Nick Parfitt: Candidate For West Northfield School District 31

NORTHBROOK, IL — Ahead of the April 4 consolidated municipal elections, Northbrook Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Five candidates, including an official write-in candidate, are vying for three seats on the West Northfield School District 31 Board of Education on Election Day. Current board members Daphne Frank and Melissa Choo Valentinas are not running for reelection when their terms ends next month. The candidates that will be on the ballot are:

• Maria Vasilopoulos, current member (terms ends in 2023)
• Noah Frank
• Elizabeth Kim (write-in candidate)
• Meghan McMillin
• Nick Parfitt

Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Nick Parfitt

Age (as of election day)

42

Town/city of residence

Northbrook

School district

West Northfield School District 31

Family

I am Nick, and I am committed to District 31. I have been a part of this wonderful community for 10 years, and I have 8 more years to go. My daughter started at Winkelman when she was in Kindergarten and is now a freshman at GBN. My son Max is in first grade, and my youngest son Sam is in Kindergarten, both at Winkelman.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Nick is a graduate of Kelly School of Business at Indiana University and The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University

Occupation

20+

Campaign website

fb.com/United4District31

Previous or current elected or appointed office

None

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

The most pressing issues facing our board and district are navigating the complexities from an economic, social, and management perspective. As a board member, I intend to work closely with my colleagues to make informed decisions that support the students, school administration, families, and community at large.

Drawing on my real-world business experience and education, I believe that I can bring a valuable perspective to the board. I understand the importance of making sound decisions that are grounded in practical considerations and that take into account the needs of all stakeholders.

I am committed to working collaboratively with my fellow board members to ensure that our decisions are well-informed and made in the best interests of the community. I believe that by working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and their families.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I was born and raised just outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, and I moved to the US in the early 2000s to complete a business degree at Indiana University and start my business career in Southern Indiana. As an immigrant, I bring a unique global perspective and have experienced the challenges of navigating a new and different world.

I firmly believe in the values of safety, inclusion, and advocacy for all students to be their best selves in a dynamic and evolving society. It is crucial that we view, appreciate, and meet the needs of students holistically and individually to ensure their success. As a community, we must work together to support our students and provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

My experience as an immigrant has taught me the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of life. I believe that our differences make us stronger, and we must celebrate and support each other as we work towards common goals.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?

My goal as a board member is to build on the progress made by the current board and work towards a bright and successful future for all students in the district. I am committed to the continued navigation of complex issues such as COVID, funding, and management to ensure that our students receive the best possible education and support

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am a strong advocate for special education programs and families. As a parent, my family has been a part of the NSSED early intervention program, and I had the opportunity to join the TrueNorth APS board representing District 31. In this role, I worked closely with other districts and District 31 staff members to advocate and shape the strategy for special education programs.

My personal experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing special education programs and families. I am passionate about ensuring that all students receive the support they need to reach their full potential, regardless of any special needs they may have.

As a board member, I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that special education programs are given the attention and resources they need to thrive. I will work collaboratively with other board members, educators, parents, and the community to advocate for the needs of our special education students and ensure that they receive the highest quality education and support possible.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am currently a Chief Financial Officer at manufacturing company, and I bring 20 years of real-world business experience to the district. Throughout my career, I have focused on long-range strategic planning, understanding complex situations, and making informed decisions to achieve specific goals and outcomes.

My business background has provided me with the ability to see issues and circumstances from multiple angles, anticipate the impacts of decisions, and appreciate the nuances of complex situations. I understand that the school board must make tough decisions, and I believe that my unique perspective can bring a valuable perspective to the decision-making processes.

As a CFO, I am responsible for managing budgets, financial planning, and analyzing data to make informed decisions. I believe that these skills are transferable to the school board and can help ensure that we are making the best possible decisions for our students and the district.

Why should voters trust you?

I am Nick, and I am committed to District 31. My family has been a part of this wonderful community for 10 years, and we have 8 more years to go. My daughter started at Winkelman when she was in Kindergarten and is now a freshman at GBN. My son Max is in first grade, and my youngest son Sam is in Kindergarten, both at Winkelman.

