Candidate: Susan Taylor-Demming

Tell us about your high school experience. What clubs or activities were you involved in? 

I loved my high school years. I went to high school in Stuttgart, Germany, and as a result, I traveled a great deal with my French and Humanities classes. Traveling throughout Europe was historically enlightening, artistically enthralling, and joyfully uplifting. I was always involved in the student council. I was class Vice President three years and President freshman year. I played clarinet in the band and was a cheerleader. Wonderful memories!

As of March 5, Metea had the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases in the school district. How would you help reduce the transmission and keep students safe?

As a current board member, we have been committed to following the Centers of Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health, DuPage County Health Department, and Northwestern’s COVID zip code analysis to guide our decisions regarding in-person attendance. We have continued to follow those guidelines to ensure we keep the health of students and staff foremost as we make decisions regarding return to in-person classes. Of course, the IDPH has updated the social distance requirements, and we have adopted the new three feet requirement, which will allow us to increase the number of days students can return for in-person classes if they so desire. Our driving determination will continue to be following the aforementioned entities as we continue to monitor and adjust for in-person attendance. Of course, we recognize that there are families who will desire remote opportunities as well, and we are committed to providing those resources as well.

There has been discussion in the district about culturally responsive pedagogy. What steps should the district take to achieve equitable outcomes for all of its students?

I am proud of the fact that we have written and implemented a district Equity Statement that is the precursor for a District Equity process. We plan to engage the entire district (students, staff, families, and all-district constituents) to understand where we are in 204 in regard to equity, where our areas of opportunity are, and how we address those areas to make a definitive change. We need to be clear about where we are, where we want to go, and what are the implementation steps that will lead us to desired outcomes. A culturally responsive pedagogy, or curriculum, will be a vital component and will be an important contribution to the entire equation.

What are the district’s biggest strengths and the biggest weaknesses?

IPSD 204 biggest strengths are: Robust Academic Curriculums, Top Notch Educators, and a plethora of athletic and extracurricular opportunities across all educational levels. Areas of opportunity for our district: Enhanced Equity involvement including culturally responsive curriculum, ensuring our educational staff is reflective of our student population as much as possible and ensuring our school population is equally distributed across all schools (classroom sizes at each level are as close to the same as possible).

What is your vision for high school students?

My vision for high school students is for them to have the resources while in IPSD 204 that will enable them to be successful as they graduate from 204. Whether their post-secondary desires revolve around a four-year school, a two-year community college, or a workforce development path, I hope they will feel prepared for that next exciting step. My heart’s desire is for each MVHS, NVHS, and WVHS student to THRIVE, be excited, and grab that brass ring, swinging to the next rung in their bright futures. Find your passion, hold on tight, and GO FOR IT!

What makes you different from all the other candidates?

I bring four years of experience serving as a 204 board member. I have advocated at the local, regional, and state-level for positive initiatives impacting our students. I welcome the opportunity to engage with students and families regarding areas that are working well, in addition to challenges that need to be shared. My professional background includes corporate, not-for-profit, as well as higher education. This means I understand the allocation of resources and budgets and the needs of students from families representing different socio-economic levels in our community, and I am attuned to the imperative resources for success at the post-secondary level, whether that means college or workforce development path. I am committed to EDUCATION EXCELLENCE EVERY DAY for each and every student. As a Black professional female, I bring a “lens and a voice” to our board that is important to have for our entire district. I want to ensure that my voice continues to be heard as I represent all families and especially those whose voices may not always be heard as loudly as others. I am a proud IPSD 204 board member and hope to have the honor to serve our district for another four years!