Election 2025: Orland D35 Board Candidate ​​Jennifer Durkin-Fekete

ORLAND PARK, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and there are four spots open on the Orland District 135 Board of Education.

There are 10 candidates vying for the seats, including incumbents Elizabeth Jobb and Nichole Browner.

Other candidates include Deborah L. Scumaci, Aisha Zayyad, Jennifer Durkin-Fekete, Ray Morandi, Chad Capps, Vince Oluwaleke, Kelly Chmielewski, and Daniel Finlayson.

Orland School District 135 is a 10-school elementary district serving roughly 5,200 students in Early Childhood through 8th grade. Its board consists of seven members each serving four-year terms.

Candidate:

Jennifer Durkin-Fekete

Age (as of election day):

44

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

School district:

Orland District 135

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

I am happily married to my best friend and wife, Melissa, and we’ve been married for 10 years. We have 8-year-old twins, William and Charlotte, who attend Center School and are full of energy and curiosity. We have a 14 year old lab mix named Payton.

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:

MA+

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Mathematics Teacher 19 years and Special Education Teacher (LSB1) 4 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.

Teacher and Support Staff Retention: Teachers are the backbone of our schools, and retaining high-quality educators is crucial for student success. I will advocate for competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment to reduce burnout and show our teachers they are valued.

Every student deserves the resources and support they need to succeed, especially those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or other special needs. Support staff, including paraprofessionals, special education teachers, and intervention specialists, play a critical role in ensuring these students receive the personalized instruction and assistance they require. I will advocate for increased funding and staffing to ensure that every student, regardless of their challenges, has access to a high-quality education in an inclusive and supportive environment.

School Funding: District 135 must prioritize funding that directly impacts student learning and teacher support. I will work to ensure responsible budgeting, seek additional grants, and advocate for equitable distribution of resources so every school has what it needs to succeed.

What sets me apart from the other candidates is my firsthand experience as an educator and my deep-rooted commitment to our district. With 19 years of teaching experience, I understand the challenges that teachers, students, and families face every day. I know what it takes to create an environment where both students and educators can thrive.

Additionally, my focus on key issues—teacher retention, school funding, curriculum transparency, student mental health, class sizes, and support staff for students with special needs—demonstrates my well-rounded approach to improving our schools. I will advocate for policies that directly impact student success while ensuring that teachers and staff have the support they need.

I also bring a parent’s perspective, which means I am invested in the success of all children in our district. I believe in collaboration, transparency, and open communication with families, teachers, and the community. My goal is to serve as a bridge between educators, parents, and the school board to make decisions that put students first.

While my fellow candidates may also care about our schools, my experience inside the classroom and my firsthand knowledge of what truly works in education make me uniquely qualified to serve on the Orland Park District 135 School Board.

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

Our district has many strengths, but there are areas where we can and must do better. One of my main concerns is teacher/support staff retention—our educators need stronger support, competitive compensation, and a voice in decision-making to ensure they stay in our district and continue providing high-quality education for our students.

While I respect the work of the current board, I believe fresh perspectives and stronger advocacy for students, teachers, and families are needed to move our district forward. My experience as an educator and a parent gives me a unique and well-rounded perspective that I will use to prioritize the needs of our community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Families should have a strong voice in their children’s education. I will work to improve transparency in decision-making and create more opportunities for parents, educators, and community members to be involved in shaping policies and programs.

Our schools must be financially responsible while ensuring that every dollar spent directly benefits students and educators. I will advocate for responsible budgeting that prioritizes classroom resources, teacher support, and student services over administrative costs.

Every child deserves a safe and welcoming school environment. I will support initiatives that promote school safety, combat bullying, and foster inclusivity, ensuring that all students—regardless of background or ability—feel valued and supported.

My experience as an educator, coach, and leader has given me the skills needed to serve on the Orland Park District 135 School Board effectively. With 19 years of teaching experience, I understand the challenges educators face and know firsthand what policies and resources truly make a difference in the classroom.

Beyond teaching, my nine years as a basketball coach and current role as assistant athletic director have strengthened my leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. I have worked closely with students, parents, and administrators to create programs that support student growth, both academically and athletically. Sports have taught me the value of discipline, resilience, and the importance of providing students with well-rounded opportunities.

As a working mother of twins, I also bring a parent's perspective. I understand the concerns of families navigating the education system, and I am committed to ensuring that all students receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Balancing my roles as an educator, coach, leader, and mother has prepared me to advocate for our schools with passion, dedication, and a strong commitment to student success.

Voters should trust me because I am fully invested in the success of our schools—not just as a candidate, but as an educator, coach, and parent.

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

Success in my term would mean making meaningful progress in the key areas that matter most to our district. First and foremost, I want to improve teacher/staff retention by ensuring educators have the support, resources, and competitive compensation they need to stay in our schools. Keeping great teachers in our classrooms leads to better outcomes for our students.

I also want to increase transparency and communication between the school board, parents, and educators. A more collaborative decision-making process, where families and teachers have a clear voice, will build trust and strengthen our schools.

