Kristin de castro
district 39 school Board
responses to voter guide questions
Introduction:
My husband, Matty de Castro, and I have lived in Wilmette for six years and have two children in 3rd and 1st grade, respectively at Central Elementary School. I have been on the executive board of the Central Elementary PTO for the past two years and am actively involved in the community. I grew up in the Seattle area and have a BA from Western Washington University. I spent my career in Marketing and Advertising until I took time away when my children were born.
I chose to run for the D39 school board because I believe children's education is a top priority for our community. The Wilmette public school system is one to be proud of and I want to do my part to keep it strong. I am committed to serving the Wilmette community and doing what I can to maintain and improve the quality of our public schools.
Questions:
1. What do you see as the main priorities and challenges for the incoming school board?
I see the main priorities for the incoming school board as:
- Continuing to implement the approved 2021-26 strategic plan which focuses on student achievement and growth, supportive community, professional community, family partnerships and stewardship of resources
- Provide support to the D39 administration to prioritize retention and job satisfaction of highly qualified faculty and staff
- Ensure strong community relations with D39 and Wilmette families
2. What are your financial goals and concerns for D39 and how would you work to address
them?
My financial goals for D39 are to ensure financial responsibility through thoughtful and strategic stewardship of the district budget. School board members should be informed and diligent in order to cast an educated and responsible vote on all D39 financial matters.
3. What, if any, specific educational goals do you have for D39 and how would you work to achieve them?
My educational goals for D39 include comprehensively preparing students for the future so they can live successful lives and give back to the community. I will work with the administration and staff to continually improve curriculum to align with D39 goals of a challenging, supportive learning environment. I also support differentiated learning to allow for all types of students to receive a strong education that meets their needs.
4. In 2023, Wilmette government agencies hired a shared Sustainability Coordinator to implement programs that protect our environment, conserve natural resources, and address the climate crisis. In what areas do you feel the School District has made the best use of this Coordinator's time, and where would you like to see increased focus?
I value the allocation of resources made by the Wilmette government to make our schools and community more sustainable. The installation of solar panels and focus on recycling and energy efficiency within D39 is making a positive impact. I would like to continue to see new initiatives that make our community more sustainable and education efforts to ensure the community does their part to contribute.
My husband, Matty de Castro, and I have lived in Wilmette for six years and have two children in 3rd and 1st grade, respectively at Central Elementary School. I have been on the executive board of the Central Elementary PTO for the past two years and am actively involved in the community. I grew up in the Seattle area and have a BA from Western Washington University. I spent my career in Marketing and Advertising until I took time away when my children were born.
I chose to run for the D39 school board because I believe children's education is a top priority for our community. The Wilmette public school system is one to be proud of and I want to do my part to keep it strong. I am committed to serving the Wilmette community and doing what I can to maintain and improve the quality of our public schools.
Questions:
1. What do you see as the main priorities and challenges for the incoming school board?
I see the main priorities for the incoming school board as:
- Continuing to implement the approved 2021-26 strategic plan which focuses on student achievement and growth, supportive community, professional community, family partnerships and stewardship of resources
- Provide support to the D39 administration to prioritize retention and job satisfaction of highly qualified faculty and staff
- Ensure strong community relations with D39 and Wilmette families
2. What are your financial goals and concerns for D39 and how would you work to address
them?
My financial goals for D39 are to ensure financial responsibility through thoughtful and strategic stewardship of the district budget. School board members should be informed and diligent in order to cast an educated and responsible vote on all D39 financial matters.
3. What, if any, specific educational goals do you have for D39 and how would you work to achieve them?
My educational goals for D39 include comprehensively preparing students for the future so they can live successful lives and give back to the community. I will work with the administration and staff to continually improve curriculum to align with D39 goals of a challenging, supportive learning environment. I also support differentiated learning to allow for all types of students to receive a strong education that meets their needs.
4. In 2023, Wilmette government agencies hired a shared Sustainability Coordinator to implement programs that protect our environment, conserve natural resources, and address the climate crisis. In what areas do you feel the School District has made the best use of this Coordinator's time, and where would you like to see increased focus?
I value the allocation of resources made by the Wilmette government to make our schools and community more sustainable. The installation of solar panels and focus on recycling and energy efficiency within D39 is making a positive impact. I would like to continue to see new initiatives that make our community more sustainable and education efforts to ensure the community does their part to contribute.