Katie Campbell: Candidate For Summit Hill 161 Board Of Education (2025)

Schools

The consolidated election is April 1.

Posted Mon, Mar 24, 2025 at 1:36 pm CT

One of those races in Frankfort is the race for Summit Hill District 161 Board of Education. There are two candidates running for one unexpired 2-year term; and eight candidates running for four 4-year terms.

The Summit Hill race is slightly crowded and contentious, in part due to a December 2023 vote by the Board to close two of the District's schools. The school district boundaries pull students from parts of Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Mokena and Tinley Park.

One of those candidates is Katie Campbell, who is an incumbent running for an unexpired 2-year term. Campbell recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire, and her answers can be found below:

Your Name:

Katie Campbell

Campaign website:

https://www.facebook.com/share...

Age (as of election day):

53

Town/city of residence:

Tinley Park

School district:

Summit Hill 161

Family. (Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.)

Husband Chris Campbell 52, Daughter Macie 15, Ellie 13

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:

Bachelor's Degree Northern Illinois University, Physical Education
Master's Degree Eastern Illinois University, Education Administration
Master's Degree Chicago State University, Physical Education
Lewis University LBS1 Endorsement for Special Education
Chicago State University Endorsements in Health and Driver's Education

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

31 Total years in Education
Physical Education and Health, Coach Teacher Currently at Oak Forest High School 2011-Present
Physical Education Department Supervisor Bremen High School District 2001-2011
Physical Education Teacher Decatur Public Schools 1994-2001

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Current Summit Hill 161 Board Member Elected 2021

The most pressing issues facing our district are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

I would like to start by saying that Summit Hill School district is in a very good position right now. Our test scores are the highest they have been in 10 years. Our financial rating has gone from 3.4 to a perfect 4.0 in four short years. We have introduced new curriculum and updated materials that were more than eight years old. We have extended the kindergarten day and opened a new, state of the art pre-school. These are just a few things that have been accomplished over the past four years.

The most important challenge, in my view, is to keep pushing the district forward. The restructuring of the district was challenging, however, consolidation has happened and it was overwhelmingly successful. Change is often difficult, and I’m sure some teachers still feel uneasy. The commitment of our staff to putting students first, showing patience, supporting one another, embracing new experiences, and maintaining professionalism has been remarkable. This change, though difficult, was crucial for the greater good. I remain committed to fostering a great environment for both students and staff.

As a community, we must focus on moving forward, rather than dwelling on past decisions and criticisms, as they don’t provide a constructive path for the future. I fully stand behind every decision I’ve made and am proud to have been part of the votes that have brought the district to its current strong position. My goal is to keep advancing the district—expanding our preschool enrollment and capacity, improving and upgrading our facilities so that the community fully benefits from the taxes we contribute.

Should cell phones be banned during school? Why or why not?

I believe every district should assess their own challenges with cell phones and create policies that address the specific issues they face. We know that cell phones are a distraction to the learning process but we also understand that they are an integral part of today’s society. If District 161 finds it necessary to adjust our cell phone policy, we should do so based on the evidence and needs within our own district.

If you are a challenger, what do you bring to the board and what may you plan to change?*

I am an incumbent

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

My platform focuses on continuing to prioritize students, their programming, and enhancing their overall experience through these programs. Everything begins with an idea, and we are fortunate to have both the talented teachers and resources to bring those ideas to life. Over the past four years, our strings program has grown significantly, and our STEM programming stands out as exceptional. The extension of the kindergarten day has provided our young students with more opportunities to explore the arts and engage in daily physical education. Additionally, by downsizing our buildings, we’ve been able to redirect funding to improve our remaining facilities, all while ensuring a future tax break for the entire community.

Quality and high-performing schools benefit everyone in the community. This has always been and will continue to be my central focus.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

We successfully approved a strong teacher contract, and I have actively advocated for several important initiatives, such as updating the curriculum, revising the no-zero grading policy, and enhancing security and safety measures across all our buildings. Additionally, I have worked to improve the culture and climate to encourage open and productive communication between the board, administration, teachers, and families.

I advocated for the district to expand summer learning opportunities for those who choose to participate, which resulted in the creation of the Freckle Challenge summer program. Expanding this initiative is one of my future goals.

For the past four years, I have consistently advocated for keeping the Storm Construction investigation as a regular update on the agenda.

I compiled a list of building and grounds priorities based on feedback from teachers and parents. We have started addressing these items as funds become available. I have strongly supported the STEM and action lab initiatives, the strings programs, and the arts programs. Moving forward, I aim to continue enhancing the PE program and its spaces, identifying areas for improvement.

Our state-of-the-art preschool program, in my opinion, will soon set a standard for other districts. Additionally, we secured an 8-acre land purchase at an incredibly low price, giving us flexibility for future needs.

I’m excited about the future of the district. We must continue moving forward.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I am deeply engaged in the process. I dedicate countless hours to asking questions of our district leadership, teachers, community members, and comparing our district to others. I thoroughly research options, raise important questions, and often reach conclusions that reflect the input of all stakeholders. I actively listen to both positive and negative feedback and make adjustments based on that input. The decisions I've made have been carefully considered, not rushed or made in isolation. Through it all I have remained positive, and the results speak for themselves. District 161 is in a strong position.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

There are no individual wins when it comes to schools and communities. It is a team effort and it is a team win. At the end of the day, if we are successful then that is what it is all about. The only wins are for the students, teachers and community.

What guidance should staff be given for dealing with potential ICE enforcement at schools?

There are no individual victories when it comes to schools and communities—it’s a team effort, and it’s a team win. At the end of the day, our success is about what’s best for the students, teachers, and the community. Those are the only wins that truly matter.

How do you feel about sex education being taught in school? Should an LGBTQ component be included, and why or why not?

In Illinois, while sex education is not mandated, if offered, it must be aligned with the National Sex Education Standards, be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive. District 161 does not opt in to this policy, as it is optional and geared towards older students.

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?

In just four short years, student achievement has significantly improved. The achievement gap between our students and those in other school districts no longer exists to the degree it once did. The Summit Hill School community should take great pride in the progress we've made in terms of growth. While there are still areas that need work, as there always will be, we have identified them, and research will be conducted to determine the best next steps in helping those student cohorts advance. Our teachers and administrators remain dedicated to continuous improvement.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

None

(If you are a candidate in the upcoming April 1 election, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com for a candidate questionnaire to share your positions with readers)

Frankfort Election Guide: What’s On The Ballot, What To Know
Here is a look at the candidates for Summit Hill District 161:

• Board Member, unexpired 2-year term (vote for one)
  • Katie Campbell (incumbent)
  • Melissa Ryan
• Board member, four-year term (vote for four)
  • Stefanie McCleish (incumbent)
  • Amy Berk (incumbent)
  • Adrian Chavez
  • Patrick Oliphant
  • Ronnie Petrey
  • Jim Martin (incumbent)
  • Cicily Gant
  • Bill Curtin