District 233 candidate Tamekia Smith was an ultrasound technician for 20 years. Then she transitioned to teaching those skills and later recognized her place was in school administration. Today her position is Dean for Business and Social Sciences at Waubonsee Community College.
Smith believes with her background, “I could have a further reach to our community by creating multiple programs that they may not even know about.”
Smith’s career gives her a clear picture of the role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at H-F. She has been part of high school/community college partnerships and knows that H-F can develop those bonds with Prairie State College, Joliet Junior College and other institutions for dual credit and dual enrollment programs.
“I wanted to impart that into my own community. I wanted to create and carve out those pathways,” Smith said.
Last year, Smith had four children – her two and two relatives – at H-F. She’s seen them succeed in honors programs, academics, CTE and get assistance with special education. “I do want to commend H-F on the resources and things they have available because the kids felt so supported in their particular arena,” she said.
Smith is ready to work with faculty and brainstorm on enhancing the academic curriculum and fine and performing arts. “We have amazing programs,” she said. She hopes she can hear from faculty about what “they have in mind that I can brainstorm and be a partner trying to truly enhance what we have.”
H-F has made major improvements to facilities. It will open its new science wing this spring.
Smith wants to find ways to welcome people to H-F and “get the community involved, start having open houses, start opening up the doors again. It’s for the community. This is for the high school, but it’s also for the community” and certain areas should be open for community uses.