ABOUT

Welcome! My name is Beth Rankin and I am a candidate for School District 64 Board of Education. My family moved to Park Ridge in 2015 and we are proud Franklin Falcons. Park Ridge has provided the things we prioritize as parents - excellent public schools, safety, extracurricular activities, and a culture of investment in our shared hometown. Knowing that great communities don’t just spontaneously happen, and are only the result of ongoing commitment to service, I am so pleased to explore this opportunity to contribute.

Professionally, my background is in grants administration. I have experience on the donor side and recipient side, and for organizations including a K-8 school district and a research university. Each role has given me insight into the full picture from all viewpoints and an understanding of the accountability required for sponsored funding. This type of work requires productive collaboration among stakeholders, the ability to fairly weigh competing demands, and attention to detailed rules and regulations - exactly what's needed on the D64 school board.

As a parent, I have had the pleasure and privilege of getting into school life through co-leading a Girl Scout troop and volunteering with our PTA. There is nothing like the energy of elementary-aged kids in their natural habitat! And being among them is a reminder that they are our schools’ primary stakeholders.

Members of the D64 Board of Education should support all that is good - effective, innovative, evidence-based, inclusive - in our schools. The Board should also confront existing and unforeseen challenges through collaborative and respectful engagement with all partners. I plan to share more about myself and what motivates me in the coming weeks. And on April 1 (or before!) I hope to earn your vote.

Thank you.

Vision

Excellent Educators

The most important factor impacting student success is teacher quality. District 64 has excellent educators who make a difference every day. But the teaching landscape is changing and no district is immune to turnover. Districts including our own need to attract and retain educators - teachers, specialists, building leaders, and central administrators - by offering supportive environments, engaging parents as partners, and electing a stable, productive, responsive Board.

Safe Schools

Student safety encompasses physical and social well-being. The voter-approved referendum includes interior door replacement, which is a significant step. School boards also have a role in preventing school violence. If elected, I would encourage the Board to listen to experts about what works to build kids' emotional wellness and social bonds. Schools should employ - and then assess - evidence-based practices to build community and identify students needing intervention.

Sustainability

Currently, there are some district-wide practices in place to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. However, lunchtime composting and other initiatives are the result of parent-led efforts, which means they are vulnerable to turnover of committed parents. In addition, Illinois recently passed a law requiring climate change be taught in K-12 public schools. As a Board member, I would help energize District 64's efforts to "walk the walk" and establish policies to protect the environment and consider sustainability when contracting with vendors.