Election 2025: Orland District 135 Board Candidate Deborah Scumaci

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:

Deborah L. Scumaci

Age (as of election day):

59

Town/city of residence:

Orland Park

School district:

D135

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

My husband and I have been proud residents of Orland Park for 24 years. We’ve raised five confident, successful children who have all attended district schools. One of our children is pursuing a Master’s in Special Education, and we also have a daughter-in-law who is a teacher. This personal connection strengthens my dedication to supporting the growth and continued success of our district.

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

No one in my family works in politics or government.

Education

I have completed college coursework and gained valuable skills and knowledge throughout my 38+ year career with a leading global professional services company, which has prepared me well for this role. Strong listening and problem-solving skills will help ensure teachers feel heard and supported. I am confident that my experience and expertise provide a strong foundation to contribute effectively.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Solution Architect – 38+ years with current firm.

Previous or current elected or appointed office*

I have not been previously elected or appointed to an office.

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

The important issues facing our district are ensuring high-quality education for all students and providing adequate support and resources for our teachers. To address these, I intend to advocate for better resources and professional development for educators and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. My goal is to foster an environment where all students feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

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

I bring a practical approach to addressing the needs of our district by focusing on open communication, practical solutions, and ensuring all voices are heard. I am committed to bringing a fresh perspective, working collaboratively with educators, parents, and students, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of our district's long-term success."

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

As a challenger, my focus is on how I can contribute to the continued growth and success of our district. While the current board has made valuable efforts, my goal is to bring fresh ideas, collaborate with all stakeholders, and work toward building an even stronger foundation for the future of our district.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

As a school board candidate, my campaign is built around several key issues that I believe are vital for the continued success of our district:

Student Success – I am committed to ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed. This includes addressing the needs of students with diverse learning styles, providing additional support for students facing challenges, and ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone.

Teacher Support and Development – Our teachers are the heart of our schools, it is essential to provide them with the professional development, resources, and recognition they deserve. I will advocate for ongoing training, adequate classroom support, and a positive working environment for all educators.

Communication – Open communication and strong partnerships between the school board, parents, teachers, and the community are crucial. I am committed to fostering a culture of transparency that ensures everyone’s voice is heard.

Fiscal Responsibility –it's important to be responsible stewards. I will advocate for thoughtful, effective budgeting that maximizes resources to benefit students and teachers while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

I have developed strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills that would transfer well to the School Board role. I have successfully managed teams, navigated complex situations, and worked collaboratively with diverse groups to achieve shared goals. I have the ability to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and build strong relationships, all of which are essential in this role. My experience has prepared me to handle the challenges of this position and work towards positive outcomes.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters can trust me because I am dedicated to transparency, accountability, and collaboration. I listen to all perspectives, make thoughtful decisions, and lead with integrity to create meaningful and lasting progress. My commitment to open communication and fairness ensures that every decision serves the best interests for all.

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

If elected, my main goal for a successful term would be to ensure every student has access to a quality education that supports their needs and prepares them for the future. This includes advocating for the resources necessary for teachers and students to succeed while strengthening communication and collaboration among the school board, educators, parents, and the community to foster ongoing success and progress.

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

Staff should be provided with clear guidance for handling potential ICE enforcement at schools. It’s essential to emphasize that schools are safe spaces where student privacy and safety must come first. They should know to remain calm, contact school leadership, and follow district protocols.

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

Sex education is an important part of a well-rounded curriculum that helps students understand their bodies and make decisions about their well-being. While sex education is important, the role of teaching specific values or discussions around sexuality is personal and should be addressed at home, where parents can guide their children according to their own beliefs and values. Schools should focus on providing age-appropriate, factual information about health and safety.

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

Cell phones should be extremely limited during school hours to minimize distractions and ensure students are fully engaged in their learning. While they can be useful in emergencies, the constant access to social media and non-educational content often disrupts the classroom environment. Establishing clear guidelines for phone use can help balance safety, learning, and a focused classroom environment.

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?

Our district has made great strides in ensuring a solid foundation for student achievement, particularly through its dedicated teachers and strong academic programs. Many schools have successfully implemented programs that support students in core subjects and offer extracurricular activities that enrich their learning experience. The district has also focused on providing resources for students with special needs, helping them reach their full potential.

As the needs of our students evolve, it’s essential to be open to new ways of measuring progress and identifying areas for improvement. Some areas for improvement include providing more targeted interventions for struggling students. By using data to track student performance, schools can make informed decisions and adjust strategies to meet the changing needs of the classroom.

There is no reason I would not serve my full term.