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Continuing a series we kicked off in December, we take community members’ questions directly to the crowded field competing for five spots on the Champaign school board in the April 1 election.
Julie Duvall
Asks JULIE DUVALL, executive director of the CU Autism Network: In order of your priority, what are three main issues throughout the district you feel need to remain at the forefront? And as a board member responsible for creating policies and procedures, how do you intend to address these issues?
Fatima Ahmed
Candidate for: Two-year term
“There is a widespread lack of accountability, transparency and trust in Unit 4 today. As a board member, I would address these challenges by strengthening accountability through clear assessments and measurable performance goals. I would promote transparency by sharing easy-to-understand information about board policies, discussions and initiatives.
“Additionally, I would build trust by engaging directly with families, educators and community leaders to understand their concerns and needs.
“The board must work together effectively, collaborate closely with support staff, educators and administrators, and actively seek input from the community to ensure that all policies and decisions reflect our shared values and lead to greater teacher satisfaction and better learning experiences for all students.
“My top priority as a member is to bring data-driven decision-making and respect-based dialogue to the board. I want to ensure that our discussions lead to informed, effective and fair outcomes for our students.
“The new board will face three critical challenges right away, and making evidence-based decisions through respectful dialogue will be essential to avoiding past mistakes.
“With the upcoming evaluation of the superintendent, the renewal of the teacher’s union contract, and the impending results of the special education assessment, it’s more important than ever to base decisions on facts, input from stakeholders and a focus on long-term student success.
“With a focus on accountability, transparency and trust, I am committed to making decisions that will strengthen our schools and serve the best interests of our students, educators and the community.”
For more on Ahmed, click here to visit her candidate Facebook page
Christy Arnold
Candidate for: Four-year term
“Our district faces significant challenges that require immediate attention:
“Leadership and staffing: Addressing the staffing shortage is paramount. Low morale — exacerbated by a lack of support, transparency and communication — has led to staff departures, even to neighboring districts for less money.
“This issue stems from the top, necessitating a leadership change. Replacing Superintendent Dr. (Shelia) Boozer and HR Director Ken Kleber with experienced, knowledgeable leaders who actively listen and collaborate is essential.
“Once new leadership is in place, we must set clear expectations for accountability, transparency and staff support to rebuild trust and improve retention.
“Literacy and special education: Focusing on literacy for all students is crucial, as it forms the foundation of learning. While we do not have unlimited resources, we should not be pitting vulnerable and marginalized groups against each other for resources.
“Additionally, the forthcoming SPED audit is expected to provide actionable recommendations to cover an extensive list of district shortcomings. I will advocate for a clear implementation plan with timelines, accountability measures and regular progress updates to ensure we meet the needs of our most vulnerable students.
“This cannot be another report that sits on a shelf — we need real change.
“Restoring Booker T. Washington (BTW): The decline of BTW resulted from poor leadership decisions. We need a targeted plan to stabilize the school’s administration, improve staff morale and regain family trust.
“BTW should not remain underutilized and stripped for parts — it should be a fully supported, thriving school once again.
“These priorities — leadership overhaul, literacy and SPED reform, and restoring BTW — are critical steps toward creating a stronger future for our students and staff.“
For more on Arnold, click here to visit her candidate Facebook page
Ronald Baker
Candidate for: Four-year term
“Reading and literacy for all students: Addressing the needs of Black students in Unit 4. One of my core priorities as a school board member is ensuring that every student in Unit 4 has access to high-quality education, with a particular focus on reading and literacy. Our Black students make up the majority of our student population, yet they continue to face systemic barriers that leave them underrepresented in key decision-making processes.
“Staff shortages and retention. A strong and diverse workforce is critical to supporting student success. However, staff shortages and retention issues have made it even more challenging to provide the individualized support that many of our students need. While these concerns must be addressed broadly, we cannot ignore the disproportionate impact they have on Black students — especially those in special education programs.
