Politics & Government

Katie Bittner: D109 School Board Candidate

There are five candidates for four seats on the Deerfield Public Schools District 109 Board of Education.

Name: Katie Bittner

Bittner's Blog on Patch

How long have you lived in Deerfield: 9 years

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Are you an incumbent? No.

What political accomplishments are you most proud of?

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I am proud of my involvement in District 109 through my service on the technology committee, volunteering on the Caruso PTO, attending and participating in board meetings, encouraging parents and community members to be involved in what is happening in our schools, being an active caucus participant prior to running for school board, and the creation of a parent support group for children with 504 plans and IEP’s.

I believe that it is the duty and responsibility of the District 109 school board members to assure that all policies and procedures implemented are in the best interest of our children at all times. This includes making sound fiscal decisions that include research and a collaborative process. Transparency is the key to moving forward in District 109. I will assure that all voices are heard.

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?  

Professionally, I feel the most pride in my years as a Special Education teacher for Chicago Public Schools. The influence a teacher has on a child is tremendous, which is why I feel so passionate about improving the relationships between the teachers and administrators in District 109.

As both a teacher and administrator I worked very hard to establish good relationships and constantly strived to improve the classroom experience for all students.  Students must be able to see and connect the purpose of education in order for them to be successful.

What are the three most important issues facing the District 109 Board of Education?

  1. Repairing and rebuilding relationships between teachers, administrators, parents and community members.
  2. Implementation of the Strategic Plan with fidelity.
  3. Transition with the new Superintendent and development of a long-range plan and vision.

How do you distinguish yourself from your opponents?

My experience as a teacher, administrator and parent has provided me with the ins and outs of a school system. This includes day-to-day operations including relationships, effective communication, appropriate evaluation and professional development/support for teachers and administrators, and long range planning especially in the area of curriculum development.

What is your professional background?

My professional background includes 15 years as a Special Education teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I also served as a Special Education administrator for four of those years. My current position is a Special Education Coordinator for Waukegan School District 60.

What is your educational background?
B.A in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin- Madison
MEd in Educational Leadership-Type 75 from Northeastern Illinois University.

What other information would you like to share?

Serving on the District 109’s Board of education demands total commitment and operating under the fundamental principal of what is in the best interest of our children.

I have spent countless hours over the past year attending meetings and researching actions taken and policy implemented by the current board. I have spoken to many teachers, administrators, parents and community members.  I believe that District 109 has the potential to be a collaborative school district that provides a first rate education filled with purposeful activities and experiences for our children.

As a school board member I will ensure that all policies and procedures put into motion are in the best interests of our children, always!


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