Allyson Paflas
district 39 wilmette school board
responses to voter guide questions
1. Why are you running for school board and what are your qualifications?
I am running for the D39 School Board because I want the Wilmette public schools to continue to be strong. I am committed to serving Wilmette children and the Wilmette community to maintain and improve our excellent public schools.
My husband, Carter Cast, and I have lived in Wilmette for six years with our three kids who attend Central Elementary School, Highcrest Middle School, and Wilmette Junior High. I have volunteered for multiple positions on D39 PTOs and have been actively involved in each of my kid’s extracurricular activities. I am a volunteer coach for Wilmette Park District basketball and soccer teams. I received a BA from Wellesley College and a JD from Duke University School of Law. I am a practicing trust and estate attorney in Chicago.
I am committed to working as a member of a team and keeping an open mind. I will be prepared and informed for school board meetings.
2. What are your top priorities for D39 and what do you hope to accomplish as a board member?
My top priorities for D39 are to: (1) help D39 provide a challenging, enriching, and supportive learning environment; (2) work with the administration to ensure D39 continues to have highly qualified teachers and staff; and (3) promote a strong partnership between D39 and the broader Wilmette community.
3. How should D39 address the different needs of all students?
D39 must be committed to addressing the different needs of all students. I believe serving the needs of all students is a core principle of public education. D39 should engage all learners by matching their needs to the school’s curriculum. D39 must continue to create a safe and equitable school environment.
4. What are your views on D39’s curriculum?
I support D39’s stated goal to create the most appropriate curricula to meet the needs of students in District 39. I think it is important that our curriculum promote intellectual curiosity and creativity; critical thinking and problem-solving; and a sense of responsibility to others.
I also support D39’s principles and goals of differentiated instruction.
5. What do you feel the community’s role is in public K-8 education?
The community’s role in public K-8 education is vital. In order to have effective and strong public schools there must be honest, open, and direct communication between D39 and the Wilmette community. The D39 School Board must be responsive to the community’s concerns and ideas.
I am running for the D39 School Board because I want the Wilmette public schools to continue to be strong. I am committed to serving Wilmette children and the Wilmette community to maintain and improve our excellent public schools.
My husband, Carter Cast, and I have lived in Wilmette for six years with our three kids who attend Central Elementary School, Highcrest Middle School, and Wilmette Junior High. I have volunteered for multiple positions on D39 PTOs and have been actively involved in each of my kid’s extracurricular activities. I am a volunteer coach for Wilmette Park District basketball and soccer teams. I received a BA from Wellesley College and a JD from Duke University School of Law. I am a practicing trust and estate attorney in Chicago.
I am committed to working as a member of a team and keeping an open mind. I will be prepared and informed for school board meetings.
2. What are your top priorities for D39 and what do you hope to accomplish as a board member?
My top priorities for D39 are to: (1) help D39 provide a challenging, enriching, and supportive learning environment; (2) work with the administration to ensure D39 continues to have highly qualified teachers and staff; and (3) promote a strong partnership between D39 and the broader Wilmette community.
3. How should D39 address the different needs of all students?
D39 must be committed to addressing the different needs of all students. I believe serving the needs of all students is a core principle of public education. D39 should engage all learners by matching their needs to the school’s curriculum. D39 must continue to create a safe and equitable school environment.
4. What are your views on D39’s curriculum?
I support D39’s stated goal to create the most appropriate curricula to meet the needs of students in District 39. I think it is important that our curriculum promote intellectual curiosity and creativity; critical thinking and problem-solving; and a sense of responsibility to others.
I also support D39’s principles and goals of differentiated instruction.
5. What do you feel the community’s role is in public K-8 education?
The community’s role in public K-8 education is vital. In order to have effective and strong public schools there must be honest, open, and direct communication between D39 and the Wilmette community. The D39 School Board must be responsive to the community’s concerns and ideas.