KAREN CHAN-ELARDE
for District 73.5 School Board
MY PRIORITIES
QUALITY EDUCATION
Every child deserves access to a great education. I am committed to ensuring that our school district delivers high-quality and equitable education while embracing the diversity that makes our community strong.
SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
Students thrive in environments where they feel safe, supported, and valued. I am committed to helping create and maintain policies that ensure a high standard of physical, emotional, and psychological safety for all children.
COMMUNITY VOICES
Public schools are the heart of a community, and families deserve a seat at the table. With 83% of our school district’s funding coming from local sources, residents, parents and educators should have a meaningful role in shaping policies and decisions. I will work to ensure your voice is heard and valued in the decision-making process.
ABOUT ME
“Inclusive, good-quality education is a foundation for dynamic and equitable societies.”
— Desmond Tutu
I’m Karen Chan-Elarde—education advocate, small business owner, and proud parent in Skokie School District 73.5.
After 17 years in the corporate world, I transitioned to entrepreneurship and now run my own consulting firm, where I help businesses optimize operations, improve accountability, and streamline financial and administrative processes. I am also the co-founder of reframe52, a company that provides training and education to organizations seeking to implement meaningful equity solutions.
A lifelong resident of Skokie, I was born and raised in this vibrant community alongside my husband, Vic, a fellow Skokie native. Now, as parents to two bright young daughters—Maddie (10) and Clara (7)—we are proud to raise our family in the same community that shaped our success.
As the daughter of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of inclusive, high-quality education and the power of diversity in our schools. As a proud product of District 68 and District 219, I am living proof that a strong public school education can open doors and pave the way for a bright future.
Now, I am committed to giving back by helping our school district grow and evolve—ensuring every child has access to the best education possible. There is no greater investment we can make in our community than that.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Support Karen's campaign by donating. Your contribution will help foster a vision of growth and community engagement, enabling Karen to bring her ideas to the forefront and work towards a brighter future for School District 73.5. Every donation makes a difference—no matter the amount.
$25
$50
$100
OTHER
FOLLOW OUR
CAMPAIGN
QUALITY & EQUITABLE EDUCATION
Across the country, student academic performance has declined in the wake of COVID-19, with national and local proficiency scores reflecting setbacks in core subjects like reading and math. Our district has not been immune to these challenges.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
– Ensure funding prioritizes student achievement: Conduct a thorough review of the budget to ensure spending is focused on programs that directly benefit student learning, such as tutoring, intervention programs, and teacher training.
– Strengthen curriculum and instruction: Assess current curricula to ensure they align with best practices in education, support diverse learning needs, and address learning gaps.
– Identify and remove barriers to success: Work with teachers, administrators, and families to pinpoint challenges preventing students from reaching their full potential, including access to resources, classroom size, and student support services.
SAFE & BRAVE LEARNING SPACES
Schools must be SAFE and BRAVE spaces—places where students are protected from harm and empowered to express themselves without fear of retaliation. However, nationwide studies show that many students face challenges related to bullying, mental health struggles, and disparities in disciplinary actions. Locally, we must ensure our policies and practices proactively address these concerns.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
– Foster a culture of Brave Spaces: Encourage open dialogue where students feel heard and valued, particularly when discussing issues like discrimination, harassment, and mental health.
– Strengthen policies and procedures: Conduct a district-wide review of existing policies to ensure they effectively address bullying, discrimination, and student well-being.
– Ensure transparency in incident reporting and resolution: Work closely with the superintendent and school administrators to establish clear, fair, and timely procedures for investigating safety concerns.
– Enhance mental health support: Advocate for increased access to school counselors, social workers, and mental health resources to help students navigate challenges.
COMMUNITY VOICES & FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
When school boards operate without strong community engagement, transparency suffers, trust erodes, and policies may not reflect the needs of students and families. Research has shown that community involvement leads to better student outcomes, stronger schools, and more equitable decision-making. Additionally, school budgets are often complex, making it difficult for families to see how resources are allocated and whether they directly support student success.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
– Expand community engagement initiatives: Host regular town halls, listening sessions, and accessible forums to ensure residents, families and educators have a voice in key decisions.
– Increase budget transparency: Advocate for clear, accessible financial reporting so families and community members understand how taxpayer dollars are spent and how investments support students.