D220 BOE Candidate Response - Harathi Srivastava

D220 School Board of Education candidate, Harathi Srivastava, responded to the questionnaire proposed by our community members. Her response is provided below in its entirety.

Thank you so much for this opportunity! Please see my responses below. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

*If you were to be elected to the new board, what is something you’d like to either advocate for or accomplish during your term in regards to special education? 

I am running on a platform focused on creating opportunities for all and championing the expansion of resources for every person in our district. I want to be a voice for the 1 in 5 families who have a child with an IEP or who are in special education. With over 10 years of experience as a bedside nurse and my role in nursing leadership, I understand firsthand how crucial it is for individuals with differing abilities and needs to be included in decisions that affect them so deeply. Just as a patient cannot thrive at home or avoid readmission or complications without the proper physical and emotional support, students are relying on the school board to provide the same level of care and support.

While there is important emphasis on diversity and inclusion efforts, we must ensure that children in SPED and IEP programs are also a key part of this movement. I am committed to advocating for our community, exploring ways to invest in additional resources, ensuring appropriate special education aide-to-student ratios, and, most importantly, listening to the families to make sure their voices are heard in decisions that affect them so profoundly.

*What do you think D220s greatest challenges are regarding special education?

Given the current political climate, much remains uncertain regarding the future of the Department of Education. Our district faces numerous challenges, including securing adequate federal funding, hiring and retaining qualified staff, and meeting the diverse needs of students in the classroom. In light of recent events, I believe the biggest concern regarding special education is the lack of transparency and effective communication between the district and families. Decisions are being made without full input from families or in a reactive manner. These families know their children best—they understand their needs and what is required to help them thrive in our district. We must adopt a more proactive, hands-on approach and collaborate with families when making decisions that have the greatest impact on their children.

*If a parent or guardian approached you with what they felt like was a systemic problem, what would you do?

I believe a systemic issue in our district would be one that affects the entire community, whether it's related to policy, instructional methods, or the overall culture of our schools. As a nurse, I rely heavily on data and interdisciplinary collaboration. My first step would be to gather all relevant information from various stakeholders to fully understand the issue at hand. I would also research best practices from comparable districts to see what has worked for them and what interventions have been successful. While staying within state and regulatory guidelines, I would work collaboratively to ensure that necessary steps are taken to address the issue. This could include, but is not limited to, policy revisions, implementing new interventions, or escalating the issue as needed.

*In parental forums on social media, many seek advice on where to move within the Chicago suburbs to give their child in special ed the best help. District 220 is never mentioned.  What can D220 do to become an area leader and a destination for students needing special education?

A thorough investigation and analysis must be conducted to understand the root cause of the problem. Why isn't our district a leader or destination for special education? I would seek a variety of methods to gather both objective and subjective data, including parent surveys, fireside chats, and meetings with other stakeholders and districts to learn from their successes and see what practices we could emulate.

Could our IEP process be more clearly defined? Are we providing adequate services? Are we hiring and retaining the best educators and support staff? Are we actively involving parents in decision-making processes? There are many steps we can take to address these issues, and I am eager to dive in and help meet the needs of the special education community in our district.

*When faced with opposition, how would you determine when to stand firm or when to adapt your position?

Above all, people want to feel heard and know that their opinions matter. When faced with opposition, I foster open dialogue. My leadership style centers on being an active listener, valuing constructive criticism, and embracing diverse perspectives. I prioritize making decisions based on data and incorporating feedback from those who are directly involved with these policies on a daily basis, as I believe this approach will be highly effective for the school board.

Often, compromise is necessary when addressing the diverse needs of our community, but it must always align with our core values and beliefs. We must ensure that we are adhering to all policies and guidelines appropriately while making decisions that are in the best interest of the students, families, and educators in our district.

Regards,

Harathi Srivastava

D220 School Board Candidate