Meet New Lenox D122 Board Of Education Candidate: Kris O'Connor

NEW LENOX, IL — Kris O'Connor is one of five candidates running for four open positions on the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education. O'Connor is the vice president of a non-profit, and also serves as a commissioner for the Police and Fire Commission for the Village of New Lenox.

O'Connor recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be found below:

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

Name: Kris O’Connor

Age (as of Election Day): 32

Town/City of residents: New Lenox

School District: 122

Family: Natalie - wife, Sullivan - dog

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Associate's degree

Occupation: Vice President of a non-profit

Campaign Website: Can be found here.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: New Lenox Police Commissioner

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Dealing with the new state-mandated policies and the burden on taxpayers. I would support the administration’s commitment to the respect and inclusion of all people without indoctrinating our students with revisionist history. As far as finances go, the burden on Illinois taxpayers is worse than ever. We need to find a way locally to give some relief.

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

I am the only candidate running that doesn’t derive their income from the taxpayers in the field of education.

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

Although they are good people, I believe they see the taxpayers as a never-ending source of funding. I also believe our district could have found a way to get the students back in the buildings sooner during this pandemic.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Continued excellent educational opportunities while spending money more wisely. Find a way to support an all-day kindergarten program.

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

As a small business owner and as a vice president of an organization that provides programs for youth, I have a fiscally responsible mindset that cares about providing the best opportunities for students.

Why should voters trust you?

I have not been able to find any regular communication from our current board of education to our community. I will be accessible and transparent in my communication with the parents and other taxpayers in the district.

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

Finding a way to provide additional educational opportunities for students, including all day kindergarten. I also think we need to focus on paying down our bonds without incurring new debt.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I believe we should spend the money necessary to provide a quality education in a safe environment. I don’t agree with the philosophy that excess funds should be spent on creating new positions; especially ones that don’t directly impact children.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Black lives definitely matter. I understand the frustration of those that feel disenfranchised, however, I don’t support violence as a way to get resolution. I’m proud to live in a community that held a large, peaceful demonstration where everyone could be heard and respected.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I don’t have any criticisms of the current board in this area.

What are your thoughts on the district’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic? Are you in favor of remote learning, in-person learning or a hybrid of the two? Do you support a mask mandate for students and school staff, or mandatory coronavirus testing for both students and staff?

I believe there could have been a way to protect vulnerable staff and students while allowing kids in the building all year. In fact, the plan New Lenox is using now for in-person education is no different than the plan they were going to employ in August. Protect those that are vulnerable. Respect those that are more comfortable with remote learning. Allow the many that wanted to teach and students that wanted to learn in-person to have done so.

When the vaccine is available to them, do you support mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students and staff?

I believe the vaccine should be a choice for everyone and not mandated.

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

No, I plan on serving my whole term.

The best advice ever shared with me was ____________

Tell people the truth. I would rather they be upset with me because we disagree as opposed to not trusting me because I lied to them.