There are 6 candidates running for 4 seats on the District 64 Board of Education. Kurt Kuempel did not respond to the survey. Demetri Touzios could not be reached.

What principles or values do you think are essential for the position you are running for?

"I hold firmly to the value of treating others as you would like to be treated. It's important to remember people come from different experiences. I try not to make assumptions, rather ask questions first and understand what is important to others."

What experience or qualifications make you the right person to hold this position?

"I have raised children in District 64 schools and understand what is important to families and students. I have been working for non-profit associations and their Boards for over 30 years. This means I have the understanding and experience of how a non-profit Board should function and interact with its Administration."

What is your stance on recent efforts to ban books with racial, sexual, and gender diversity from libraries and classrooms? 

"I am opposed to book banning of any kind."

How would you defend your district against efforts to defund public schools? 

"The first step would be to ensure the community understands where the funds come from and what they are used for. With this, we can work together to maintain funding for our schools. We will work with local, state and federal policy makers to ensure public funding stays with public schools."

What principles or values do you think are essential for the position you are running for?

"It is essential for a school board member to be a team player, listen to the community, and be prepared. A school board member is one of the team. Board members may bring different perspectives from various experiences to the discussion. I personally will bring a listen first mentality, with a desire to have every interested party heard. It is imperative that elected officials work together and not at cross purposes. I understand that I would be one member of a seven member team and will work with an open mind and work to arriving at consensus. Ultimately, the Board’s responsibility is to serve the children and the community. It is important for all board members to be present, come prepared, and be willing to listen."

What experience or qualifications make you the right person to hold this position?

"My professional and community volunteer experience make me an excellent candidate for D64. I have worked with organizations throughout my professional career and volunteer gigs to develop and implement planning documents, including facilitating the creation of goals and mission statements, strategic and long-term plans, and implementation plans. I am an effective, efficient, organized leader that is running for School Board to support the superintendent and administrators manage the schools and allow the teachers teach, and the students to learn.

In my professional career, I help to oversee large infrastructure projects. This has given me insight into how to hold people accountable to deliver projects on time and under budget.

I have volunteered for the community by serving as the City of Park Ridge’s Chair of the Sustainability Commission, a member of the Sustainability Task Force, Community Health Commission, and the Park District’s Committee for Local Government Efficiency. Because of this experience, I have seen how local government can work together and will strive for increased coordination."

What is your stance on recent efforts to ban books with racial, sexual, and gender diversity from libraries and classrooms? 

"It is illegal to ban books in the state. I support upholding the law."

How would you defend your district against efforts to defund public schools? 

"The majority of District 64's funding comes from property taxes. The District is currently working on, and I would support the continued work on contingency planning, if elected."

What principles or values do you think are essential for the position you are running for?

"As a candidate for the D64 School Board, I’m invested in the education of children, and consider the work of the board to be in the service of them, their educators, and the community. Board member conduct should be an example for those children. If elected, I would aim to uphold principles of collaboration including active listening, consideration of more than one perspective, diplomacy, identification and mitigation of unconscious biases, using evidence to inform positions, and working to build consensus. In the big picture, I believe that all Board members want to make decisions that are best for the schools."

What experience or qualifications make you the right person to hold this position?

"I am among several great candidates for the Board, and it’s important to note that the school board is a 7-member body. There isn’t one individual that accomplishes the work alone and each member brings their insights and ideas. What I can contribute is the perspective of a parent of K-5 children, career experience in the highly-regulated administration of grant funding, knowledge of state policy, awareness of our community’s priorities, and dedication to upholding the District mission for all students."

What is your stance on recent efforts to ban books with racial, sexual, and gender diversity from libraries and classrooms? 

"My personal stance is that book bans harm readers by taking away an opportunity to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, or see themselves in literature, maybe for the first time. Those experiences help develop empathy, widen perspective, and increase inclusion, which are fundamental to education. As a parent, I do support access to age-appropriate materials, and in District 64 there is a natural separation in that K-5 schools and libraries are separate from 6-8 schools and libraries. Parents can always discuss with their child specific guidance that is comfortable for their family, and per policy 6:210, can access the entire list of instructional materials. As a Board member, I would abide by District policy referenced above and the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, formally adopted as Illinois law effective January 1, 2024."

How would you defend your district against efforts to defund public schools? 

"Since January 20, 2025, many facets of public life have been affected by executive orders and changes in federal agency regulations. These include reversals of prior orders and sudden “pauses” or changes to Congressionally-approved budgets. As these announcements have been made, they have often been met with legal challenges from attorney generals, organizations seeking to protect civil rights, and most recently the American Federation of Teachers. As the courts determine the legality of each, states and other bodies subject to federal funding and regulations have to consult with counsel to determine the degree, if any, to which they must comply in advance of a court decision."

1. Expand Language Access – Provide translation and interpretation services for non-English speakers.

2. Promote Inclusivity – Advocate for policies that support LGBTQ+ individuals, people of all abilities, and diverse cultural and religious communities.

3. Improve Accessibility – Ensure facilities meet ADA standards and digital services are user-friendly for all.

4. Engage the Community – Host listening sessions and advisory councils to address community needs directly.

5. Advance Equity – Use data-driven approaches to eliminate disparities and ensure fair service delivery.

By prioritizing these efforts, I will help create a community where everyone feels valued and supported. "

What principles or values do you think are essential for the position you are running for?

"I, Phyllis Lubinski, am running for the D64 School Board because I believe in putting students, families, and educators first. The role of a school board member requires a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and service to our community. I value fairness, transparency, and making well-informed decisions that prioritize the needs of our students and schools.

A key principle for me is accessibility, ensuring that every parent, student , teacher, and community member has a voice and that their concerns are heard and addressed. I am also dedicated to collaboration, working with fellow board members and stakeholders to find solutions that drive positive, lasting change in our schools. 

Above all, I am committed to upholding the trust placed in me with diligence and a results-driven approach.

I get things done, and I am ready to continue advocating for the best interests of our students and community. "

What experience or qualifications make you the right person to hold this position?

"As an incumbent with 20 years of legal experience, I believe my background equips me with the skills, insights, and commitment necessary to make a positive and lasting impact as a school board member. My extensive legal experience has provided me with a deep understanding of policies, procedures, and the importance of clear, effective communication. This enables me to navigate complex issues and make well-informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of our students and the entire Park Ridge-Niles community.

Throughout my legal career, I’ve honed my ability to advocate for what’s right, ensure fairness, and build consensus, skills that are vital for a school board member. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can thrive, where educators feel supported, and where families are engaged in the educational process. As a current board member, I have a proven track record of working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to implement solutions that create positive change.

With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, I am confident that my experience and passion for public service will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the future success of our schools."

What is your stance on recent efforts to ban books with racial, sexual, and gender diversity from libraries and classrooms? 

"I strongly oppose efforts to ban books that address racial, sexual, and gender diversity from libraries and classrooms. Access to diverse perspectives is essential for fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a well-rounded education. Limiting access to such literature not only undermines intellectual freedom but also deprives students of opportunities to engage with different experiences and viewpoints. I believe that parents, educators, and communities should work together to ensure that students have access to books that reflect the diversity of our society while respecting age-appropriate considerations. Censorship has no place in a society that values education and open discourse. "

How would you defend your district against efforts to defund public schools? 

"Public schools are the backbone of our community, and I will strongly oppose any efforts to defund them. I will advocate for full and equitable funding by working with legislators, ensuring financial transparency, and strengthening community partnerships. Diverting funds away from public education harms students and weakens our future—I am committed to protecting and improving our schools for all children. "