VOTE FOR
ZAKIYA MOTON
Steger School District 194
Board of Education
A Parent’s Voice.
Partnering with Families.
Supporting Teachers.
Preparing Students for Success.
As a parent in Steger School District 194, I understand firsthand the hopes, challenges, and concerns that families face when it comes to their children's education. I am running for the school board to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed - academically, emotionally, and socially.
My professional experience in public health, leadership, and community development has equipped me to make informed, practical decisions that improve student outcomes. I want to support and strengthen efforts that promote accountability, transparency, and student well-being while ensuring that our schools continue to be a place where all students can thrive.
My Priorities For Our Schools
1. Education That Supports Every Child’s Potential
Every student deserves the academic, social, and emotional support they need to thrive. Education is not one-size-fits-all, and schools must provide:
✔ Personalized learning approaches that meet diverse learning styles and strengths
✔ Intervention support to help students overcome challenges and stay on track
✔ Enrichment opportunities that allow students to explore their interests and develop critical skills
✔ Alignment with the Portrait of a Graduate vision to ensure students are prepared for success in school and beyond
✔ Innovative and equitable education strategies that empower all students to reach their full potential
2. Student Well-Being and Success
Students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and engaged in their learning environment. Academic success is directly tied to their mental, emotional, and social well-being. When students have a sense of belonging, access to supportive relationships, and the right resources, they are more likely to succeed both in school and beyond. Schools must continue to create environments where students feel valued, empowered, and prepared to reach their full potential.
I will work to:
✔ Support social-emotional learning and mental health resources that help students build confidence, manage stress, and develop strong interpersonal skills
✔ Ensure schools foster safe, welcoming, and engaging environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and purpose
✔ Strengthen partnerships between schools, families, and communities to provide the wraparound support that many students need
✔ Advocate for programs that promote physical health, positive relationships, and student engagement in learning, leadership, and extracurricular activities
✔ Ensure that well-being remains a priority in education policies and decision-making so students are equipped with the confidence, resilience, and life skills they need to succeed
3. Strengthening School-Family Partnerships
Parents know their children best, and when schools and families work together, students thrive. Strong school-family partnerships create a foundation for student success by ensuring that parents feel informed, valued, and equipped to support their child's education. Schools must continue fostering open communication and meaningful engagement opportunities so that families are active partners in their children’s learning journey.
I will work to:
✔ Ensure parents have the tools and knowledge to support their child's education at home
✔ Strengthen communication between schools and families so that information is clear, consistent, and accessible
✔ Advocate for family-friendly policies and resources that help parents feel equipped to support their children’s academic and social development
✔ Ensure that the parent voice is included and valued in decision-making because families are key stakeholders in student success
✔ Encourage collaboration between teachers, parents, and school leaders to create a shared commitment to student achievement
✔ Support community partnerships that connect families with additional resources and services that contribute to student growth and family well-being
I will advocate for collaborative relationships between families, educators, and the school board so that parents feel informed, supported, and included in shaping the future of education in our district.
4. Supporting Educators and Schools
Educators and school staff are the foundation of a strong school system. From teachers to administrators, counselors to support staff, every role plays a vital part in creating a positive and effective learning environment. To support student success, we must ensure that all school professionals have the resources, professional development, and workplace support they need to excel in their roles while prioritizing their own well-being.
I will work to:
✔ Collaborate with educators and school staff to ensure they have access to professional development and well-being resources that enhance their ability to support students while maintaining their own health and resilience
✔ Advocate for the tools, technology, and curriculum resources needed to create engaging, effective, and inclusive classrooms
✔ Encourage collaboration between teachers, school leaders, and families to strengthen support systems that enhance student outcomes
✔ Ensure educators and staff feel valued, supported, and heard in decision-making processes that impact their work and school environments
✔ Promote school environments that attract and retain high-quality staff by fostering a culture of support, recognition, and ongoing growth
✔ Support policies that promote educator well-being by addressing workload concerns, mental health resources, and professional growth
4. Bringing a Fresh Perspective to the School Board
Representation on the school board is about bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to decision-making. As a parent and professional with experience in education, public health, and community engagement, I will bring a thoughtful, solution-oriented approach to addressing challenges and opportunities within the district.
I will work to:
✔ Contribute a collaborative and forward-thinking perspective to help strengthen schools and support student success
✔ Listen to and engage with families, educators, and the community to ensure decisions reflect a range of voices
✔ Support efforts that enhance transparency and open communication between the board and the community
VOTE FOR
ZAKIYA MOTON
Steger School District 194
Board of Education
A Parent’s Voice.
Partnering with Families.
Supporting Teachers.
Preparing Students for Success.
As a parent in Steger School District 194, I understand firsthand the hopes, challenges, and concerns that families face when it comes to their children's education. I am running for the school board to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed - academically, emotionally, and socially.
My professional experience in public health, leadership, and community development has equipped me to make informed, practical decisions that improve student outcomes. I want to support and strengthen efforts that promote accountability, transparency, and student well-being while ensuring that our schools continue to be a place where all students can thrive.
