Alana Banks

School Board | Decatur, IL

Tell us about your background. What are the experiences, including education, that make up the person you currently are?

My background in education stems from being exposed to school district happenings by being part of the Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council (SYAC), in high school. We learned about policy, budgets, building & grounds, and much more. I represented my high school as Co-President for 3 consecutive school-years. In addition to leadership and organizational skills, SYAC offered me the benefits of college visits and many professional development opportunities. In college, I was an intern for the U.S. Department of the Interior by way of the Greening Youth Foundation and National Park Service; I worked closely with LGBTQ+ scholars on preparing a toolkit for teaching and preserving LGBTQ+ history in the United States. This experience introduced me to federal policy, human resources, education, as well as historic preservation and nature conservation.

What made you feel qualified to run for office?

Under the direction of former DPS 61 Superintendent, Gloria J. Davis, I was elected as an Eisenhower Co-President on the Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council for 3 consecutive years. As an Eisenhower student eager to make a change in the district, I was one of the very few students who took part in district affairs. In addition, I’ve sat on numerous committees and advisory councils around the district and Macon County. I was also President of the Mayor’s Youth Council where I gained experience with Geographic Information Systems, urban planning, and 4-H.

Do you work full-time or part-time?

Part-time.

Most people don’t know what their elected official does on a daily basis. What’s a typical day looking like for you?

As a school board member, my day typically includes: responding to emails, classroom visits, briefings, and meeting with members of my community to discuss the state of our children’s education. I am very active within the district– you’ll also find me at sporting events, school plays, and even community meetings. My coffee mug, laptop, and cell are usually glued to my hip!

Additionally, they might not know what their elected official is responsible for. What is your role in comparison to other elected offices on your level?

As a member of the DPS 61 Board of Education, my role is to:

• Determine school district’s mission and purpose
• Establish policies to accomplish the district’s stated mission and ensure that policies are being followed
• Employ the Superintendent, while supporting and assessing their performance
• Ensure effective organizational planning
• Ensure adequate resources/Assure effective management of resources
• Determine, monitor, and strengthen the district’s programs and services
• Enhance the school district’s public standing
• Ensure legal and ethical integrity, maintaining accountability
• Provide support and orientation for new board members.

What do you think people would be surprised to know someone in your position does?

I believe people would be surprised to know how much bargaining goes on within a school district. At least, it was a surprise to me!

What’s the best part about serving in elected office?

Interacting with and learning from students, staff, and families.

What has been the accomplishment you’re most proud of while in office?

Assisting in officiating high school graduations has been my most proud accomplishment thus far. I am a board member in the same district that I graduated from–the nostalgia alone brought me to tears.

In terms of finances, how much money did you have to raise for your campaign?

I raised about $2,000.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who’s thinking about running for the position you serve/have served in their community?

Know your purpose for running and be certain that you are passionate about it.