Kendall County Times

Jennifer Monson wants to take politics out of education, so she’s running for the Minooka Community Consolidated School District (CCSD) 201.

“First thing is I have children in the school district and my concern regarding political agendas in the school is huge,” Monson told the Kendall County Times when asked why she’s running. “I don't believe it belongs there, all of our children should be comfortable in school and can focus on reading, writing math and fine arts. I really feel that's all we should be concentrated on.”

Monson is a member of a conservative slate of candidates. The group is running on the platform below: “•Parental Rights • Students Rights • Keep education in the schools • No indoctrination • Hold schools accountable,” the Facebook page reads. 

The election is on April 4. 

The school district noted candidacy requirements on its website, adding that candidates for the office of the school board could begin to circulate nominating petitions for signatures beginning Sept. 20. The filing period was Dec. 12-19, 2022. 

Monson’s mission is to give parents a voice again.

“I feel I can help by being a voice for the people,” she said. “As a parent, I've spoken at h majority of school board meetings over the last couple years. I want what's best for the children, I don’t care about all the political agendas. Everyone deserves to have a voice.”

She has three children in the school district, one in sixth grade, one in eighth grade and one in high school.

“I talk to so many parents that have the same concerns I do and we all feel like we're being blown off,” Monson said. “I hope to make a difference, as do the couple other candidates (Thomas J. McGowan and Brian Pohlman) I’m running on a slate with."

Minooka CCSD 201 has 4,493 students enrolled in its seven schools. The district headquarters is located in Minooka. The school system employs about 278 teachers and offers a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1.