Chelsea DeMange, candidate for Marissa 40 School Board
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More on the election for Marissa CUSD 40 School Board
Read questionnaires from candidates in the race for the Marissa CUSD 40 School Board.
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Name: Chelsea DeMange
Political party (if applicable): Independent
Age as of April 6, 2021: 37
Campaign website or social media page: facebook.com/ChelseaDeMangeforSchoolBoard
Office seeking: Marissa CUSD 40 School Board member
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: Dental hygienist at Dr. Kevin Behn, DMD PC and Lab Instructor for the Dental Assisting Program at Kaskaskia College
Education: Associate in Art from Southwestern Illinois College, Associate in Science from Southwestern Illinois College, Associate in Applied Science Dental Hygiene from John A. Logan College
Please list the highlights of your civic involvement: I was a founding member of the Marissa Chamber of Commerce in 2005 and was an active member until the organization disbanded in 2020. I served as a director for eight years and was secretary for one year. I was the chairman or co-chairman of various committees and fundraisers over the years and actively volunteered at our events. I am a member of the Coal Festival Committee, 2005 to present. I served as secretary for five years, co-chairman for two years, parade chairman three years, and entertainment chairman eight years. I also belong to the Philanthropic Sorority of Delta Theta Tau, 2008 to present. We hold fundraising events for people in need in our community. I served as president two years, vice president two years and historian four years. I have been involved with the Girl Scouts as a parent volunteer for two years and am currently co-leader of my daughter’s Junior Troop. I have been involved with the Cub Scouts as a parent volunteer for two years and helped coordinate the Scouting for Food events the last two years to benefit the Marissa Food Pantry.
Why are you running? I have two children in the school district which makes makes me a great candidate to provide a parent’s prospective on educational needs. I look forward to working directly with Superintendent Jeff Strieker, as well as principals Dawn Mueller and Lacey Schmersahl, on providing new technology as it becomes available to our students.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Important issues include continuing the free lunch program during the school year and throughout the summer, as many families in the district depend on this program. Grants have made this program possible in the past. I want to see foreign language classes offered in the district again. Foreign language classes can be made available with remote teaching. I would like to see more dual credit classes for our high school students. These classes can be offered through Blackburn College. I want to see continued alternative learning opportunities like the vocational degrees offered at CSSI. I want programs such FFA and art to continue for our school district.
Why should people vote for you? I am involved in many local organizations such as Scouts, Sorority, Marissa Chamber of Commerce and Coal Festival Committee. I am committed to the Marissa community and the well being of children of all ages. I bring many resources to the table and will be a great asset to Marissa School Board.
This story was originally published March 1, 2021 at 10:18 AM.