Election 2025: Kirby District 140 Board Candidate Katlin Davis

TINLEY PARK, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and several spots on the Kirby District 140 Board of Education are up for grabs.

Six candidates are vying for four seats on the board. Incumbents Aileen Mullee, Tom Martelli, Carol DeMichael, and Luciana Shalash are running on the All-4-KSD140 slate. Also seeking seats are challengers Katlin Davis and Melissa Bessler.

Based in Tinley Park, Kirby District 140 is a seven-school, preschool-8th grade district—two middle schools and five elementary—serving more than 3,500 students from Tinley Park, Orland Hills, and Orland Park, Illinois. District 140 employs approximately 600 full and part-time individuals.

Patch provided a questionnaire to all candidates. We'll be sharing their responses in candidate profiles.

Early voting begins March 17.

Candidate:

Katlin Davis

Age (as of election day):

39

Town/city of residence:

Tinley Park

School district:

Kirby District 140

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

My husband, David, and I have been happily married for 12 years and have called Tinley Park home since 2014. Together, we are raising two wonderful sons: an energetic 3-year-old and an athletic 8-year-old in the second grade at Keller Elementary School.

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

I do not have anyone in my family who works in politics or government.

Education

I hold a Doctorate degree in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, where I developed expertise in organizational leadership and learning processes. I also earned two Master’s degrees from St. Xavier University: one in Administration and Supervision, and the other in Curriculum and Instruction. Both degrees have equipped me with a strong foundation in educational leadership, curriculum design, and instructional strategies. Furthermore, I hold a Gifted Education Certificate and an Administration License. My academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Mathematics Education, also from St. Xavier University.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

I am an experienced elementary school educator with 18 years of teaching experience. Throughout my career, I have taught across various grade levels and gained mastery in supporting students with disabilities, English language learners, and gifted learners. Additionally, I contribute to the field of education as an adjunct professor of Educational Psychology, sharing my knowledge and experience with future educators.

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 most significant challenge currently facing our district is the need for increased stakeholder involvement. To address this issue effectively, the school board will create dedicated subcommittees focusing on key areas such as finance, policy, and curriculum. These subcommittees will provide a structured platform for collaboration and input. To ensure an inclusive representation, all stakeholders from the Kirby 140 group will be invited to participate in these committees. This approach will ensure transparent decision-making and allow for diverse perspectives to inform the district’s strategic priorities.

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

One critical difference is that I am an educator and a mother of young sons who are currently enrolled in and will soon begin their educational journey within the Kirby School District. I bring a unique perspective to this position. My personal and professional experiences give me a deep, vested interest in the academic success and well-being of all students in the district. I am not only committed to the educational development of my own children but also to ensuring that every student receives the highest-quality education possible.

Additionally, as a taxpayer in Tinley Park, I am dedicated to advocating for responsible fiscal management within the school district. I believe it is crucial that taxpayer funds are used efficiently to support educational initiatives that provide the best possible outcomes for students. My blend of personal investment, professional expertise, and financial accountability sets me apart from other candidates and drives my passion for contributing to the continued success and improvement of the Kirby School District.

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

I fully support the current school board policy of Kirby, which requires cell phones to be kept off and away during the school day. This policy helps to minimize distractions and ensures that students remain focused on their academic work and social interactions within the school environment. By limiting phone usage during school hours, we can foster a more engaging and productive learning atmosphere.

Additionally, this policy encourages students to develop healthier habits regarding technology use by promoting face-to-face communication and active participation in their education. While cell phones can be valuable tools for learning in certain contexts, I believe that maintaining a balance between technological access and the need for focused, uninterrupted learning time is essential for student success.

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

I would not characterize any member of the current school board as having 'failed' the community or the district. However, I do believe that we need school board members with young children currently enrolled in the schools to offer a distinct and valuable perspective. Parents of school aged children are directly engaged in the day-to-day educational experience, which provides a deeper, firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities that students and families are currently facing.

This perspective can foster a stronger connection to the community and enable board members to advocate more effectively for the current needs of both students and parents. It also allows for a clearer understanding of the supports required for families, as well as the quality of communication and collaboration between parents and the district. I believe that this unique viewpoint can contribute positively to board decision-making and better reflect the current needs of the entire community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My vision is to create strong partnerships between home, school, and the community to enhance our children's educational experiences. I am committed to increasing transparency within the district, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need, and fostering a collaborative environment where every stakeholder has a voice in decisions related to curriculum, finances, and policies.