As a parent, I understand the importance of a quality education, and I want to ensure that every student in District 31 has the opportunity to succeed. I believe that all children deserve access to an excellent education that will prepare them for the future.

My personal experience as a District 31 parent has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our schools. I am passionate about education and am committed to working collaboratively with other board members, educators, parents, and the community to ensure that all students receive the best possible education and support

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

- Improving academic achievement outcomes for students
- Ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability in district operations
- Successfully managing district resources and finances to maximize benefits for students
- Developing and implementing policies and programs that enhance student safety and well-being
- Enhancing communication and collaboration between the district and the community
- Increasing parent and community involvement in district decision-making processes

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Effective management of taxpayer dollars involves careful planning, budgeting, and oversight. School districts need to establish clear priorities and goals for spending, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. They also need to be transparent and accountable in their use of taxpayer funds, providing regular reports on spending and outcomes.

Drawing on my 20+ years of real-world business experience, I will leverage my extensive background in developing and leading long-range strategic planning, understanding complex situations, and making informed decisions to achieve specific goals and outcomes. My business expertise allows me to approach issues and circumstances from multiple angles, anticipate the impacts of decisions, and make well-informed choices.

As a school board member, I understand that the board is responsible for making tough decisions. My unique perspective, shaped by my business background, can bring valuable insights and perspectives to the decision-making processes. I am committed to working collaboratively with other board members, educators, parents, and the community to ensure that all decisions are grounded in practical considerations and serve the best interests of the students and the district as a whole.

What are your thoughts on how the district has handled the COVID-19 pandemic?

District 31 faced unique circumstances and the challenges of the pandemic evolved rapidly. However, the district was able to navigate these challenges effectively, outperforming many other school districts in Illinois and across the United States.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some school boards saw extremely heated disagreements during public meetings. If elected, what changes, if any, need to be made to ensure meetings are run efficiently while still allowing open discussions?

Analyzing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing technology platforms for community engagement, and establishing clear protocols for public comment and participation can ensure that meetings are efficiently run while still allowing for open discussions and public input. This can promote transparency, alleviate concerns, and help all participants express their views.

How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not?

As a parent who has been a part of District 31 for the past 10 years, I am satisfied with the approach to sex education that has been implemented thus far. However, I recognize that the inclusion of LGBTQ topics in sex education may vary depending on grade levels and community input, as well as the perspectives of fellow board members.

What are your views on critical race theory and whether it should be taught in the district?

I believe it is important to consider and understand varying points of view. My guiding principle is inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

This statement underscores the importance of treating ALL individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. I am committed to promoting equality and inclusivity within our community, and will work tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Yes, however, the board will need to be adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of the community and social issues as they make future decisions. Ongoing evaluation and communication with stakeholders are crucial to ensure that the district is promoting inclusivity and addressing any issues related to racial equality opportunities specific to district 31.

When it comes to student achievement, what are schools within this district doing well and what needs to be improved? How can those improvements be made?

The schools within this district have done an excellent job in addressing the diverse needs of students, including those in high-achiever and special education programs. While there have been successes, there is always room for improvement.

As a TrueNorth APS board member and potential District 31 board member, I am in a unique position to learn from other districts and share best practices within our community. By leveraging these insights, we can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance student achievement. Additionally, it is important to regularly assess and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and initiatives, and to engage with students, families, and educators to gather feedback and input. This will help ensure that our schools are providing the necessary support and resources for all students to succeed.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was ____________

I have found that the best advice ever shared with me is to ask good questions. The ability to ask clear and concise questions can drive fruitful outcomes by helping to identify key information, gather insights, and promote critical thinking. Asking good questions is a crucial skill in any setting, from the classroom to the boardroom, and can help to facilitate productive conversations and decision-making processes.

As a board member, I will strive to ask thoughtful questions and encourage others to do the same, in order to promote meaningful dialogue and drive positive outcomes for our students and community.