Meet Julie Jackson: School District 146 Candidate

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

Jackson 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.

Julie Jackson

Age (as of election)

56

Town/city of residence

Tinley Park

School District

Community Consolidated School District 146

Family

Mike- husband, Steven-30, Kit-28 and Tanner-25- children, Christopher-11 and Benjamin-6- grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Early Childhood Education

Occupation

Data Entry- 3 years, Area Sales Manager- 13 years, Caregiver for family

Campaign website

Aiello - Jackson for District 146 School Board | Facebook

Previous or current elected or appointed office

Board Member 16 years

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

Covid-19

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

I believe the most critical difference between me and the other candidates is that I am the caregiver for my grandson, a Memorial School kindergartener. His dad is a firefighter which means 24-hour shifts that sometimes last a lot longer. This means that whether he is hybrid or remote, I'm with him for half of that time, sometimes longer. I'm the only candidate that has experienced remote and hybrid learning with a young child. It's important to have board members with children of all ages. Board members need to be in touch with what's going on in schools and the best way to do that is through their experience with their children or in my case grandchildren. These days more grandparents are involved in the raising of their grandchildren and they should be recognized in that role.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Everyone wants children to be back in school, including me. As we move forward, I feel that careful consideration needs to be given to the social and emotional needs of our entire district community. We cannot predict what we will face in coming months but as we try to move toward "normal" we need to make thoughtful and well-informed decisions focusing on what is best for our students, their families, and our staff members.

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

During my time as a board member, I have served as board secretary and vice-president, I was involved in the superintendent search which resulted in the hiring of Dr. Stawick, I was part of boards that collaborated with our entire district community to create strategic plans, and I sat on numerous board/district committees. I also represented the board during 2009, 2012, and 2016 ESP Contract Negotiations.

Why should voters trust you?

I have been a dedicated board member for the past 16 years. Before that I was heavily involved in volunteering in the district. I am loyal to our district and want what's best for our students and their families.

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

I believe that serving on a board that has the ability to work together respectfully toward the common goal of what is best for the district is a success.

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

District 146 has a history of being fiscally responsible. We are given sound financial guidance from our Finance Director, which has resulted in a long history of recognition for financial excellence. This has made it possible to abate funds back to taxpayers in the past.

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 fully support Black Lives matter and I support everyone's right to peaceful demonstration.

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 believe we support racial equality and if/when an issue is brought before us, we take measures to correct it.

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?

The district is handling the pandemic crisis as best as it can. In the early days it was a challenge to stay on top of the numerous changes in guidelines and orders as the state tried to figure out what to do. I have always kept the safety of our students and staff as the top priority. I am in favor of whatever model is the safest way to meet students needs. Every family has unique challenges and none of these models work for ALL students. I support a mask mandate for students and staff. Mandatory coronavirus testing comes with an expense that a district should not be required to carry.

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

I would recommend everyone receive the vaccination if/when it is available to them.

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 ____________

To trust my instincts.