Melissa Kelley Black
Candidate for Naperville 203 School Board
Since I was a child, I wanted to be a teacher because I enjoy the learning process and I find it very rewarding to help others. As my life has progressed, I have fulfilled many roles such as being an educator, a business owner, and a volunteer for those in need.
I grew up in this area. To age myself, I remember when Fox Valley Mall was built.
I decided to raise my children in Naperville so they could have a high quality education, more opportunities to grow, and a brighter future. I have been an involved Naperville 203 parent since 2005. My children attended Naper School just like their grandmother did. I have seen dedicated staff, parent volunteers, and community members work together to provide engaging learning opportunities.
My children have special needs so I have insight into how the school district addresses IEP students and their unique needs. I have struggled at times to get my children the support and services that they have needed. The Naperville 203 school board and administration admit that there are large student achievement gaps between different student groups that need to be addressed. Just like successful companies, the best school districts are those that have a growth mindset and are constantly striving to improve.
In order for Naperville 203 to provide a high quality education to all students, the district needs to prioritize spending time and resources on effectively addressing all students' needs. This is not possible if we do not attract, hire, and retain the best teachers and staff. Good intentions and the most wonderful staff in the world cannot do their jobs if they do not have the resources, supports, and conditions they need to help each child. Student achievement and growth are intrinsically linked to quality instruction.
There is a teacher shortage just like businesses are struggling to hire qualified employees. Businesses and schools cannot function without being properly staffed so immediate actions are needed to hire talented staff. Policies like encouraging our current students to become teachers or only offering pay that is average will not result in immediately attracting the best applicants or fill the 70 plus vacancies we currently have in our schools. The school year is almost over and those students have been waiting since last August in our classrooms for their services.
We need to prioritize and focus on policies and practices that result in timely, effective learning outcomes so that every child along the spectrum of abilities gets the opportunities that they need to flourish and excel in life. The implementation of effective practices should be evident by a decrease in the current achievement gaps and measurable student growth.
In addition to student learning, the desirability of our community and value of our homes relies upon having a school district that produces well-educated individuals. Our community prides itself on being one of the best cities in America to raise a family.
I believe my knowledge and experiences can help Naperville 203 to provide our children with a high quality education, the educational opportunities necessary for each child to succeed, and measurable outcomes that reflect our community’s high expectations.
I grew up in this area. To age myself, I remember when Fox Valley Mall was built.
I decided to raise my children in Naperville so they could have a high quality education, more opportunities to grow, and a brighter future. I have been an involved Naperville 203 parent since 2005. My children attended Naper School just like their grandmother did. I have seen dedicated staff, parent volunteers, and community members work together to provide engaging learning opportunities.
My children have special needs so I have insight into how the school district addresses IEP students and their unique needs. I have struggled at times to get my children the support and services that they have needed. The Naperville 203 school board and administration admit that there are large student achievement gaps between different student groups that need to be addressed. Just like successful companies, the best school districts are those that have a growth mindset and are constantly striving to improve.
In order for Naperville 203 to provide a high quality education to all students, the district needs to prioritize spending time and resources on effectively addressing all students' needs. This is not possible if we do not attract, hire, and retain the best teachers and staff. Good intentions and the most wonderful staff in the world cannot do their jobs if they do not have the resources, supports, and conditions they need to help each child. Student achievement and growth are intrinsically linked to quality instruction.
There is a teacher shortage just like businesses are struggling to hire qualified employees. Businesses and schools cannot function without being properly staffed so immediate actions are needed to hire talented staff. Policies like encouraging our current students to become teachers or only offering pay that is average will not result in immediately attracting the best applicants or fill the 70 plus vacancies we currently have in our schools. The school year is almost over and those students have been waiting since last August in our classrooms for their services.
We need to prioritize and focus on policies and practices that result in timely, effective learning outcomes so that every child along the spectrum of abilities gets the opportunities that they need to flourish and excel in life. The implementation of effective practices should be evident by a decrease in the current achievement gaps and measurable student growth.
In addition to student learning, the desirability of our community and value of our homes relies upon having a school district that produces well-educated individuals. Our community prides itself on being one of the best cities in America to raise a family.
I believe my knowledge and experiences can help Naperville 203 to provide our children with a high quality education, the educational opportunities necessary for each child to succeed, and measurable outcomes that reflect our community’s high expectations.