The original item was published from July 1, 2020 1:59 PM to July 1, 2020 2:07 PM
"I moved to Naperville in 1978, began my teaching career in District 203 in 1979, and retired in 2006. For nine of those twenty-seven years I served as the President of the Naperville Unit Education Association, 1987-1996. Although women comprise 76% of public school teachers, they are much more likely to be represented by men: I was one of only two women to ever hold the office of NUEA President.
During the course of my nine years as President, there was one contract (1991) we were unable to settle, even with federal mediation efforts. The issue which drove the discord revolved around health insurance benefits and it was, in the end, the issue that caused us to declare a strike, which lasted four days. The negotiated settlement was a fair compromise and we moved forward in a positive way.
As President, I did my best to build positive relationships with Board members, administrators and community leaders through my involvement with many organizations, including the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, not usually accustomed to hearing the voice of teachers. During my tenure as President, I was also elected to serve on the NEA Board of Directors, 1993-99.
Since my retirement, I have remained engaged with my Naperville community:
Appointed, Naperville's Fair Housing Commission, 2006-2008. Candidate, State Representative, 2008. Candidate, Naperville Township Clerk, 2009. Elected, College of DuPage Board of Trustees, 2011-2017. Chairwoman, Naperville Township Democratic Organization, 2010-2016. Co-Founder, Indivisible Naperville, 2017-Present."
Nominated Herself