery of foundational education, including how to learn and think, and not just memorization and repetition.

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 ____________

"If you would not spend an extra dollar on a pack of gum, do not spend an extra dollar on a car." The point: you work hard for that dollar – so be fiscally conservative whether it is a small or large purchase.