“Policy focus. Resource allocation and equity. I have spoken before about the cannibalization of resource s— a term that reflects how certain voices, often the loudest in the room, tend to absorb a disproportionate amount of time, funding and human capital. To be clear, this is not about labeling individuals but about ensuring that our district’s policies and resources serve the majority of students, not just those with the most vocal advocates.
“Take special education as an example: Students with individualized education plans (IEPs) make up 16.2 percent of the district — roughly 1,600 to 1,700 students. Of those, 48.8 percent are Black, while only 24.4 percent are White — meaning that Black students are significantly overrepresented in special education services.
“The largest disability categories include speech and language (22.9 percent), specific learning disabilities (26.9 percent), autism (17.7 percent) and developmental disabilities (6.6 percent).
“If we were to allocate 100 percent of our resources to only the 6.6 percent of students with developmental disabilities, or dedicate half of our resources to serve only the 24.4 percent of White students with IEPs, we would be neglecting the majority of our students who need support. Unfortunately, this is precisely what happens when resource allocation is driven by the loudest voices rather than the most pressing needs.
“Who is missing from the conversation? Historically, Black students with special education needs have been left out of discussions on resource allocation. When we talk about special education, who are we really talking about? Are we addressing the struggles of:
“Johnny, a fifth-grader with an IEP, reading at a first-grade level, struggling to focus in class?
“Serenity, a sixth-grader whose teacher struggles to relate to her, leading to frustration, disengagement and failing grades?
“These are the students we should be prioritizing. Yet, their needs are often overshadowed by well-organized advocacy that does not reflect the broader challenges facing Black students in our district.
“I am not interested in continuing a system that sacrifices Black children because their parents are not the loudest voices in the room. The true test of equity is not just in the policies we write but in how we apply them. My focus as a board member will be on ensuring that resources are distributed in a way that creates meaningful, district-wide impact — not just for a select few.
“If the term cannibalization of resources offends anyone, I won’t apologize. What offends me is the continued neglect of students like Johnny and Serenity— students who deserve better but remain invisible in these conversations. It’s time to change that.”
For more on Baker, click here to visit his candidate Facebook page
Roselle Bhosale
Candidate for: Two-year term
“Three key issues in our district that must remain a top priority are leading with empathy and integrity, ensuring our human resources department is effectively able to recruit and fill critical vacancies, and implementing a strategy to identify struggling students and provide targeted support.
“When a school board is consumed by conflicts and public disputes, it creates division and erodes trust. In the end, no one benefits — least of all our children.
“As a potential board member, I believe it is our duty to approach conflicts with kindness, seek understanding and work collaboratively. By doing so, we model the values we aim to instill in our students: respect, unity and thoughtful decision-making.
“Currently, over 10,000 students in Unit 4 are affected by a critical shortage of teachers and staff. When we are short-staffed, resources are stretched too thin, we rely heavily on substitutes, and student needs go unmet.
“This burden doesn’t just fall on students — our dedicated educators and other staff are overworked as well. No matter how exceptional our facilities are, without enough qualified teachers and district-trained support staff, we cannot fulfill our district’s mission.
“Early intervention in literacy and other learning differences, combined with informed and targeted support, can prevent challenges from escalating in middle and high school — ultimately boosting student confidence, capability and graduation rates.
“Every child deserves a strong foundation, and as a district, we must ensure they receive the resources and interventions necessary for success.
“The upcoming SPED audit results will require immediate attention from the new board. Those elected must work together to make informed, student-centered decisions that shape the future of education — including special education — across our district.”
For more on Bhosale, click here to visit her candidate Facebook page
Tony Bruno
Candidate for: Four-year term
“1. Hope. It has been said that children are the message we send to a future we will never see. We must give them the tools and opportunity they need to achieve a happy and fulfilling life. Their chance at it will be our legacy.
“We can close the literacy gap. We can teach our children math. Allowing luck of household to determine potential is an abdication of our responsibility to educate children.
“If rich and poor graduate our schools with different expectations of their ultimate potential, we have failed.
“From a student struggling to read, to the valedictorian, we must become nimble enough to meet them where they are and push them to achieve more. Hope is the gift we owe the next generation.