Another key measure of success would be expanding student support services, especially for those with special needs or mental health challenges. Ensuring that we have enough counselors, paraprofessionals, and special education staff would help all students receive the resources they need to thrive.

Finally, I would consider my term a success if we can maintain responsible budgeting while prioritizing funding that directly impacts students—whether that’s smaller class sizes, improved curriculum resources, or expanded extracurricular opportunities.

If, at the end of my term, our schools are stronger, our teachers feel more supported, and families have more confidence in our district’s leadership, then I will know I have done my job well.

When addressing potential ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) enforcement at schools, it’s crucial to provide staff with clear guidance to protect the rights and safety of students, staff, and families.

Understand the Law: by knowing the rights of students and limit ICE access to school grounds.
Establish Clear Procedures: by notifying the administrative team.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
Do Not Release Information: by making sure staff does not disclose student or family information.
Maintain a Calm and Supportive Environment: by remaining calm and non-confrontational in order to de-escalate any situations.
Provide Emotional Support: by ensuring students and families who may be affected by ICE actions feel supported.
Communication Protocol: by notifying parents and guardians to ensure that there is a protocol for informing all necessary parties, including legal teams, to navigate the situation correctly.

Sex education in schools is an important aspect of fostering healthy, informed, and respectful communities. I believe that comprehensive sex education, which is inclusive and age-appropriate, should be taught in schools. This ensures that all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, receive the information and support they need to make informed choices and understand their bodies, relationships, and emotions.

Yes, I believe that LGBTQ+ topics should be included in sex education at age-appropriate levels.

Promotes Inclusivity and Acceptance: Including LGBTQ+ topics in sex education helps create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. It fosters understanding and respect for different identities, which is crucial in reducing bullying and discrimination.
It ensures that LGBTQ+ students feel seen, heard, and supported, which is important for their mental and emotional well-being.

Prepares All Students for Real-World Relationships: Not all students will identify as heterosexual, and they need accurate and comprehensive information that reflects the diversity of relationships and sexual orientations in society.
Teaching about LGBTQ+ relationships, identities, and experiences allows all students to learn about the spectrum of human experiences, helping them become more empathetic, understanding, and respectful of others.

Supports Health and Safety: Comprehensive sex education that includes LGBTQ+ topics provides students with critical knowledge about sexual health, consent, and the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.
It helps to equip students with the skills and information necessary to protect their health and well-being, especially in the context of relationships, sexual activity, and understanding their own boundaries.

Affirms Diverse Identities: For LGBTQ+ students, seeing their experiences reflected in sex education curriculum can help reduce feelings of isolation and confusion. It can validate their identities, which is important for building confidence and self-esteem.
It also helps break down harmful stereotypes and misinformation about LGBTQ+ people, encouraging a more accepting and supportive community overall.

The question of whether cell phones should be banned during school is a complex one, and there are valid arguments on both sides. However, being in the classroom here are the many reason I am PRO for Banning Cell Phones:

Distractions: Social Media & Games: Cell phones can easily distract students from their learning. With constant access to social media, texting, and gaming, students may find it difficult to focus on their studies, leading to reduced academic performance.
Classroom Engagement: When students are distracted by their phones, they might miss out on important lessons, discussions, and activities. This can hinder their overall academic growth.

Fights & Bullying: Easy Access to Conflict: Cell phones can contribute to escalating conflicts. Students might record or share videos of fights or negative interactions, which can lead to further bullying or harassment both in and outside of school.
Cyberbullying: The ease of sending hurtful messages or posting embarrassing photos through social media can negatively impact students’ mental health and create a toxic school environment.

Cheating: Easy Access to Information: Cell phones provide easy access to information during tests or assignments, making cheating more tempting. Some students might use their phones to look up answers, text friends, or even share answers with others, which undermines the integrity of the educational process.

As a parent of second-grade students, I believe the school district is providing a high-quality level of instruction. One of the standout aspects is the grading system, which focuses on the proficiency of students in specific topics rather than relying on arbitrary or generalized assessments. This system ensures that each child’s progress is measured based on actual skill development, rather than external factors.

Additionally, the teachers and resource staff have been incredibly supportive in providing tailored instruction to my child, who struggles in reading and math. The district's commitment to meeting individual student needs is evident in the personalized approach my child receives. I appreciate the effort the teachers and resource specialists put into ensuring that my child receives the support they need to succeed, which has made a significant difference in their learning experience.

While the district does a lot of things well, there’s always room for improvement, and every district can grow. One area where I feel improvement could be made is increasing transparency on all sides—whether it's communication between the district and parents, between teachers and administrators, or even within the classroom. Clearer, more consistent updates on what’s being done to support students, how decisions are being made, and where resources are being allocated would help build trust and ensure that all stakeholders feel heard and informed.

Additionally, professional development for teachers is essential. While I do not know what teachers/staff members think about the professional development being provided, there’s always room to enhance support for educators so they can continue to grow in their practice. This means investing in ongoing training that helps teachers stay updated with the latest instructional strategies, educational tools, and best practices. By equipping teachers with the resources they need to continually improve their skills, we can further ensure that students are receiving the best possible education

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

No