Meet Tiffany C. Taylor: Rich Township District 227 Candidate

TINLEY PARK, IL — Meet Tiffany C. Taylor, School Board candidate for Rich Township High School District 227. The Consolidated Elections are April 6.

Taylor 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.

Tiffany C. Taylor

Age (as of election)

45

Town/city of residence

Matteson

School District

Rich Township High School District 227

Family

Married (21 years) to L. Cliff Taylor, 2 sons Devon & Kevon, both are college graduates.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science in Technology, MBA Candidate

Occupation

Educational Profession, 10 years of experience

Previous or current elected or appointed office

Matteson Parks and Recreation Commissioner (appointed)

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

I believe one of the most pressing issues facing our district is the full reopening of schools. I intend to continue doing what is best for the student body and staff while following the guidelines and direction of the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health. and the Illinois State Board of Education.

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

I feel that I have a well-rounded experience working within the schools with students and staff, as well as working with school boards and administration. I can objectively see from various aspects of the educational environment.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I believe the district and the communities it serves, can benefit from an increase in stakeholder engagement, including: student connection, parental involvement, and community awareness.

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

I have been employed in education for over 10 years and I have a vast amount of experience working with school boards and school administration in both elementary and high schools. I also serve on the board of directors for the Gloria J. Taylor Foundation as well as the Matteson board of Parks Commission.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should know that I have always had our youth’s best interest at heart and I have consistently supported our youth through various platforms. I will always put the needs of our young people first, while balancing with the needs of the community.

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

If I win this position, I will work to establish a “Career Path for All” initiative to promote various career paths for all of our students.

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

I believe as stewards of the community, Board members should work to maintain financial accountability, transparency and responsible spending. I will work to ensure this is the standard practice.

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?

As elected officials, we have a responsibility to uphold the constitution by protecting the right to free speech. Moreover, as a woman of color I know all too well of the challenges and struggles of racial injustice. Black Lives Matters have contributed much to the upward mobility of young African Americans in the United States. To that end, their voices and peaceful gatherings are needed.

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 am an advocate of ensuring racial equality exists in our school district. While I don’t think that there is currently a lack of racial equality, I do believe our students should understand what racial equality means for them.

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?

It has been a global challenge to educate our children during a pandemic. The district has provided many of the same options as surrounding high school districts, include the options of full remote, hybrid, and in-person learning, when it is safe. We do not need to add the anxiety of how they will receive their education to their need for an education. I also support a mask mandate for students, school staff and visitors. It is the responsibility of the schools to provide a safe environment for students and staff. I understand there are many who oppose masks, however, until we can guarantee a safe environment without masks, they should be required. I am unsure if the requirement of mandatory testing violates any FERPA or HIPPA laws.

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

While I believe the vaccination will help curb the number infected, thus reducing the spread of Covid, I also believe it is an individual’s right to decide if they want it. Once our students return to full-time in-person learning, we can assess based on student needs.

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

I do not foresee any reason why I would not serve a full term of office if elected.

The best advice ever shared with me was ____________

Always do your homework when making major decisions. (This is especially true when it affects others).