DeKalb County Regional Superintendent of Schools Election Profile

Derek Avery

Party: Republican, Incumbent

Age: 39

Residence: Sandwich

Education: Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from University of St. Francis

Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Aurora University

Career: Regional Superintendent of Schools for the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education

What is your top priority if you are re-elected?

“Working on the truancy problem in DeKalb County.”

What is the most important part of the job?

“Making sure school districts are following the law and providing services to constituents. Ensuring to the people of our region that the school districts follow the law, as well as being a middle man or liaison to provide many services to districts for any financial problems. We are a sort of unique distribution system.”

Amanda Christensen

Party: Democrat

Age: 40

Residence: DeKalb

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English from NIU

Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from NIU

Career: Teacher and educational leader for DeKalb District 428

What is your top priority if you are elected?

According to Christensen’s speech at Candidates Night on Oct. 3, her top priority is “facilitating educational reform, and easing district implementation of state mandates.”

What is the most important part of the job?

According to Christensen’s speech at Candidates Night on Oct. 3, an important part of the job is being a “collaborator who will disseminate information from the state in an accessible manner” and “a facilitator who helps districts solve problems regarding student safety, school culture and student achievement.”