District 233 candidate Lenita Gipson wants to “bring science to the board.”
With more than 25 years working in the pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), she has a lot of knowledge to share.
Accentuating STEM “can really focus students on a number of career paths because it’s learning how to problem solve. Its learning how to think critically, how to see an experiment from beginning to end and uncovering how to ask the questions to find a solution,” Gipson said.
“The ultimate goal is opportunities for the students so they can compete locally and globally,” she said. Her ideas fall in line with the strategic plan for Homewood-Flossmoor High School with its emphasis on college, career and life readiness.
“That really resonated with me because it involves students and parents and all stakeholders and really pushing the students to excel. It’s like a layered effect, preparing for college and careers beyond,” she said.
At H-F, staff “recognizes that all students are unique and have different skill sets, different desires, different strengths,” Gipson said.
She suggests “exposing them to a variety of potential occupations and businesses. … Make them aware of the different areas to see where they may want to focus their attention. Expose children to options,” she adds. “They don’t have to paint themselves into a corner” if they know there are other opportunities they can pursue.
She knows how beneficial the exposure can be.
She thought being a doctor was her only choice in the medical field, but summer internships and programs gave her information to make a different career choice. “I learned there were so any different ways I could be in the health field and be of service and value to patients.”
Gipson pledges to put focus on four major areas at H-F: STEM greatness; managing and growing the budget; providing a safe and supporting school environment; and making certain every student matters.