By combining my professional expertise with my dedication to this community, I aim to ensure that every child in District 140 receives the highest quality education possible. My focus is on building a supportive and inclusive environment that benefits both students and families, and I will work tirelessly to make sure that our district is meeting the needs of all its members.

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

I am confident that my diverse experiences have equipped me with the skills and perspective necessary to excel in this role. I hold a Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations, which has provided me with advanced skills in leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management—key attributes for effective decision-making. With 18 years of experience as an educator, I have honed my understanding of the needs of both students and teachers, as well as the complexities of the education system. In addition, my role as an adjunct professor has allowed me to work with diverse learners, further refining my ability to communicate and engage effectively. As a mother of two young sons, I am personally invested in ensuring every child has access to the best possible educational opportunities. Finally, my experience as a team mom in youth sports has strengthened my skills in collaboration, communication, and fostering a sense of community among parents, coaches, and children. These combined experiences demonstrate my capability to handle this position with dedication, expertise, and a deep commitment to the community.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because my primary motivation for seeking this position is to ensure that the best decisions are made for the students while also being mindful of how taxpayer funds are spent. I am deeply committed to upholding the values of integrity and transparency, and I will work diligently to represent the interests of the community and the school district. As someone who is known for being honest and accountable, I promise to bring a thoughtful, open-minded approach to all decisions and to always act in the best interest of our students and taxpayers.

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

If I am fortunate enough to win this position, my term in office would be considered a success if I am able to foster meaningful stakeholder involvement, improve student performance on standardized tests, and ensure staff satisfaction and retention. First, I believe that actively engaging parents, teachers, students, and community members in the decision-making process is crucial to maintaining a strong, unified school district. By creating open channels of communication and collaboration, we can ensure that all voices are heard and valued. Second, improving student outcomes, particularly on standardized tests, is a priority for me. I would support educators in implementing effective strategies and resources that support student learning, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed academically. Finally, maintaining a satisfied and motivated staff is essential for the success of any school district. I would focus on creating a positive work environment, offering professional development opportunities, and supporting teacher retention efforts to ensure that our district attracts and keeps the best educators. Together, these goals would create a well-rounded approach to success and a thriving educational environment for both students and staff.

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

It is the primary responsibility of our schools to ensure the safety and well-being of all students while they are in our care. In the event of potential ICE enforcement at schools, staff should be provided with clear guidance that aligns with district policies, local laws, and best practices for safeguarding students. This includes following established protocols for maintaining a safe and secure environment while ensuring that the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected. Staff should be trained to handle such situations with professionalism and compassion, maintaining open communication with the appropriate authorities while prioritizing the protection and support of our students. By adhering to school board policies and maintaining a commitment to student safety, we can help ensure that all students feel secure and supported in their learning environment.

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

I believe that sex education is most effectively taught by parents, as they are the best judges of what is appropriate for their child based on their age, values, and beliefs. However, I also recognize that schools in Illinois are required to offer sex education programs that are comprehensive, age-appropriate, medically accurate, and inclusive. It is important that these programs respect the rights of parents to make informed decisions about their child’s participation. As for including an LGBTQ component, I believe it is crucial to ensure that the curriculum is inclusive of all students, reflecting the diversity of experiences and identities. This approach fosters respect, understanding, and acceptance, which are essential for creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all students.

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?

While there are several strengths within our district, such as dedicated educators and a strong commitment to student success, there are areas in which improvements can be made to further support student achievement. One challenge we currently face is chronic absenteeism, which stands at 15%. This can have a significant impact on student performance and overall academic progress. Additionally, proficiency rates on the IAR assessments show room for improvement, with English Language Arts (ELA) at 54.8% and Math at 42.6%. To address these issues, it is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of our current curriculum and identify any gaps that may be hindering student progress. Gathering input from staff through surveys to better understand their needs and the resources required for improved instruction would be an important step in this process. By analyzing this feedback and ensuring that teachers are equipped with the tools and support they need, we can create targeted strategies that help improve student attendance, enhance academic performance, and drive long-term success for all students in the district.

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

If elected, I am fully committed to serving my entire term of office. I understand the importance of consistency and dedication in this role and assure you that I will prioritize my responsibilities to the community and the district. Unless faced with unforeseen circumstances, such as health or family matters, I intend to complete my full term and work diligently to contribute to the continued success of our schools.