“2. Safety. Safety undergirds academic achievement. Students succeed when they feel safe. Bullying is a problem as old as time, but we must do more to stop it before it happens and punish it when it does.
“Our schools will be safest when they are fully staffed.
“We must also mitigate risk in the areas of special education, transportation and gun violence. Even if your family doesn’t worry about these issues, your children go to school with kids who worry about them every day.
“3. Growth. We should always be trying to out-compete other cities. When we demand excellence in our schools, vacant positions will get filled faster.
“Businesses will be better able to attract talent. New families will buy homes here knowing our schools will prepare their children for good jobs or admission to great universities.”
For more on Bruno, click here to visit his candidate website
Karl Geissler
Candidate for: Four-year term
“My three main priorities for our district are:
“1. Fair contract negotiations: Securing equitable contracts for both the Champaign Federation of Teachers and Champaign Education Support Professionals remains my top priority.
“As a board member, I will advocate for transparent negotiations that respect our educators’ contributions while balancing fiscal responsibility. I’ll ensure we maintain competitive compensation packages that help us attract and retain quality staff who directly impact student success.
“2. Balanced school populations: I will prioritize implementing the comprehensive population study by Cooperative Strategies to evaluate current school assignments.
“This data-driven approach will allow us to create policies that better distribute resources across our district. By addressing the imbalances, we can ensure all students have equal access to quality education, regardless of which school they attend.
“I’ll collaborate with administrators to implement gradual, thoughtful realignment that minimizes disruption to families.
“3. Facilities improvement: The renovations needed at Jefferson and Franklin middle schools must be properly addressed.
“I’ll work to improve construction fund management by establishing stronger oversight procedures and accountability measures for capital projects. Additionally, I’ll advocate for reassessing our investment in the Centennial facility, which has been underfunded.
“I’ll push for a comprehensive facilities evaluation to create a strategic improvement plan with clear priorities and timelines.
“As a board member, I recognize my role in creating effective policies rather than managing day-to-day operations. For each priority, I’ll focus on developing clear guidelines, ensuring proper funding allocation and establishing metrics to measure progress.”
For more on Geissler, click here to visit his candidate Facebook page
Justin Michael Hendrix
Candidate for: Two-year term
“My top three priorities are early intervention in early childhood, teacher retention and ensuring whole-student achievement and success.
“Policy should be shaped by economic, social and legal factors, but most importantly, it should reflect the priorities of the community, parents and teachers.
“As a board member, I will work to identify key issues, bring them to the agenda and help guide policy — from formulation to adoption and implementation. Through collaboration with the board and ongoing evaluation, we can create policies that genuinely support students, educators and families.
“I represent the community and am committed to making sure their voices are heard. When I ran for City Council District 3, I was denied ballot access and took my case to trial. Though I lost, former council member Tom Bruno saw the unfair barriers placed on me and worked to change them.
“In 2021, he successfully proposed and passed ballot access reforms, ensuring a more equitable process for those without wealth or connections. That victory wasn’t just about me — it was about making it easier for others to participate in the democratic process, which has always been important to me and will be as a school board member.”
For more on Hendrix, click here to visit his candidate Facebook page
Grace Kang
Candidate for: Four-year term
“Numerous complex issues are demanding the board’s immediate attention. While adhering to existing policies and procedures, we must also be willing to revise them as needed. This requires a collaborative and collegial approach to ensure that any changes we make effectively address the needs of our district.
“First and foremost, recognizing the vital role our teachers and support staff play in the success of Unit 4, we must prioritize contract negotiations with both the Champaign Federation of Teachers and the Champaign Educational Support Professionals.
“Along these lines, I hope we can focus on the retention of teachers and support staff, as well as the recruitment of high-quality teachers and support staff.
“Simultaneously, we need to address the findings of the special education audit. This requires a thorough review of the data and the swift implementation of any necessary changes to ensure we are meeting the needs of all learners.
“Additionally, we must commit to addressing the disparities and inequities across our elementary schools. This includes providing targeted support and resources to schools serving students facing greater challenges.
