Dr. Pinkard, here is a link to the $4.5M grant I believe you are referring to when addressing questions about a conflict of interest. How do you expect your involvement in this research will impact the decisions you would make as an elected official? Would you have to recuse yourself from all decisions regarding the Foster School includi…
Dr. Pinkard, here is a link to the $4.5M grant I believe you are referring to when addressing questions about a conflict of interest. How do you expect your involvement in this research will impact the decisions you would make as an elected official? Would you have to recuse yourself from all decisions regarding the Foster School including budgets, curriculum, and principal hiring?
I appreciate this concern and fully understand the importance of transparency and ethical governance in public service. While this NSF-funded research includes work related to District 65, my specific role on this grant concerning K-8 youth is focused on expanding out-of-school STEAM programming in collaboration with the Evanston Park District, particularly at Fleetwood-Jourdain. I do not have any other active D65 grants, and I am not researching District 65’s policies, governance, or budgetary decisions.
As an elected official, I will adhere to all conflict-of-interest policies and assess potential concerns on a case-by-case basis. If my role on a grant presents a direct ethical conflict with my responsibilities on the board, I will take the appropriate steps, whether that means recusing myself from specific votes or reevaluating my involvement in the grant.
My priority is ensuring that every decision I make as a board member is in the best interest of Evanston’s students and families.
Thanks for your response. Since your colleagues on the grant will still be researching and developing culturally relevant STEM curriculum for Black students at Foster school - very important and timely work - will it be appropriate to recuse yourself from certain decisions regarding Foster school?
Dr. Pinkard, here is a link to the $4.5M grant I believe you are referring to when addressing questions about a conflict of interest. How do you expect your involvement in this research will impact the decisions you would make as an elected official? Would you have to recuse yourself from all decisions regarding the Foster School including budgets, curriculum, and principal hiring?
https://sesp.northwestern.edu/news-events/sesp-news/2024/researchers-to-study-school-reform-in-evanston.html
I appreciate this concern and fully understand the importance of transparency and ethical governance in public service. While this NSF-funded research includes work related to District 65, my specific role on this grant concerning K-8 youth is focused on expanding out-of-school STEAM programming in collaboration with the Evanston Park District, particularly at Fleetwood-Jourdain. I do not have any other active D65 grants, and I am not researching District 65’s policies, governance, or budgetary decisions.
As an elected official, I will adhere to all conflict-of-interest policies and assess potential concerns on a case-by-case basis. If my role on a grant presents a direct ethical conflict with my responsibilities on the board, I will take the appropriate steps, whether that means recusing myself from specific votes or reevaluating my involvement in the grant.
My priority is ensuring that every decision I make as a board member is in the best interest of Evanston’s students and families.
Thanks for your response. Since your colleagues on the grant will still be researching and developing culturally relevant STEM curriculum for Black students at Foster school - very important and timely work - will it be appropriate to recuse yourself from certain decisions regarding Foster school?