D220 BOE Candidate Response - Deanna Stern

D220 School Board of Education candidate, Deanna Stern, responded to the questionnaire proposed by our community members. Her response is provided below in its entirety.

1. If you were to be elected to the new board, what is something you’d like to either advocate for or accomplish during your term in regards to special education? 

Since I do have prior experience as a special education teacher at the high school level, this is where I have the most expertise and insight and where I feel I can offer the most perspective on what I feel should be happening. I did also have a child with an IEP in the past so I am familiar with some of the changes with case management, etc. at the high school level. Every student that has an IEP is treated individually based on his/ her needs so that would determine placement, accommodations and services. I personally feel at the high school level, ideally the case manager would also be the resource teacher and so that person would be seeing their student on a daily basis. This would allow the case manager to communicate with mainstream teachers and advocate the best for their student. They also then can easily evaluate the student’s goals because they know the student very well. When I taught at Adlai E. Stevenson High School, ideally, we would have the same students for four years. It has been done in the past so I don’t see why it couldn’t be a possibility . Moreover, I am very happy to see a parent advocacy group for this population of students. Often times as a parent with a student with special needs, it is very overwhelming and can be frustrating at times. Support, direction and collaboration with community is key!! Thank you for stepping up and offering this service.

2.  What do you think D220s greatest challenges are regarding special education?

Without knowing all the background information and all of the students’ needs, I can only speculate what the greatest challenges are. For example, IDEA, Public Law 94-142, requires that students be placed in the least restrictive environment. That is what we always aim for. However, there is a continuum of services with instructional classes, self contained classes and even outside placement if needed. I am not sure if funding is an issue? I have heard of the SAS program possibly being dissolved, but I’m not sure of the specifics of this program. As Dr. Winkleman stated at the last board meeting, each student’s services are determined at the student’s annual IEP meeting.

3.  If a parent or guardian approached you with what they felt like was a systemic problem, what would you do?

Getting feedback from the community is key. This is why I am running to be the voice of the community. Sometimes things are isolated incidences; however, if several people are saying the same thing, then this is something that needs to be investigated. If it is not just an isolated incident and an issue seems to be occurring in multiple situations all having a similar diagnosis or something of the like, then it would definitely warrant looking into the concern. As a board member, our job is to reflect the needs of the community back to administration, namely the superintendent. Some issues could just be logistics of programming and coordination of schedules, mainstreaming students with aides etc. Again, I am just speculating as each case is a case by case basis.

4.  In parental forums on social media, many seek advice on where to move within the Chicago suburbs to give their child in special ed the best help. District 220 is never mentioned.  What can D220 do to become an area leader and a destination for students needing special education?

I would have to research this myself as I have heard that people do move to Barrington area because D220 does have many special education programs and extra assistance. Maybe that was more in the past? I am not certain. I think D220 by abiding by special education law and keeping up-to-date, they can ensure that they have programs that are providing best practice for students with disabilities. Administration could observe other local school districts such as Wheaton and Winnetka as well as NSSEO ( Northwest Suburban, Special Education Organization) to look at their programs to see how they are implementing them and meeting students’ needs.

5.  When faced with opposition, how would you determine when to stand firm or when to adapt your position?

I keep going back to special education law and knowing each student’s IEP and needs based on diagnosis and goals/ objectives. However, when it comes to policies and voting on programs that administration is recommending, etc. it comes down to the board vote. There are seven board members, and so 4 yes votes will win that vote. As a board member, I would merely be one of the seven voices. With that being said, I hold special education and students with special needs close to my heart as that was my career for many years as well as when I went back to be a substitute teacher, I would often times be a substitute in rooms with kids with special needs. I also had a child with an IEP so I know how important it is to be your child’s best advocate. When looking at qualifying a student for services, we always look at ‘where is the negative impact.’ Is the student able to compensate for his or her disability or does it drastically interfere with a child’s learning and education? I can say that I am a very strong advocate for students with special needs. I care about their education and their future goals after graduation, whether it be college or career/ job placement.

Vote ‘Deanna Stern’ for 220 School Board!! deannafor220.com

Early Voting: March17-April 1st (actual voting day) 

Deanna Stern

Barrington Educational Foundation 

Trustee, Resource Development 

deannastern@icloud.com