Election 2013: Neil Samuels

Neil Samuels is a candidate for Naperville School District 203 school board.

Name: Neil Samuels

Position sought: NCUSD 203 School Board

Campaign contact information—

• Website: www.samuels4203.com 
• www.facebook.com/samuels4203
• E-mail address: neil@samuels4203.com
• Phone: 630-605-4610

Home address: Naperville

Age: 58

Family: Married to my wife Jill Lexier for 25 years, Son Lex (senior at NNHS)

Education:

• Pepperdine University: Master of Science in Organization Development
• Certified Quality Manager # 01928: American Society for Quality
• University of Cincinnati: Master of Science in Geology
• Ohio University: Bachelor of Science in Geology

Occupation:

• 2006-Present: President of Profound Conversations, Inc., a consulting company specializing in performance improvement, leadership development and transformation
• 1979-2005: Amoco/BP- Exploration Geologist and Organization Development Consultant supporting business improvement and culture change efforts around the world

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

• 2009-2010 Outstanding Volunteer Naperville School District 203
• Volunteer consultant for the NNHS Guidance Office of the Future project in 2009 which engaged students, staff, parents and teachers in reshaping the Student Services Department
• NNHS Marching Band Chaperone Committee Co-Chair 2010-2013
• Project HELP Parent Mentor volunteer 2011-Current
• Author of: Changing the Way We Change at Heathside School; Managing Schools Today; 2002. 

In 2001, while living in London, England, I volunteered to work with a local school in which the Principal was exploring ways to get staff and students more fully engaged in the strategic planning process. We involved nearly every one of the 1200 students and staff including a one-day session with 300 students and teachers.  That project, which lasted over a year with off-shoots continuing for nearly 2 more years, led to major change which the principal and I then captured in 2009 in a book titled; Brilliant! The Heathside School Story: A Case Study of Whole School Transformation using Appreciative Inquiry: Kingsham Press Ltd., U.K.

Here in Naperville, I have been actively engaged in District 203, especially since my son entered high school in 2009 as Kevin Pobst became Principal.  My book had just been published when I met Kevin. I gave him a copy and offered to help him in any way possible as I had seen what happens when students and staff are fully engaged in school improvement efforts. We met not long after and I detailed the approach called Appreciative Inquiry, an innovative and energizing way to deal with issues. Kevin asked me to support him in some major changes to the Student Services department. At the culmination of that volunteer project, we engaged over 100 students, staff, teachers and parents in a one-day session on Creating the Guidance Office of the Future. This crucial meeting set the stage for significant changes in the department. I was awarded the District 203 Outstanding Volunteer Award for this work.

I have served as a volunteer parent mentor for Project HELP for the past two and a half years. HELP believes that parents who are determined, confident, and supported in their parental responsibilities can provide an environment where children can live up to their potential. As a mentor, I work 1-1 with parents helping them become the best they can be.

I served for two years as a board member of my synagogue.  The President said he most valued my ability to help the Board stay focused and take the conversations to a deeper and more productive level.

I am a member of the Naperville Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Creekside Manor Homeowners Association.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have spent the past 23 years helping organizations in business, non-profit and education improve their performance. I want to bring that experience and expertise and fresh perspective to where it matters most, our kids in our schools because there is nothing more important for our future. The board’s actions and decisions have enormous impact on our entire community; not just the 17,000 kids, but also every family, teacher, staff member, business owner and resident. Given prudent management of our strong financial position, our passionate teachers, our involved parents and our inspired students, we can and should be a national benchmark for K-12 education.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Engagement and Transparency:

Our school district has a broad group of stakeholders including students, teachers, staff, administrators, parents, businesses, retirees, etc., all of whom matter. The key to success is finding new ways for the board and administration to more fully engage with everyone early and often so that people know that their voices were heard, their perspectives valued, and their input considered. Bringing people along through the entire process leads to smoother and faster implementation after the decision is made.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

1. My family has experienced the entire school system through my son’s years at Mill St., Jefferson and North.  My expectations of 203 as the parent of a 4th grader were much different than they are now.
2. 23 years of consulting helping organizations in business, non-profits and education improve their performance.
3. Published author on school transformation.

• How long have you lived in Naperville (if applicable, if not how long have you been involved with Naperville)?  9 years

What's your favorite thing about Naperville?  The access to the outdoors—parks, bike paths, Centennial Beach, and its an inviting (and walkable) downtown.