Melissa Gracias

Name

Melissa Gracias

Position Sought

Consolidated High School District 230 Board Member

Campaign Contact Information

Phone: 708-361-3772

Email: Graciasmelissa@gmail.com

Website: 230 United

Facebook: 230 United

Hometown

Palos Park

Family Members

Husband: Felipe Gracias
Son: Antonio Gracias, 22
Son: Andre Gracias, 19
Daughter: Gia Maria Gracias, 9

Education

Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, Liberal Arts; Westminster University, Salt Lake City, Utah, Arts; Davenport University, Grand Rapids, MI, Bachelor of Marketing

Current Occupation and Employer

Homemaker, volunteer, board member for District 118 Educational Foundation, board member for Palos Park Police Foundation, chair for Palos District 118 PFA

Political Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Why are you seeking office?

I hope to lend my time and talents in helping Consolidated District 230 continue on the path toward enriching our students and keep our community strong. I would like to work on safety issues and raise awareness of the heroine problem that has entered our community. I would like to work on innovative solutions to our financial challenges facing all school districts. I am fiscally conservative. I am a proud parent of two sons who have attended and graduated from A.A. Stagg High School. I have been an active volunteer at Stagg High School. I was on the committee and chaired the senior party for four years. I was an active member of the music boosters as well as volunteered in several other capacities.

What is the most challenging issue facing the district?

Finances will be a big challenge in the up and coming future. heroine is also a big concern. As well as safety for all students and staff in our buildings.

What past experience in your life, whether work or otherwise, would you say qualifies you well to serve on this board, and how?

I have been an active volunteer in my Districts for the past 15 years. I have experience working with all types of people. I have experience in running large events in fundraising to leadership skills that have allowed me to be elected onto many boards. I have a passion for our schools and hope to help them continue to perform above the state standards.

Have you ever been charged with a crime or lost a lawsuit? If yes, please say what the charge was, and the case's and/or lawsuit's outcome.

No.

Where do you stand on common core standards? What can schools do to get ready?

I am for this program. I feel we should align our curriculum nationally. This will only help the students as they prepare for college and beyond. With all of the advances in technologies, the world has become a smaller place. In order to be competitive on a global , national or statewide scale, this is the best road to take. Students from New York, Chicago, to Los Angles should be taking the same level core classes. This allows a student to truly gauge his standings nationally.

Revenue from the state are drying up. Rank the following in order of importance: 1) Staff Cuts 2) Contract Renegotiations 3) Operating Expense Cuts 4) Tax Increases or Other Funding Sources. Explain your reasoning.

1. Operating expenses
2. Contract negotiations
3. Staff cuts
4. Tax increases

I would start with looking at operating costs to see where we could save money. Then, possibly negotiate some aspects of some contracts if applicable. Then look into staff reductions due to declining enrollment. I would like to possibly shift some staff to the other schools that enrollment is up. Why loose a vetted teacher or staff member if another school in our consolidated system needs more support?latly, I would look into the tax hikes. The housing market is still weak, unemployment is still high, so I believe this option would be considered last.

What are your thoughts on recent redistricting? Should students be able to go where their families originally planned or does the need to balance school population come first, and why?

I don't think redistributing is a bad option. If you have multiple schools and one is loosing enrollment while the others are becoming over crowded, the best alternative for the student and staff is to try to strike a balance within the district. This is better for the students and staff. Alternatively, you could "borrow" staff or teachers from the school with less and place them into the school w the larger enrollment. Why loose a vetted teacher with a proven teaching record, when a sister school needs one? Plus, overcrowded classrooms make for difficult learning environment. Yes, I would definitely consider this option.

What are your thoughts on students using smartphones during the school day, but not during class? Why are you for or against it?

I am for this option from a safety standpoint. In the event of an emergency whether in the school building or at home or other, it is helpful for the student and parent to be able to communicate.

Any other information pertinent to your campaign?

I have over 15 years of community involvement and volunteer experience in our local school districts. I am a former President of the PFA in District 118. Currently a member of the PFA 118, chair of this years daddy daughter dance,118. I am a current board member of the Palos Park Police Foundation. I am a current member of the District 118 Educational Foundation. I am actively involved in the religious education program at Our Lady of the Woods. I am a supporter of the charity Share your Soles. I am the former chair and committee member of the Stagg senior lock in party. I was an active member of the Stagg Music Boosters. I was a supporter of Stagg Drams club. I passionately support our schools and our community.