Meet Jill Dunlap: School District 146 Candidate

OAK FOREST, IL — Meet Jill Dunlap, Community Consolidated School District 146 school board candidate. The Consolidated Elections are April 6.

Dunlap recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be seen below.

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

Jill Dunlap

Age (as of election)

45

Town/city of residence

Tinley Park

School District

Community Consolidated School District 146

Family

My husband, Brent, and I have four children who have graduated from or currently attend District 146 schools: Owen, Brenna, Moira, and Maggie.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Doctorate in Optometry, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Visual Science

Occupation

Optometrist

Campaign website

Facebook: 146 Forward

Previous or current elected or appointed office

none

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

The most pressing issue facing our district right now is the Covid-19 pandemic. If elected, I will work diligently to advocate for a safe, full-day, in-person model for our students.

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

I am running as part of the 146 Forward slate with Julie Berry, Patty Chlada, and Rick Lloyd. While we might have some differing opinions, we are united by our commitment to serve the students and stakeholders of District 146 with integrity and to work collaboratively to better the district.

The main difference between me and the other candidates not on the 146 Forward slate is my willingness to spend the time to be well-informed on issues and be an active participant at all board meetings. I will listen thoughtfully and respectfully to others, but still express my opinion on important issues and vote with conviction. I will also represent the entire community, not just a special interest group or personal opinion interests.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I believe in providing a diverse, well-rounded, and equitable educational experience for all students with a focus on the whole child. I value District 146’s commitment to small class sizes, inclusion, and family engagement goals. I pledge to be a responsible steward of taxpayers dollars and maintain the financial health of the district. I believe that a school board member should represent the interests of the community with integrity and transparency, and I will work diligently to do so.

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

As an optometrist, I have learned to listen, assess, and be deliberate in my decisions. As a board member it is important to listen thoughtfully to others, spend the time to understand the issues, and then represent the values of the community with confidence. As a small business owner, I understand that investments must be made to provide our children with all the resources they need to be successful while still being fiscally responsible and mindful of the taxpayers dollars.

Why should voters trust you?

I believe in transparency, open communication, and constructive dialog. I am consistent in what I say and do, and I value authenticity, reliability, and integrity.

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

Fulfilling the district’s mission statement of “Collaborating together to achieve high levels of learning and character development for every student” while ensuring that the district is responsive to the values and beliefs of our community would make a successful term.

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

I am committed to using the resources necessary to continue to offer first-rate education to all students in our district while maintaining fiscal responsibility and always being a responsible steward of taxpayers dollars.

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?

I support equity, inclusion, diversity, and the right to demonstrate for justice and equality.

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 think there is always more work to be done to promote equity and diversity. All students should have equal access to a high quality education and school board members have a responsibility to ensure all students are equally represented and eliminate any disparities in student opportunities.

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 think the coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented challenges to all school districts. District 146 has worked to overcome these challenges, but there is much more work that needs to be done. I believe in-person learning is most effective for students and if elected I will advocate for that. I support the current mask guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

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

I do not support mandatory COVID-19 vaccines at this time.

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

No

The best advice ever shared with me was ____________

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”