My Priorities For Our Schools
1. Education That Supports Every Child’s Potential
Every student deserves the academic, social, and emotional support they need to thrive. Education is not one-size-fits-all, and schools must provide:
✔ Personalized learning approaches that meet diverse learning styles and strengths
✔ Intervention support to help students overcome challenges and stay on track
✔ Enrichment opportunities that allow students to explore their interests and develop critical skills
✔ Alignment with the Portrait of a Graduate vision to ensure students are prepared for success in school and beyond
✔ Innovative and equitable education strategies that empower all students to reach their full potential
2. Student Well-Being and Success
Students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and engaged in their learning environment. Academic success is directly tied to their mental, emotional, and social well-being. When students have a sense of belonging, access to supportive relationships, and the right resources, they are more likely to succeed both in school and beyond. Schools must continue to create environments where students feel valued, empowered, and prepared to reach their full potential.
I will work to:
✔ Support social-emotional learning and mental health resources that help students build confidence, manage stress, and develop strong interpersonal skills
✔ Ensure schools foster safe, welcoming, and engaging environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and purpose
✔ Strengthen partnerships between schools, families, and communities to provide the wraparound support that many students need
✔ Advocate for programs that promote physical health, positive relationships, and student engagement in learning, leadership, and extracurricular activities
✔ Ensure that well-being remains a priority in education policies and decision-making so students are equipped with the confidence, resilience, and life skills they need to succeed
3. Strengthening School-Family Partnerships
Parents know their children best, and when schools and families work together, students thrive. Strong school-family partnerships create a foundation for student success by ensuring that parents feel informed, valued, and equipped to support their child's education. Schools must continue fostering open communication and meaningful engagement opportunities so that families are active partners in their children’s learning journey.
I will work to:
✔ Ensure parents have the tools and knowledge to support their child's education at home
✔ Strengthen communication between schools and families so that information is clear, consistent, and accessible
✔ Advocate for family-friendly policies and resources that help parents feel equipped to support their children’s academic and social development
✔ Ensure that the parent voice is included and valued in decision-making because families are key stakeholders in student success
✔ Encourage collaboration between teachers, parents, and school leaders to create a shared commitment to student achievement
✔ Support community partnerships that connect families with additional resources and services that contribute to student growth and family well-being
I will advocate for collaborative relationships between families, educators, and the school board so that parents feel informed, supported, and included in shaping the future of education in our district.
4. Supporting Educators and Schools
Educators and school staff are the foundation of a strong school system. From teachers to administrators, counselors to support staff, every role plays a vital part in creating a positive and effective learning environment. To support student success, we must ensure that all school professionals have the resources, professional development, and workplace support they need to excel in their roles while prioritizing their own well-being.
I will work to:
✔ Collaborate with educators and school staff to ensure they have access to professional development and well-being resources that enhance their ability to support students while maintaining their own health and resilience
✔ Advocate for the tools, technology, and curriculum resources needed to create engaging, effective, and inclusive classrooms
✔ Encourage collaboration between teachers, school leaders, and families to strengthen support systems that enhance student outcomes
✔ Ensure educators and staff feel valued, supported, and heard in decision-making processes that impact their work and school environments
✔ Promote school environments that attract and retain high-quality staff by fostering a culture of support, recognition, and ongoing growth
✔ Support policies that promote educator well-being by addressing workload concerns, mental health resources, and professional growth
5. Bringing a Fresh Perspective to the School Board
Representation on the school board is about bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to decision-making. As a parent and professional with experience in education, public health, and community engagement, I will bring a thoughtful, solution-oriented approach to addressing challenges and opportunities within the district.
I will work to:
✔ Contribute a collaborative and forward-thinking perspective to help strengthen schools and support student success
✔ Listen to and engage with families, educators, and the community to ensure decisions reflect a range of voices
✔ Support efforts that enhance transparency and open communication between the board and the community
"As a parent leader, I understand the importance of family engagement, strong schools, and student well-being. I am committed to partnering with families, supporting teachers, and ensuring every student is prepared for success."
Committed to the Portrait of a Graduate Vision
Steger School District 194’s Portrait of a Graduate outlines a vision for students to develop critical thinking, resilience, leadership, communication, and lifelong learning skills. I am committed to ensuring that our district continues to provide the academic, social, and emotional support students need to reach their full potential.
As a parent in the district, I understand the daily realities of families navigating the school system. With a background in public health, education, and community engagement, I bring experience in collaborating with schools, families, and stakeholders to create practical, effective solutions that support student success.
I will work to:
✔ Engage & Equip Families – Strong schools start with strong partnerships between families and educators
✔ Support Teachers & Schools – Providing teachers and school staff with the tools and resources they need benefits all students
✔ Champion Student Success – Ensuring that every child is prepared with the skills they need for their future
How You Can Support?
1. Vote April 1, 2025 - Your voice matters in shaping the future of our schools. Early voting begins March 17, 2025.
2. Spread the Word - Share my campaign with friends, family, and neighbors.
Together, we can ensure that every child in Steger School District 194
is supported, challenged, and prepared for success.