Meet the Candidates

---

I am Kate Bell, a parent, entrepreneur, non-profit founder, retired medical professional, community member and taxpayer running for re-election for CUSD 303 school board member. I am hoping to be re-elected to a 4-year a term that expires in 2029. I was born at the original Delnor on Rte 25 and a long-time Saint Charles resident.  As a Saint Charles native, this wonderful town has always felt like home to me.  I attended Wildrose and Lincoln Elementary schools before moving with my family to Naperville.  My older siblings attended Shelby, Haines, Dunham Jr. High, Thompson, and eldest brother was in the very first graduating class of then Saint Charles High School which later became Saint Charles East High School. My niece and nephew attended Corron, Thompson and North High School. My husband, Scott, and I have lived in St. Charles for 22+ years with our 2 children, both graduates of St. Charles high schools.  I graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rehab Medicine and a Master of Science Degree in Rehab Medicine and Exercise Science.  I worked hard as a General Manager at a busy Chicago restaurant while putting myself through graduate school.  I worked in the medical field for many years until I became a parent.

Proudly endorsed by all 3 of the D303 Associations, I’m running for re-election to the Saint Charles CUSD 303 School Board. Over the past four years, I’ve worked to ensure our schools put students first while being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. I helped lead the district’s first-ever five-year projected budget, played a key role in shaping our long-term strategic plan, and worked to enhance student safety, mental health resources, and anti-bullying policies. My leadership extends beyond our district—I serve as a School Board Division Director at Large, collaborating with school board members across Illinois to strengthen education policies statewide. Whether it’s ensuring responsible financial decisions, advocating for a focused learning environment, or supporting every student’s pathway to success—college, career, or technical education—I am committed to making decisions that benefit all students while respecting our community’s investment in education. I’d love to hear your thoughts—how can we continue improving D303 together?

My Primary Focus as a D303 School Board Member

1. Student Success & Well-Being

Every decision I make is guided by what is best for all students. I am committed to ensuring every child—whether they need academic support, mental health resources, or advanced learning opportunities—has access to the tools they need to thrive. This includes strengthening anti-bullying initiatives, expanding student mental health resources, and fostering a safe, respectful learning environment where all students can succeed.

2. Fiscal Responsibility & Transparent Governance

As a taxpayer myself, I understand the importance of responsible financial stewardship. I helped lead D303’s first-ever five-year projected budget and conducted a full review of district departments to ensure smart, strategic spending. I believe in maintaining financial transparency, making budget decisions that directly support student achievement, and ensuring every dollar spent is done so with accountability and long-term sustainability in mind.

3. Safe & Effective Learning Environments

Students learn best when they feel safe and supported. That’s why I have been a strong advocate for updating policies that reduce distractions in the classroom, strengthening school safety measures, and ensuring student-athletes have a secure and positive experience. I will continue to prioritize responsible policies that protect students’ physical, emotional, and academic well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.

I am a sitting D303 Board Member in my second term of office.  I have chaired Business Services, Policy and Community Liaison Committees.  Additionally, I was elected by board colleagues to the offices of Vice President (1 term) and President (3 terms).  Finally, I served as a board representative during two SCEA contract negotiation cycles.I am committed to education.  Education is one of the most important assets a community member can have.  Ensuring a strong education, for all children in our communities, is critical for strong, viable communities.  I have a BS in Accounting, a MBA, and business certifications. 

I am a working professional with 37 years in the corporate environment; 30 of those in leadership roles with increasing responsibility.  Most of my experience rests in banking/financial services.  Through my leadership roles, I have coached others to achieve significant business results.  I have the skillset and experiences to bring value to the board.  I believe leaning in to varied perspectives is important for balanced decision-making and to ensure all constituents are represented.  

I have mentored high school girls under a Chicago Big Sisters Program and served as a Junior Achievement teacher in elementary schools in Arizona and Illinois.  I supported the Girl Scouts organization in leadership and as a parent of two Girls Scouts.  Being engaged in my communities is important to me.  

Finally, I have lived in St. Charles with my husband and children since 2012.  As mentioned, I am a mother of two daughters who were educated by our schools K-12.  When relocating to the Chicago area, I identified the real estate market of interest because of the St. Charles Community Unit School District 303.      

I have varied experiences as a parent in elementary, middle school, and high school environments; as a taxpayer; as a corporate employee with strong skills in leadership and finance; as a D303 Board Member.

I am running for re-election with these goals:

-Elevate academic rigor at all grade levels

-Ensure a successful high school renewal to address educational gaps

-Commit to a continued balanced budget prioritizing students

-Continue high standards throughout with expectations of accountability

-Advocate for all stakeholders