Election 2025: Orland District 135 Board Candidate Daniel Finlayson

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:

Daniel Finlayson

Campaign website:

Finlayson for 135

Age (as of election day):

38

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

School district:

Orland 135

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

Husband to a loving wife and a father to twin kindergarten boys in district

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

none

Education:

Proud graduate of Orland School District 135 and District 230

Moraine Valley Community College – Firefighter Training
South Suburban Community College – Paramedic Training
University of Illinois at Chicago – B.S. in Kinesiology, Minor in Biology
University of Illinois at Chicago – M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
Northern Illinois University – M.S.Ed. in Administration & Leadership, Principal Endorsement

I have been a secondary science teacher for the past 13 years and a union leader for 6

Previous or current elected or appointed office*:

While I have not held a position in local government, I was elected to back-to-back terms as union president by my peers, demonstrating their trust in my leadership and advocacy.

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

The most pressing issue facing our district is ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to succeed. I intend to address this by advocating for a fully implemented and rigorous MTSS/RTI and IEP system, holding schools accountable for student success, and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

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

The critical difference between me and the other candidates is my proven background in educational leadership and labor advocacy. As an educator, I played a key role in driving AP testing to new heights, helping my school earn recognition for having one of the most inclusive and successful AP programs in the nation. Additionally, as a two-term union president, I have firsthand experience in having difficult yet necessary conversations about workforce needs, success criteria, and the fiscal balance that school districts must maintain. Through negotiating two teacher contracts, I have worked to ensure fair conditions for educators while remaining mindful of the financial responsibility required to keep our schools strong and sustainable. My experience in both instructional leadership and labor relations gives me a well-rounded perspective that sets me apart as a candidate committed to student success, educator support, and fiscal responsibility.

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

I believe the current board has had successes, and it’s easy to critique from the outside. However, one area where improvement is needed is special education identification and ensuring that all services are delivered with fidelity. A stronger focus on understanding what students are learning—and what mastery looks like—will be key to addressing these challenges. By strengthening this approach, the district can implement a high-quality MTSS/RTI program that effectively supports all students. To their credit, the board has already identified this as a growth area, and I am committed to ensuring meaningful progress is made.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

A key pillar of my campaign is holding schools accountable for success. Every school should have S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals tied to the Illinois School Report Card, with a clear focus on achieving an "Excellent" rating—placing our schools in the top 10% statewide. To reach this goal, we must attract and retain the best teachers and support staff in the state, ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education. Transparency is essential—these goals and their progress should be publicly available, allowing students, parents, and educators to track and support continuous improvement.

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

As a two-term union president, I have successfully negotiated two teacher contracts, balancing financial responsibility, curriculum priorities, and student success. These negotiations required me to navigate complex discussions on district budgets, workforce needs, and academic goals while ensuring fair conditions for educators. Additionally, I have firsthand experience with the political and legal processes that govern public education, giving me a deep understanding of how school systems operate. Beyond contract negotiations, I have worked to elevate academic programs, playing a key role in advancing AP testing participation and success, leading to national recognition for inclusivity and excellence. My ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and advocate for students and educators alike demonstrates that I am well-prepared to serve on the school board.

Why should voters trust you?

I will always prioritize students in every decision I make, as they are the heart of our education system. I will not support anything that doesn't align with their best interests. My commitment is to be transparent and maintain open communication with everyone in the community. If you ever have concerns or questions, I encourage you to reach out to me directly. I am here to listen, and I will always ensure that students' needs guide my decisions.

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

If I win this position, success would be defined by achieving the goals set forth in the Illinois School Report Card to move our district from 'commendable' to 'excellent.' I will focus on enhancing student achievement, closing achievement gaps, and ensuring a well-rounded, equitable education for all. By making measurable progress in these areas, we can ensure that every student has the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. I will work diligently to track and communicate our progress toward these goals and ensure the required results are achieved for the benefit of our students.

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

Staff should follow current laws and regulations regarding ICE enforcement in schools to ensure they comply with legal requirements. The public school system is an arm of the government and should not act outside of its legal obligations. At the same time, it is important that schools prioritize the safety and well-being of students, avoiding situations that could put students at risk or create unnecessary disruptions to their education. Teachers and staff should receive regular updates on relevant policies and statutes through the district’s board-approved procedures to ensure full compliance.

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

Social-emotional and sex education should be taught in a way that is age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate for students. The curriculum, like all educational content, should be made publicly available for review prior to and during implementation. Parents have the right to make decisions about what their children are exposed to in these areas and should have the option to opt out of any lessons or materials that they feel do not align with their family values. Any discussions about LGBTQ topics within sex education should only occur when directly relevant to the curriculum and not as an open-ended discussion. Our teachers are there to educate, and these sensitive topics should be addressed in a structured, curriculum-based way, with parental involvement in determining what is appropriate for their children.

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

Yes, cell phones should be restricted during school hours. Their presence in educational settings often leads to distractions that impede learning. A study by the National Education Association highlights that educators' primary concerns include cyberbullying and disruptions to instructional time due to social media use.

Moreover, excessive use of smartphones and social media platforms has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes in adolescents. Research indicates correlations between heavy social media use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts among youth.

From a safety perspective, widespread student cell phone use during emergencies can lead to network congestion, hindering communication for both school officials and emergency responders. The National School Safety and Security Services reports that during major crises, cell phone systems often become overloaded, and additional usage by students can exacerbate this issue, potentially disrupting emergency communications.

Therefore, maintaining the district's current policy of keeping phones 'off and away' during school hours is advisable until evidence suggests a need for change. This approach minimizes distractions, supports student mental health, and ensures clear communication during emergencies.

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?

Students enter our schools with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, and we must continuously adapt to meet their diverse needs. One area for improvement is the early identification of both student and teacher needs. This could be achieved by enhancing our systems for support, such as a more comprehensive PERA/Teaching Assistance framework, strengthening Special Education services, or refining our MTSS/RTI system. By addressing these needs more effectively from the start, we can provide targeted interventions that ensure all students, and educators, have the tools and resources to succeed.

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

I have every intention of serving my full term as a school board member and am committed to fulfilling my responsibilities throughout the duration of my service.