“I believe strongly in the importance of early intervention programs, universal preschool access, and tutoring and mentoring initiatives in the early grades.
“Finally, in addressing these complex issues, we must prioritize community engagement. This means actively seeking input from our community members through surveys and other channels, understanding their perspectives and providing timely communication with a clear timeline.
“By working together, we can create a stronger, more equitable educational experience for all students in Unit 4.”
Al Molina
Candidate for: Four-year term
“Recognizing the priorities in our district, especially regarding autism and developmental disabilities, is crucial as we work towards fostering an inclusive environment for every student.
“I will advocate for better access to resources and support services, ensuring that all students — particularly those with autism — receive adequate funding for necessary resources and support. This encompasses specialized programs, trained personnel and assistive technologies tailored to meet diverse learning needs.
“As a board member, I will push for increased funding and collaboration with local organizations to strengthen these resources, guaranteeing their equitable distribution throughout the district.
“Additionally, I propose the establishment of a dedicated committee within Unit 4 to raise funds specifically for our special education students.
“Educators are pivotal in the success of students with autism, making ongoing training and professional development on autism awareness and effective teaching strategies essential. I will prioritize the implementation of comprehensive training programs to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to support all learners.
“Families of children with autism frequently encounter unique challenges and may experience feelings of isolation. It’s vital to establish consistent communication and support channels between schools and families.
“I aim to create workshops, support groups and resources that assist families in navigating the educational landscape, ensuring they feel connected and supported. To tackle these challenges, I plan to collaborate with fellow board members, educators, families and community stakeholders.
“Given the current political landscape, the continued inadequacy of federal funding may persist, even worsen or be eliminated. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, enacted during the Ford administration, has a lot to be desired regarding funding. Unit 4 has never received the funding promised.
“We must prepare for a decrease in both state and federal funding, which underscores the necessity of involving our only feasible resource: local taxpayers. It is our collective duty as a society to support children with disabilities; therefore, a future referendum will be necessary.
“We should assess the overall budget needed for these children, operating on the premise that federal funding will not be available.
“It has become clear that Unit 4 has overlooked the needs of children with disabilities. I will implement policies and procedures to ensure that children with disabilities are never neglected.”
For more on Molina, click here to visit his candidate website
Charles ‘Jarrel’ Young
Candidate for: Four-year term
“As a candidate for the Unit 4 school board, I believe the three main issues requiring urgent attention and long-term commitment are:
“1. Inclusive education and support for diverse learners. Ensuring that all students, including those with autism and other disabilities, have access to a full, equitable education is a fundamental right. This includes addressing the gap in resources, training and support for teachers and staff to create an inclusive environment.
“By promoting collaborative, interdisciplinary teams within schools, we can develop tailored support plans that go beyond accommodations, truly integrating students into the school community.
“I will advocate for increased investment in specialized professional development for educators and support personnel, alongside continuous feedback from families to ensure their needs are met.
“2. Mental health and emotional well-being. The mental health needs of students, especially in the wake of the pandemic, are at an all-time high. Social workers, counselors and psychologists must be embedded within schools to support students holistically.
“I will push for expanding mental health services and introducing restorative practices to help students build emotional resilience, conflict resolution skills and a sense of belonging. This also involves addressing stigma and fostering an environment where emotional well-being is prioritized equally with academic performance.
“3. Equity in discipline and behavioral interventions. It is critical to ensure that discipline policies are fair, restorative and not disproportionately affecting students of color or those with disabilities.
“I will work to ensure that the school board supports alternative, non-punitive behavioral interventions that focus on positive behavioral reinforcement, while also providing targeted support for students who struggle with social-emotional skills. Policies must aim to reduce disparities in disciplinary actions while fostering environments of understanding and support.
“In my role, I will work tirelessly to ensure these issues are prioritized, continually engaging with parents, students, educators and community members to create policies that are responsive to the diverse needs of our district’s population.”
NOTE: An 11th Champaign school board candidate, Mark Holm, did not respond to this week’s question.
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