Thanks to the Champaign Park District for this week’s Mom to Know. The Virginia Theatre’s Bundle of Joy package offers two options to see two upcoming shows, The Little Mermaid (this weekend!) and Jack Hanna (in April). The Little Mermaid + Jack Hanna = $180.00 (2 adult and 2 child tickets to each show, plus 4 small drinks and 4 small popcorn to each show), or a $90 package (1 adult and 1 child ticket to each show, plus 2 small drinks and 2 small popcorn to each show). Click here for more info.
Gianina Baker was recently appointed to Champaign Unit 4’s Board of Education and says she is excited to begin her work. Though Decatur natives, Gianina and her husband Ron relocated to Savoy after he accepted a position as a Nurse Anesthetist at Carle. Now working as Richland Community College’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Planning, Gianina is also a recent Ph.D. graduate in the University of Illinois’ Educational Organization and Leadership program with a Higher Education concentration. As a Unit 4 parent, community member, educator, and researcher, Gianina continues to find ways to get involved in the community. Gianina and Ron have been married for almost 10 years and have been blessed with three active boys: Ronald III (8), Talin (6), and Braden (3).
See why we think Gianina Baker is a Chambana mom to know
I had actually contemplated running in the last election but it was just not the right time for my family. However, this time was opportune. I am anxious to express my thoughts, perspectives and potential solutions with the rest of the board and Unit 4 administration and staff.
I bring many perspectives to the board. I’m a parent of a first- and third-grader at Carrie Busey; a community member who has served on Unit 4’s Education Equity Excellence (EEE) Committee; continued work experience in education; and a Ph.D. graduate focused on educational policy issues. I am excited to combine my various personal and professional experiences together to serve the district.
I think it depends on who you talk to in the community. For many, the facilities conversation is at the top of the list. For others, Unit 4 needs to continue strengthening community relationships. In this short term (a year and a few months), I plan to use my facilitation skills to advance the current board’s conversation in securing a final plan built on consensus. Additionally, I am interested most in reviewing student outcomes data to provide evidence-informed policy recommendations that positively affect the identified equity gaps. In turn, these will hopefully strengthen those relationships.
My husband, Ron, has been extremely supportive and was one of the first who urged me to apply. He understands how passionate I am about education. My boys have absolutely no idea what I have gotten myself into but thought it was cool that I was on the news! My parents think I’m crazy for taking on additional responsibilities with three young boys but they know I wouldn’t have it any other way!
On the weekends, you can find us at a park, gym, and/or baseball field … sometimes all three! We are a very active family and will try to keep it that way for as long as we can! The weekends are definitely time for us to reconnect as a family.
The Crisis Nursery has touched my family in an incredible way. Not only are the staff amazing and caring, but the service they provide to the community is invaluable. And the Silent Auction is a great time!
I was a 9-time All-American in Division III Track & Field at Illinois Wesleyan University.