The consolidated election is April 1. Early voting begins March 17.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
TINLEY PARK, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and several spots on the Kirby District 140 Board of Education are up for grabs.
Six candidates are vying for four seats on the board. Incumbents Aileen Mullee, Tom Martelli, Carol DeMichael, and Luciana Shalash are running on the All-4-KSD140 slate. Also seeking seats are challengers Katlin Davis and Melissa Bessler.
Based in Tinley Park, Kirby District 140 is a seven-school, preschool-8th grade district—two middle schools and five elementary—serving more than 3,500 students from Tinley Park, Orland Hills, and Orland Park, Illinois. District 140 employs approximately 600 full and part-time individuals.
Patch provided a questionnaire to all candidates. We'll be sharing their responses in candidate profiles.
Early voting begins March 17.
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Candidate:
Melissa Bessler
Age (as of election day):
40
Town/city of residence:
Tinley Park
School district:
Kirby District 140
Family. (Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.)
Lily, age 11, 5th grade student at Helen Keller. Lily is involved in dance, Girl Scouts, band, and taekwondo. Ben, age 9, 3rd grade student at Helen Keller. Ben is involved in Boy Scouts, baseball, soccer, and taekwondo. My family has lived in District 140 since the 1980’s. My three siblings and I all attended District 140.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.
No.
Education
I completed my bachelor’s degree from Bradley University earning two degrees in elementary special education and theatre. I then went on to complete my master’s degree in educational leadership from Lewis University while I was teaching. I have continued to further my education taking courses in dyslexia and have an endorsement in English as a second language from the University of St. Francis.
Occupation. Please include years of experience.
I have spent the past 19 years in the field of education. I was a special education resource teacher in Mokena School District 159 from 2006-2010. I then transitioned to Orland School District 135 as a resource teacher from 2010-2024. This past school year I have had the privilege of being the assistant principal for a kindergarten through second grade building in Orland School District 135.
Previous or current elected or appointed office*:
N/A
The most pressing issues facing our district are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.
There are many issues facing our district. One is the balance of technology. I believe it is important to ensure that there is balance between equipping our students with the skills necessary to live in a technology driven world and developing skills needed to become lifelong learners and members of society. Technology should be seen as a way to enhance teaching and learning, not simply become the teacher or babysitter for children. I think it is important to continue the Apple Distinguished School process for all schools. Doing this helps evaluate how devices are being used by teacher and students.
Another issue facing our district is the ever changing population of Tinley Park. The students of District 140 look very different than when I attended Helen Keller in 1989. It is important to recognize these changes and continue to provide a quality education and meaningful experiences for all students. What has always been done, may no longer be what is best for the current students of District 140.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
One of the critical differences between me and the other candidates is my fresh perspective. As a long time resident and educator myself, I have both the parent and educator perspective to the many issues faced by the school board.
Should cell phones be banned during school? Why or why not?
While technology is a wonderful tool, it can also be a huge distraction in the educational environment. I believe cell phones should be silenced and put away during class. Students are able to focus on the purpose of being at school, but can still have them available during lunch or other appropriate times.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?
I wouldn’t use the word failure, but would like to see more open discussion and input from the community when making decisions. Transparency is important when holding a public office.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
I am a mom and educator trying to give back to my community and make sure our district continues to do what’s best for kids.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have successfully worked full time, raised my children, and completed my master’s degree all at the same time. I have collaborated with colleagues to implement interventions and programs for students with a wide range of abilities. I work well under pressure and attack situations with a problem solving mindset.
Why should voters trust you?
I have a wealth of knowledge in the world of education. My colleagues can attest to my fidelity and open door policy for the past 19 years. I am confident in offering the same level of openness and honesty to the members of the District 140 community.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?
I would like to see more transparency from the school board. Committees are a great way to get input from the community as well as foster conversations among the stakeholders. These additional opportunities would allow the community to feel a greater connection to the board and cohesive approach to doing what’s best for the children of our community.
What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools?
Students need to feel safe at school. A policy and procedure needs to be developed for the district so all staff understand the expectations. While I understand there are issues needing to be addressed by ICE, schools are not the place for ICE enforcement to take place. Any ICE requests should be referred to the local law enforcement agencies.
How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not?
I believe age appropriate sex education should be taught as part of the health curriculum in a school. This means that what is taught in younger grades is vastly different from what is covered in junior high. I believe it is important to include an LGBTQ component. This is not to say that this is telling students to believe one way or the other, but have it presented as what some people experience. As always parents should have the right to opt out of having their child participate in the lessons.
When it comes to student achievement, what are schools within this district doing well and what needs to be improved? How can those improvements be made?
The district continues to improve on reading and math achievement, but there is still room for improvement. Much of the world is still experiencing the learning gaps created during the pandemic. It is important to address these gaps and continue to improve student achievement. The adoption of reading and math curriculums should be continually reviewed to implement the necessary resources to address the needs of the current students.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
Not that I am aware of.
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