Meet Patricia Chlada: School District 146 Candidate

TINLEY PARK, IL — Meet Patricia Chlada, Community Consolidated School District 146 school board candidate. The Consolidated Elections are April 6.

Chlada 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.

Patricia Chlada

Age (as of election)

49

Town/city of residence

Orland Park

School District

Community Consolidated School District 146

Family

My husband, Jerry, and three children, Giovanni, Tianna, and Santino, all who have graduated or attend District 146 schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband is a Superintendent of Police.

Education

Morton College for Pre-law classes and later attended Triton College for their Court Reporting program.

Occupation

Administration/Office Manager at R. Lloyd & Company

Campaign website

146 Forward | Facebook

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

The single most pressing issue facing any school district right now is the pandemic and helping our children get back to school safely. More than ever, our children need stability in their lives, and I feel it is essential that we get them back into a stable learning environment as soon as possible.

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

I feel that I am a critical thinker and that I will be able to apply this to my duties as a district 146 board member. Moving forward, this board is going to need to work together and do a lot of critical thinking in order to figure out how to navigate the spectrum of challenges that our schools face.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I believe in a well-balanced education and implementing policies that will ensure success for all students. Every student deserves a chance at success and deserves support and guidance. To continue to make this effective, I believe strong communication between the board, teachers, administration, along with family engagement is important. I will strongly support offering a variety of art programs and co-curricular activities because they help children grow creatively in many different ways.

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

I am personally committed to and invested in our school district. I have been an active member in the community for many years establishing relationships in and out of our school buildings. I care deeply about the well-being and safety of our students, staff and community and have used my voice for the betterment of District 146.

Why should voters trust you?

I am a very approachable and supportive person with the encouragement and strength to help all people reach their goals. I listen when people talk and value what they have to say.

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

District 146 has a “Portrait of a Graduate” in their updated strategic plan: Empowered learners who develop strong habits of mind, real world skills, social skills, who plan for their future and contribute to society. I will continue to support these ideals because I believe it is what all children need to succeed in our world today.

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

School boards help ensure that students get the best education for the tax dollars spent and should always be fiscally responsible when making decisions on where those tax dollars are spent. School board members understand that funding for schools is provided by the hard work of community taxpayers and should be valued as such.

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 feel that everyone should be treated equally. I believe in the 1st Amendment, and I feel that citizens should be able to exercise free speech in a peaceful manner.

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

Yes, I feel the board supports all racial equalities within District 146.

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 do believe that students benefit more from a full in-person education experience. I also believe the district has taken precautions to keep both the students and our educators as safe as possible, and I am not opposed to a mask mandate because I feel for the past year, it has become a part of everyone’s life and daily routine.

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

There are many different opinions regarding the vaccine. I don’t feel a mandate for a vaccine would be fair to someone who may not feel comfortable with receiving it. I do believe other circumstances have to be implemented for those who choose not to get the vaccine.

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

No, If I am blessed to serve the residents of District 146, I see no other reason (other than what is listed) why I would not fulfill my full term commitment.