The Riverside-Brookfield Landmark sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2023. The Landmark’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Name: Kristin Reingruber
Age: 44
Previous Political Experience: None
Previous/Current Community Involvement: Worked on three school district referendum campaigns (two for RBHS, one for District 95); assist in the operation of the Junior Bulldogs Basketball program; participated in District 95 stakeholder superintendent search, 2022
Occupation: Principal, Monroe School, District 181 in Hinsdale
Education: B.A. in Elementary Education, North Central College; M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction/Educational Technology, Loyola University Chicago; M.A. and Type 75 – Educational Organization and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
1. Why are you running for the District 95 school board?
I have always valued the commitment individuals make to education and their home school communities as a board member. As a teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator, I have spent time on board committees, as well as prepared for, presented at, and attended many open meetings. However, my engagement has most always been as a District employee. When our son started kindergarten at Brook Park in 2019, I made a commitment to myself to become more engaged in our own home school district. As a candidate for District 95 school board, I am eager to give back to my own community as a collaborative member of the District 95 school board.
2. What experience and perspectives would you bring to the position and how would they be valuable as an elected official?
In my twenty-three years as an educator, I have served as a collaborative member of various school teams. A common thread throughout my tenure has been my leadership for a systematic approach to teaching and learning. I have engaged various grade level teams, schools, and districts in professional development opportunities focused on the integration of best instructional and collaborative practices through engagement with rigorous curriculum and assessments. Most recently in my role as an elementary school principal, I am focused on meeting the needs of our students’ academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs, with the ultimate goal of increased growth and achievement. I believe this experience will be beneficial in providing expertise to help inform my colleagues when making collaborative decisions.
As a board member, I commit to being fully informed, open-minded, listening respectfully, and representing our entire district community. I will work collaboratively to promote continuous improvement, clear communication, and effective and efficient operations as we move forward in District 95.
3. What do you believe are some of the greatest challenges facing District 95?
Coming out of the pandemic, the continued focus of the board must be on a long-term vision – not just the issue of the day . Collaborating with both our outgoing and incoming superintendents as they transition will be key in remaining focused on the values, mission, vision, and goals of the District for sustainable, long-term benefits for our children, families, and community.
