2017 election questionnaire: Meg Cappel, candidate for Joliet District 204 board

Joliet Township High School District 204 board candidate Meg Cappel submitted this questionnaire, answering The Herald-News' questions about the 2017 board race.

Name: Mary "Meg" Cappel

Political party: School board is non-partisan

Age:

Address: 529 Northgate Lane, Shorewood, IL 60435

Marital status: M

Significant other: Jason Cappel

Profession: Special education Inclusion teacher for K-1

Employer: Joliet School District 86—Sator Sanchez School

Email address: megcappeljthsboard@gmail.com

Website: www.megcappeljthsboard.com

Children: Joy—18 (graduate JT West), Zeke—16 (sophomore JT West), Benji—14 (8th grade at Troy)

Education: Bachelor's in Special education; completing Master of Organizational Leadership from Lewis University in May 2017

Why are you running for the District 204 school board?

I have a passion for public education and understand firsthand, the victories and challenges that students and educators face. I would like to be a voice for all people in District 204, adding my perspective as a parent, public school teacher, and community member.

What are your qualifications to serve as a school board member?

My qualifications include:

1.) Serving in leadership (president, vice president, etc.) on local parent/teacher groups for 12 years

2.) Organizing community, church events, and various school fundraising,

3.) Understanding educational policy and the effects of both good/bad policies

4.) Collaboration with people

5.) I will be an honest voice for our 204 community.

What are the greatest challenges the district is facing in the coming years?

Our greatest challenge is the chaos of our state funding for public schools and the impact it will have on JTHS. Ultimately, this will end up hurting our students in the future. I hope to be an advocate for 1.) funding at the state level 2.) fiscal responsibility at the local level.

If elected, what will be your top three priorities?

Accountability in school governance—asking the right questions

Be a bridge to the community with an open door policy

Continue to provide resources for our teachers and students

What steps should the school board take to assure the district has a staff that reflects the diversity of its student body?

Our district is more diverse than ever and that is a good thing! Diversity adds perspective and is a reflection of the world after high school. More than anything, it is imperative that our district hire knowledgeable and effective teachers who understand the challenges and strengths that diversity brings to our district. Our JTHS action plan has implemented more programs to help strengthen our ties to our diverse community and I hope to continue the momentum this has started.