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Suzan Atallah, an educator with over 14 years of teaching experience at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, is making her second bid for a seat on the Palos School District 118 Board of Education.
“I’m running for the school board again because I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student receives high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment,” Atallah said. “I believe that my experience as both a teacher and a parent helps me understand the challenges that families and educators are facing.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree in teaching English and a master’s in educational leadership with multiple bilingual endorsements at the elementary level.
As both a teacher and a mother of two children in the district, she believes her perspective will help bridge gaps between families, educators, and administrators.
“With 14 years of teaching experience in District 230, I offer a unique perspective, having worked alongside administrators, teachers, parents, and students,” she said. “I am deeply connected to our community and committed to supporting families and teachers in District 118.”
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One of Atallah’s main priorities is increasing family engagement and making parents aware of their rights, which she believes directly impacts student success.
She sees the connection between strong schools and involved families, emphasizing that the district should continue working to build those relationships.
“I think giving students and families a voice in their education is important,” she said. “That ties in with family engagement and collaboration between families and schools. As a teacher and a mom, I know that strong schools start with engaged families.”
She also wants to focus on strengthening special education programs and ensuring all students receive the support they need.
“We can increase family engagement by collaborating with community organizations, ensuring that diverse needs are met, and making sure families have access to the resources and support they need,” Atallah said.
As a teacher, Atallah understands firsthand how important it is for educators to feel supported. She believes having an educator on the board will bring an essential classroom perspective to decision-making.
“My seat at the table will help bridge any gaps with potential communication issues between the board and schools,” she said. “I’m able to articulate the needs and concerns of teachers and parents and ensure that decisions made at the board level resonate with those who are actually in the school.”
Beyond education policy, Atallah also supports maintaining financial transparency and responsible budgeting within the district.
She praised the board for its handling of taxpayer funds and said she wants to continue that level of accountability.
“I believe the current District 118 board is communicative and transparent, especially with their fiscal responsibility,” she said. “I would like to continue that in terms of accountability with our taxpayer funds. We need to maintain local control of our tax money and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and directly benefit students.”
Atallah also recognizes that retaining high-quality teachers is essential for student success. She is open to discussions about teacher retention and salary concerns, stressing that when educators feel supported, students benefit.
“When we have teachers who are happy, they are more effective educators,” she said. “I am more than willing to have those conversations to ensure our teachers feel supported.”
She believes collaboration and open dialogue are key to navigating disagreements on the board.
“We all have one common purpose: to ensure our students are successful,” she said. “A quality leader listens, is respectful, and encourages constructive dialogue.”
Outside of her professional life, Atallah and her family are actively involved in the community. Her son plays soccer, her daughter participates in karate and swimming, and they often visit local spots like The White Sheep restaurant.
“My children keep me busy, but I am also deeply committed to ensuring that every student in our district receives the best possible education. The logical choice for a seat on the Board of Education is an educator—someone with a vested interest and who understands the nuances of education,” she said.
This is Atallah’s second run for the board, which she sees as a testament to her dedication to education.
“Students are the heart of our district, and their success is my top priority,” she said.
The election will be April 1. Early voting started on Monday, March 17.
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