April 5th, 2011 election
March 14th, 2011 early voting

Why I'm Running

I have decided to run for re-election to the D65 school board because I believe that, along with the experience I have gained over the last four years of service, I have a proven ability to work hard, to understand the many issues facing our district, and to communicate with families, teachers, staff and fellow board members. My institutional knowledge, along with my track record of getting things done, will benefit the board, the district, the community and, most importantly, the students in D65.

What I Bring

Leadership, experience, community outreach, compassion

I bring leadership and institutional knowledge from my four years on the D65 school board and from my previous work experience. My experience includes:

  • Chair of the Finance Committee, two years
  • Chair of the Policy Committee, two years
  • Chair of the Ad Hoc Sustainability/Green Committee, three years
  • Other committee experience includes the Joint Legislative Task Force, the D65/202 Committee and the City/Board Liaison Committee
  • Deep roots in our community through many community organizations

My leadership abilities will help guide the board going forward as it faces unknown challenges, including the ever-changing financial constraints placed upon our schools. With an MBA from Wharton School of Business, and through previous work experience, I bring to the board a deep understanding of budget issues and financial leadership that is crucial as we continue the ongoing struggle to keep our budget balanced and our programs funded.

I have worked in collaboration with the board, the administration, the teachers and the community of D65 to achieve the following milestones:

  • Completion of the strategic plan
  • Management of a budget during difficult financial times
  • Development and implementation of an ongoing family, teacher and community survey
  • Implementation of data-driven teacher evaluations
  • Use of a demographic and space-capacity study to better utilize our buildings
  • Initiation of serious discussion of college and career readiness
  • Focus on sustainability and green issues

Finally, I bring to the board a track record of compassion, community involvement and responsiveness to the many needs faced by the children in our community. As the mother of four children, two of them still in D65, I have firsthand experience in our schools.

My Vision for D65 and for a Second Term

My vision for District 65 is one of continued improvement in achievement for all children. I will bring leadership to the board with a goal toward:

  • Implementation of college/career readiness with an understanding of what that means in the early years
  • Continued improvement of coordination between D65 and D202
  • Increased expectations for our middle-school students
  • Better and consistent use of data to measure achievement, family satisfaction and programs
  • Financial stability in an unstable funding environment
  • Maintenance of our schools and improvements in our facilities
How You Can Help

In order to run a simple and sustainable campaign, I am trying to get the word out via email. If you would like to support me, here is how you can help:

  1. Join my supporter list. If so, click here
  2. Consider hosting a coffee.
  3. If necessary, display a lawn sign. I hope to avoid lawn signs (for environmental reasons) but it may be necessary.
  4. Make a donation of $10-$25. Please make the check out to Katie Bailey for District 65, and mail it to Katie Bailey for District 65 at 1619 Ashland Avenue, Evanston IL 60201. Your donation will help with printing and ad costs.

I believe in our district's mission -- "educating each student to succeed in and contribute to our global community by cultivating creativity, compassion and the pursuit of excellence". I believe we must work tirelessly to do so. I hope you will join me in supporting this mission.