2013 Election: Cari Ann Mills

Name: Cari Ann Mills

Position Sought: School Board Member Frankfort District 157-C

Campaign Contact Information: 

cagemills@sbcglobal.net
815-464-6528

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Research supports that teacher quality is the # 1 school-based, most influential factor in enhancing/improving student achievement; the principal is the 2nd most influential factor. My wish for District 157-C would follow, then, that we would continue to improve the effectiveness of educators and educator quality. Educators can always improve their effectiveness. As long as we continue to keep the bar raised, and have effective tools for evaluation, promoting student achievement in all areas of their lives will continue to be our top priority.

Home Address: 

Family Members:

Greg Mills--husband--42
Ethan--son--10
Ashley--daughter--10

Education: 

Augustana College--1991--BA, Pre-Medicine/Biology/Secondary Education
Governors State University--1997--Masters Degree in Educational Administration

Current Occupation and Employer:

Science Tutor, Test Taking and Study Skills Tutor
ACT Teacher--science test taking strategies of the ACT--Excel Edge
Full-Time Volunteer for various organizations in Frankfort:
Current D-157-C School Board Member and Delegate; Frankfort School District 157-C Family School Partnership Exploration Night Chairperson; Education Foundation Board Member Liaison; Religious Education Catechist; Junior Girl Scout Troop 815 Leader and Frankfort Girl Scout Service Unit Team; Frankfort Cub Scouts Pack 270 Assistant Cub Master and Webelos Den 10 Leader; Clusters, Mothers of Multiples, a non-for-profit club supporting mothers of twins--past president/adviser.

Political Party Affiliation: Independent

Why are you seeking office?

I would like to continue to help in the checks and balances of maintaining an exceptional educational environment for the students in the Frankfort School District 157-C. I am in a constant state of learning from those before me, and can be innovative concerning future ideas presented to the Board. I gather information before I make a decision or form an opinion. I ask a lot of questions to increase my knowledge base and to get to the root of the problem. I like to look at all angles when figuring out a solution.
I believe that I am not finished serving D-157-C yet.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have a unique understanding of various sides of the educational system; that of a current Board member, that of a parent in the District, that of a teacher and masters degree in educational administration, that of a full-time volunteer for various Frankfort organizations which gives me the opportunity to hear the voices of a spectrum of people/stakeholders in the Frankfort Community. This experience has given me some insight into the issues that are pressed upon the Board, and this experience has given me objectivity when asked to look at issues concerning District 157-C from various perspectives.

In you opinion, what are the primary challenges facing this district?

I would like to continue to uphold and add to the high standards that the community has for its educational system. I would want Frankfort School District 157-C to continue to be at the forefront of education and technology as the Board, Superintendent, staff, and community members implement a new Strategic Plan for the years 2014 and beyond. (The current one ends in 2014). In short, the Strategic Plan gives a mission statement (promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness), goals (financial stability, student outcome, and professional development to name a few), system analysis, policy formulation, and action planning (executable, measurable and accountable actions). The Strat Plan gives the Community a transparent view of what the working goals of the District are; it makes the goals less abstract and more tangible; it allows for all stakeholders to be involved in the system because they all endorsed the plan.

How will you address those challenges?

If elected, what will be your philosophy as a board member?

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

Thank you for allowing me to serve District 157-C for the past four years as a School Board Member and Delegate.