"I want my campaign to inspire people, especially young people, to get civically engaged while showing them the importance of the Board of Education."

Increase Student Success

According to the Illinois State Report Card, the district has a 10.1% proficiency in ELA, 3.7% in Math, and 26.3% in Science. These are all well below the state averages. Marla is committed to providing students with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to excel academically and beyond. She will advocate for rigorous and relevant curricula, enhanced career and technical education programs, college readiness initiatives, and equitable access to extracurricular activities. By prioritizing student achievement and personalized learning pathways, she aims to prepare all students for success in college, careers, and life.

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Ensure Student Safety

A safe learning environment is essential for student success. Marla will work to strengthen safety protocols, enhance mental health support services, and foster a culture of respect and inclusion within schools. She supports initiatives that address bullying prevention, improve campus security, and provide students with the social-emotional resources they need to thrive.

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Improve School, Family, Community Partnerships

Marla believes that strong schools are built through collaboration with families and the community. She will work to create more opportunities for parental involvement, improve communication between the district and stakeholders, and establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide students with internships, mentorships, and career opportunities. A connected community leads to stronger student outcomes.

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Decrease District Spending to Lower Taxes

Fiscal responsibility is a key priority for Marla. Currently, it takes $110 million annually to operate the district. She will advocate for strategic budget management to reduce spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively while maintaining high-quality educational programs. By identifying areas to reduce unnecessary spending -including administrative salaries-, streamlining operations, and seeking alternative funding sources, she aims to ease the tax burden on residents without compromising student success. Marla will spearhead a financial oversight initiative that includes a third party financial audit and the creation of a Citizens Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC).

The committee would be charged with:

• The review of financial reports and continuous monitoring of $105 million bond issuance.

• The periodic review of contracts awarded by the Board of Education.

• A review of other areas of financial concern brought forward by a committee member, a member of the public, or school board members.

 

Champion Transparency

Marla is dedicated to open and honest governance. She will push for increased transparency in decision-making, accessible district financial reports, and regular community engagement opportunities. By fostering trust and accountability, she will ensure that all stakeholders—including parents, teachers, students, and taxpayers—have a clear understanding of district policies, finances, and initiatives.