Committed to District 97 and the Oak Park community.
Experienced in education technology and research.
Community commitment
My husband Dave and I have lived in Oak Park with our two children, currently D97 eighth graders, for over twelve years. We chose Oak Park after an extensive search across multiple Chicago suburbs. It is now more than a place to live; it is our home and our community.
We have gained so much from this community that I believe it is important to give back. I began volunteering in District 97 with Beye, first as a room parent, then as vice president of technology for the PTO, stage hand for the annual talent show, and tutor with the BeyePASS program. Six years ago, I joined the district-wide iLearn technology committee. When three positions opened on the Board in 2021, neighbors and community members from across Oak Park suggested I run. After reviewing the role of the board as well as important District 97 issues, I found that I could make meaningful contributions as a board member based on my experience and expertise. After four years of service on the board, there are still contributions I can make to improve our district.
Experience in education, research, and technology
I have nearly three decades of experience in education research and resource development with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to contribute. I am currently pursuing a PhD at Dominican University in Information Studies with a focus on informed voting in local elections by young voters. Additionally, my career has included classroom and district-level research with the Education Development Center’s Center for Children and Technology and practical implementation and leadership at Shedd Aquarium, the Chicago History Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. Further, after working in the ever-changing field of technology, I have experience collaborating with experts to forecast the breadth of future possibilities and then developing plans and flexible resources to meet the needs of all possible scenarios within a budget. In these uncertain times, this skill has proven valuable both to prepare from year to year and into the future.
Relevant to D97, I spent many years in districts as a researcher, seeing what worked in moving the needle on equity issues and where the pitfalls lay. I also have years of experience in museums collaborating with schools and students from across Chicagoland, getting to know how to build scaffolding using community as well as school resources to support the whole child -- academically, socially, and emotionally. Finally, years spent working on museum budgets gives me insight on how to achieve as much as possible with limited resources and how we might work across governmental agencies to make a difference.
District 97 faces a number of challenges and opportunities over the next four years. Board members will continue to oversee the critical implementation of the District Equity Policy, even as the national landscape in this area roils. They will be working with others to answer a number of important questions, such as: How do we assess and address learning goals and provide mental health supports? How do we keep the tax burden reasonable so we don’t lose economic diversity while maintaining quality? How do we continue the important work of implementing the equity policy?
I’m running for school board because I believe it is a role of critical importance to our schools and our community. We need a strong board with the expertise required to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities. My background in education research, technology, and non-profit management has given me the skills required to meet this need.
I hold a B.A. in Architecture from Wellesley College and an M.P.S. in Interactive Telecommunications from New York University. I am currently a PhD student with Dominican University in Information Studies.
Vote for Nancy Ross Dribin on April 1
If given the chance, I will work together with my fellow board members, families, and educators to ensure that the needs of all students are met by our schools.