Louis E. Gatta: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: Vernon HillsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hawthorn District 73 School Board Age: 46Family: Spouse: Jennifer E. GattaChildren: 2 boys ages 11 and 7Occupation: General Manager Niles Central High School. Studio MusicianEducation: Education: B.A. Liberal Arts School: University of Iowa, Northeastern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Park District CoachElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?To ensure that our curriculum is rigorous, that the district will continue to attract quality teachers, and to make sure we have a balanced budget.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?We are implementing a guaranteed viable curriculum. We use MAP testing. We use common assessments. We also track individual student growth. The district uses many instruments to measure student achievement.How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?It is the responsibility of the board to approve the curriculum. It is the job of administrators and teachers to implement it. The common core will provide the board with the necessary information to evaluate the curriculum and teaching.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?The uncertainty in Springfield is the single biggest threat to the budget. At some time time there will be a pension cost shift that the districts will share. When this happens schools will have to adjust. Ultimately the taxpayer will be affected. Districts will have to evaluate all of their programs, and the community will have to decide if the programs are important enough to keep. If they are it will result in higher taxes for everyone. In short, this is the mess that the State has created.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?Choice has always existed. You have the choice of where you want to live, and you have the choice to send your kid, and pay for private school. Public school choice is not equitable.The only way public school choice is equitable, is if every family gets their choice. Which is impossible.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We must continue to do a good job at attracting and retaining quality teachers. We must analyze the market to ensure it continues to be competitive.I believe the staff should feel comfortable in communicating ideas that help the district meet common core standards.As a board member I will ensure that our curriculum will result in well rounded students, that are high school ready and on the path to college readiness.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Tell the truth.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'd rather move forward, and look to the future.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Music: Developed a passion for creativity, and the magic of being "in the moment".Math: Numbers don't lie.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be Kind.