What types of transportation do you and your family use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy for schools?

My family and I walk, bike and use public transit. These experiences have shaped my view that safe, reliable, and accessible transportation is essential for ensuring every student can get to school without unnecessary barriers. I believe that transportation policy should prioritize the safety of our children, especially when they walk or bike to school, and expand public transit options so that all students, regardless of where they live, can access their education. Transportation is not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about creating equity and opportunity for our communities.

What are some of the transportation challenges that families and students face in your district?

In District 2, many families face transportation challenges that impact students' ability to get to school safely and on time. Public transit options can be limited, especially for families who live farther from schools or in areas where bus routes are not as frequent or reliable. These challenges not only affect attendance and tardiness but also create stress for families who are already juggling other responsibilities.

School pick up/drop off can be chaotic and at times unsafe. What are ways you think this could be improved?

We need to redesign school zones with safer crosswalks, designated drop-off lanes, and traffic calming measures like speed bumps and clear signage. We should work closely with our local electeds to advocate for greater investment in protected bike lanes,and explore 'walking school buses' to encourage walking. Additionally, establishing well-paid crossing guard programs is essential. Crossing guards play a vital role in protecting our kids, and we need to ensure they are compensated fairly for the important work they do. Another transformative idea is to explore alternative transportation options like school buses or shuttle systems in neighborhoods that are under-served by public transit.

Studies show that childhood independence is critical for individual development. How can Chicago Public Schools better empower families to allow their children to be able to navigate independently – and most importantly, safely – to and from school?

First, we need to create safe routes to schools by improving infrastructure—adding more crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and well-lit walking paths—so that families feel confident their children are traveling in safe environments. Expanding well-paid and trained crossing guard programs and enhancing community safety efforts can also help build trust and security around schools.

Additionally, CPS can work with city planners to ensure public transit is reliable, affordable, and easily accessible for all students. Educating families on safe travel practices and encouraging walking or biking groups for students to travel together can foster independence while also promoting safety. By making sure every student has access to safe, convenient routes, we empower them to build confidence and autonomy in navigating their world, which is essential for their overall growth.

Most CPS students are offered driver's education when the time comes, but few are given the opportunity to learn about alternatives. What kind of educational opportunities around transportation do you think students should have?

I believe CPS should expand its curriculum to include programs that teach students about sustainable and accessible transportation options like biking, public transit, and walking. This could include practical skills such as learning how to navigate the CTA, understanding bike safety and repair, and fostering awareness of environmental impacts tied to different modes of transportation.

Increasingly,  a lack of busing has become a serious burden for many families’ day-to-day lives as services continue to be cut. What are some short-term and long-term solutions that you think would address this?

We have to double down on our commitment not only to our students with special needs, but to our students in the outer parts of the city. In the short term, we must prioritize investing in and rebuilding the workforce of bus driver by recruiting members of our communities to become bus drivers. These are good jobs with good benefits that can be filled by parents and community members.

In the long term, we could expand public transit options that serve schools directly, implementing more eco-friendly transportation solutions like electric school buses, and creating transportation hubs that connect students efficiently to their schools. We can build a transportation system that not only meets the needs of our schools but also strengthens the community as a whole.

For many years now, Chicago Public Schools has failed to meet federally mandated requirements for accessible transportation for students with disabilities. How do you envision ensuring that students with disabilities’ transportation needs are met?

First, CPS must significantly increase funding to ensure that accessible buses and other forms of transportation are available, reliable, and equipped to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. This includes not only maintaining enough vehicles with lifts and space for mobility devices, but also ensuring that drivers and aides are properly trained in how to provide the appropriate support and care during transport.

In the long term, CPS should work with advocacy groups and disability rights organizations, to design a transportation system that is fully inclusive and equitable. This could include expanding door-to-door services, exploring new technologies for real-time tracking to alleviate concerns about delays, and creating partnerships with public transit to increase options for students with disabilities.