Meet-a-Mom, Peggy James!
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Clarendon Hills Area?
Hiking at Fullersburg Woods, bike rides and the many kids sporting events.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have been married to Chris for 20 years. We have four children – Ryan, 18; Brandon, 17, Connor, 15 and Nicole, 13.
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
I have been an active member of the Hinsdale community since moving to Hinsdale 17 years ago, volunteering for HJWC, Boy Scouts and multiple school programs over the years, including The Lane School PTO executive board, co-chair of the directory committee, as well as many classroom volunteer programs. Hinsdale and school districts D181 and D86 have been destination districts for many families in the Western Suburbs, largely driven by the state and nationally ranked schools.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area?
We love being able to walk to the downtown area of Hinsdale to dine and shop. This past year has meant a lot more takeout than usual. We love all the restaurants – Il Poggilio, Fullers and Jade Dragon (our kids love the chicken fried rice). We love the casual atmosphere at the York Tavern – an institution here. The plethora of shopping opportunities is welcoming, I can always find something I need no matter the occasion.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was an All-Big 10 gymnast at Michigan State! While I no longer have the time and physical ability to continue gymnastics, I transitioned to focusing on my children and most recently, all things D86. Nonetheless, Go Green!
I’m currently running for the D86 Board of Education. I am a concerned parent who has been analyzing the issues facing our district, attending and participating in board meetings regularly over the years. Over the past 18 months, I have become increasingly frustrated with the current Board’s lack of urgency for supporting and addressing the needs of our current students, but at the same time, demonstrating urgency to approve questionable curriculum changes for future students. I felt that my voice, and the voices of many other parents in our community were not being heard. My main issues:
● PRESERVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT D86: D86 has a nationally ranked STEM program, the goal should be to improve on the proven curriculum rather than dismantling it. Recent curriculum changes to both science (Physics First) and math (Integrated Math) curriculum fail to maximize student growth for all 4,000 students – beginning with current 7th graders. Approving radical curriculum changes during a pandemic is inappropriate.
● SAFE 100% IN-PERSON REOPENING: We are on pace to lose over 30% instruction time this year. Even with a return to school following spring break, that translates to missing the equivalent of over 45 days this year. While in person learning should be the norm, upgrading technology with new 2-way, live-streaming (not Zoom in the room) is needed for those who need to continue remote learning.
● GOVERNANCE AND ENGAGEMENT: The Board is elected to represent the community, and must include full transparency prior to any board decisions being made.
Jeff Waters and I are running on a slate together. The current Board is not putting the needs of our kids first. We saw a void in leadership and are stepping up to serve our community.
For more information, please go to www.DeliverD86.org.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband for his partnership, and my family. I’d also like to thank our community, which is incredibly supportive no matter what the cause, People respond with their time, talent and treasure. And even in the smallest of circumstances people go out of their way to make connections, it really is a special place to live.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I have a degree in Communications from Michigan State and am now a Senior Business Operations Analyst for IAT Insurance using data analytics while focusing strategic execution and business process operations. Past work experience at global companies including Zurich, TransUnion and Arthur Andersen. I enjoyed taking 7 years “off” from working outside the house after our youngest was born.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The volunteer opportunities are plentiful. It has allowed me to meet so many new people and also to use my talents to help where needed. As a result I have become engaged in community events through the years, and will for years to come.
Photo of Peggy Credit: Karen Hood Photography