Kevin Quinn, Candidate For Palos D118 School Board: 2025 Election

ORLAND PARK, IL — Kevin Quinn is running with the Baker, Jensen, Quinn & Szafranski 4for118 slate for his first term on the Palos Dist. 118 Board of Education in the April 1 election. Early voting runs from March 17 to March 31.

Your Name

Kevin Quinn

Campaign website

4for118

Campaign social media (include links for Facebook, Instagram, etc.)

Facebook: 4for118

Town/city of residence

Orland Park

School district

Palos 118

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

I have a wife and two children. My wife Pamela is a Saint Mary’s College graduate and also a graduate of the Palos 118 school system. We have been married for 10 years now and have two children, Oliver and Caroline. Oliver is 7 years old and is a first-grade student at Palos West. Caroline is 3 and attends preschool at the Farm and Nature Center. We also have another future Palos 118 student due in May.

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

I grew up in Orland Park, just a few blocks south of where my family lives now. I was a part of the 135 and 230 school districts growing up and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in 2005. After high school I attended Purdue University and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Technology.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I am currently the Chief Information Officer at NuMark Credit Union. I have been at the credit union for over 13 years in this role. I work closely with the board of directors to set the vision and expectations for our investment in technology and chair a committee to review the credit union’s Information Security posture and provide briefings on the latest cybersecurity threats. In my role I am also responsible for the Information Technology and Information Security budgets and maximizing the value of our investments and cutting out any wasteful spending. Another key part of my role is staying up to date on regulatory compliance and ensuring that the credit union is adhering to regulations set at both the state and federal level.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

None.

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

The reality of school board work is not very glamorous. The most pressing issues are not what Facebook or the news would have you believe are the issue. Most of the issues the rest of the state are facing in education are not problems in Palos 118. This is the direct result of the collective efforts of all stakeholders. The parents are active in the schools, our teachers are top-notch, and our administration has high expectations and a clear vision for the district. This has allowed our students to thrive in the classroom.

Finances: Since 1982 the state of Illinois has passed 699 mandates. Only 0.5% of these mandates are funded. We have diligently worked with our Chief School Business Officer to achieve the highest financial rating from the state board of education. Just last spring we were able to successfully pass a referendum to ensure the future success of our school district. This is crucial for the long-term success of our district.

We strive to maintain a delicate balance: providing every opportunity and support to every learner—understanding that this looks different for each student—while remaining financially responsible to taxpayers. Over the last four years, the board has worked with administrators to expand both our English Learner (EL) and Special Education programs, while providing coaches to improve math instruction for our elementary students. These measures have proven successful, not only because District 118 is one of the lowest-spending, high-achieving districts in the state, but also through the pride our students and community take in our schools.

We plan to continue this progress and find ways to serve all our students, while balancing the many moving parts of running a school district.

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

Baker, Szafranski and Jensen have Board experience. They were elected to serve this community 4 years ago. In that time, two schools have won the National Blue-Ribbon award. We passed a referendum to put our district on solid financial ground for the future. The district implemented professional learning coaches at Palos East and West to work with our teachers in math. The effectiveness of this endeavor is proven by our increased test scores. Baker, Jensen, and Szafranski also have a combined 50+ years of experience in education– everything ranging from special education to coaching and classroom teaching to administration. They all continue to work in education, whether it is in schools, as advocates, or working with educational institutions.

I would be a first-time school board member, but I have worked closely with the board of directors at a financial institution, serving as the Chief Information Officer. I currently serve as the chair of the Information Security Committee. I would bring a wealth of background in technology and cybersecurity to the board, which makes me stand out. Technology is an important aspect of education, and my expertise would provide a unique and useful perspective on the board.

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

The current board has done an incredible job, as evidenced by the national recognitions of academic achievement that they have received, as well as recognition for excellence in board governance. I wanted to get involved because of how important this community is to me and my family, and I wanted to leverage my experience to help drive future success so that Palos 118 will continue to be a destination district like it was for my family.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The only agenda we have is to maintain the quality of schools that this community deserves.
We fully understand that when you are sworn in as a board member, you are one of seven individuals that have to work together as a team for the good of the students. While everyone brings their voice and experiences to the meetings, board work is about building consensus. Personal agendas slow down the work.

We are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the school. We trust and monitor the superintendent and his staff and set the direction for the district. Our main goal would be to work together to continue the momentum that we have going in this district. Providing opportunities and resources to our students is our first priority.

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

While I’m incredibly proud of my professional achievements, my greatest accomplishments are my two children and my commitment to being an engaged and responsible taxpayer. These experiences drive my passion for serving on the school board. Additionally, my leadership experience in managing budgets, overseeing critical projects, and making strategic decisions in my career has prepared me to tackle the challenges our schools face. I want to bring that same dedication and responsibility to ensuring the best for our students, teachers, and community.

Why should voters trust you?

My family moved back to Orland Park just over two years ago after spending a decade in another Cook County suburb. Our time there was book ended by major corruption, culminating in our mayor being sent to federal prison just before we moved out. It was difficult to watch these issues unfold in a community that deserved so much better. When we decided to leave, I knew that in coming to this township and district, I wanted to get involved—lending my experience to help and make a meaningful, positive impact.

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

Success in this role means ensuring that every child has access to a safe, effective learning environment where they can excel academically, while also guaranteeing that taxpayers benefit from responsible and transparent financial decisions. My goal is to support policies that enhance student achievement without placing unnecessary financial strain on our community. Additionally, I want to leverage my expertise to make this district a leader in both physical and cybersecurity, ensuring our schools are safe and prepared for modern challenges.

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

Schools should be a safe place for all students. Staff should be giving guidance that follows state and local laws and be instructed accordingly. All students should feel safe and supported while in the care of the district.

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

Technology has become a part of our lives, and it continues to evolve every day. We know there has been current legislation introduced surrounding this issue, but we maintain that school districts should maintain local control on making this decision. Technology, including phones, has a time and a place and schools should be able to address this on a case-by-case basis.

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

Students should be taught about their bodies, the changes that happen, and how to take care of themselves. When it comes to more complex and controversial areas of Sex Ed, we feel individual families should decide when and how to have the conversations. It is important to follow state mandates, but it is important to take into consideration the values and wishes of each part of the community and leave decisions to parents about whether their student receives instruction about matters they do not feel comfortable with.

Do you think property taxes are too high, too low, or just about right?

We would all love to pay lower taxes. The current tax rate allows the district to keep quality programming, expand opportunities, and create welcoming environments for students to learn without overly burdening the community. We strive to efficiently spend tax dollars so we can continue to be one of the lowest spending and highest achieving districts in the state. Schools are integral to the community and only one piece that contributes to our taxes. Strong schools will help our communities thrive in many ways, but funding is needed to maintain their success.

How do you feel about TIF districts? Do they hurt or benefit schools? Explain.

The impact of TIFs in Palos 118 has been negligible, but we'd be open to exploring and if it became relevant to our district.

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?

Every resident in Palos 118 should be proud of the students' level of achievement. Our students score above the 90th percentile in every subject. The district has prioritized quality, data driven instruction and provided support to both faculty and students to make sure each child is able to achieve and grow. In the coming years, it will be important to continue collaboration across grade levels and schools to ensure a consistent experience for each child.

Professional Learning Communities within the schools will continue to help teachers evaluate student performance and design quality lessons based on current student proficiency. We will also continue to look at how we can enhance our educational spaces. We have a lot to celebrate in 118 but always looking ahead and considering initiatives moving forward is important for growth, so we feel creating roadmaps and goals will be key.

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

No.