April Kidman

Age: 33

Occupation: Stay at home mom, previously taught 3rd grade.

Years lived in district: Almost four.

Incumbent? No.

Have you been on the school board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: I have not.

Why are you running for school board? I am passionate about the importance of quality public schools and love to spend my time serving kids in our community. The School District of Belleville is wonderful, but the past couple years have been hard on us all and I often found myself wishing that those in leadership positions were having more balanced conversations regarding our children's needs. Thus, I am trying for a seat on the board so I can be an advocate for children and families and help ensure that our school board has a variety of voices and ideas moving forward.

What issues do you find most important to the school board? How would you handle these issues? I believe some of the most important issues our school board needs to address at this time are the negative emotional, social and educational consequences of COVID and COVID policies on our kids, teacher exhaustion and burnout, and the need to build back community trust where it has been fractured. I will think outside the box and find creative solutions to help our students heal and progress. I will use my experience as a teacher and work to make Belleville the best possible environment to teach in. Finally, I will respectfully listen to everyone, including those I disagree with, to increase understanding and build bridges.

Any additional comments? Please visit my website http://www.kidsfirstbelleville.com for more information and remember to vote! Thank you!