Early voting March 17 – 31, 2025
- FOR DISTRICT 227-
SCHOOL BOARD
Election – April 1, 2025

Meet Dr. Mason B. Newell, Ph.D.
I have spent over 20 years as both an in-class educator and an administrator, and I am proud to bring my experience and dedication to this campaign. As a 30-year resident of Rich Township, I have deep roots in this community. I graduated from Rich South High School and later earned my Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Illinois Chicago, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Special Education and Educational Administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge. As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I have been committed to mentorship and leadership throughout my life.
My experience as an educator and administrator has given me a clear understanding of how a school should run, be structured, and remain safe while fostering an environment where students and staff can thrive. I know that strong school culture starts at the top, and I am committed to empowering educators, involving families, and creating welcoming spaces where students can succeed. I also believe in the importance of structure and implementing fair, reasonable, and restorative strategies to create safe, productive learning environments for all.
As someone who has spent years problem-solving in education, I understand when to dig beneath the surface to uncover root causes and implement thoughtful, practical solutions. I am passionate about addressing challenges head-on and ensuring every decision supports the success of our students, teachers, and community."

Meet Jasmin S. Ford, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
I am a lifelong resident of Rich Township, having grown up in Park Forest and attended District 163 and District 227 schools. My parents still live in the home where I was raised, and I am proud to be raising my own son in this community. After graduating from Rich East High School, I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later became a Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in Psychiatry.
My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to education, healthcare, and mental health. Over the years, I have worked as a nurse, administrator, and educator, designing curriculums and mentoring students—many of whom are thriving today, caring for families in our community. Now, as a nurse practitioner, I specialize in helping children and adolescents in crisis, supporting their emotional well-being, and addressing mental health challenges that affect their ability to thrive in school and life.
This work has taught me the transformative power of prevention and early intervention. I believe that if we invest in students at the right stages, we can change their trajectories for the better. As a mother and new homeowner in this district, I have a personal stake in ensuring our schools are places where every child can succeed.
