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Age
Town of residence
Downers Grove
Current occupation
Director of Strategic Alliances
Education
Masters of Science of Integrated Marketing Communications, Roosevelt University
Bachelors of Business Administration/Consumer Sciences, Eastern Illinois University
Immediate family
I reside in Downers Grove with my husband Tracy Fuller, daughter Alexis Kendall Fuller who is a junior at South high school and my son Mason Lee Fuller who is a kindergartner at Fairmount Elementary School
Civic involvement
I’m a philanthropist at heart!
I have volunteered for and supported many organizations over the years, such as Feed My Starving Children, Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club and various school clubs and activities. I was also elected and served on two nonprofit boards.
Previous elected offices held
Why have you decided to run for this office?
I decided to run for Downers Grove District 99 school board because I care about Downers Grove and public education. I am committed to working hard to continue to provide high quality education for District 99 schools. I also understand that schools play an integral role when families choose their neighborhoods. Therefore, District 99 education is important for many reasons.
What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?
In addition to understanding board protocol, I’m also fiscally responsible. I served as the treasurer of an investment club for 10 years.
I work well with all kinds of people. I believe in public education, and understand that we need to provide education as fiscally responsible as we know how.
How do you balance meeting student needs with being sensitive to taxpayers?
It is a delicate balance because education is an expensive proposition. On the other hand, students deserve the most resources that we can offer because we have to prepare our high school students for college, and to become citizens. With the state of Illinois economic conditions, it’s extremely important to pay close attention to the future of our schools, and to make strategic decisions with both the students and taxpayers in mind.
What types of new technologies or styles of learning should the district explore or implement in the coming years?
I agree with the District 99 school board’s approach of not just leaping into something because it’s new. I favor District 99’s policy of looking at best practices and taking a conservative approach, which includes looking at what is most economical. Although the majority of my career has been in some form of technology business development, I do believe I have a lot of knowledge to offer in this area. I will use my background to take the same approach of reviewing and deciding what is most beneficial for our students.
The current political climate across the United States seems more divided than ever. What will you do to foster cooperation and compromise on the board?
Any time there is more than your opinion at the table, there is a strong possibility of an opposing opinion. I want to continue to collaborate with others and be certain to respect the opinions of others. This is the way I live my life. I use solid rationale and clear communication to provide a basis of my view points and frame of reference. I also practice good listening skills, in order to be open to other ideas. These are the key characteristics that I will work from. The bottom line for me will be to remain focused on our students and the district.