Gary Ofisher: 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: Elk Grove VillageWebsite: gowithofisher.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Elk Grove Township District 59 School Board Age: 66Family: Married to Karen.Children: Adam, Andrew and AllisonGrandchild: AlexaOccupation: School Business ManagerEducation: Bachlor of Schience in EducationMasters of Science in EducationCertificate of Advanced Study in School Business ManagementCivic involvement: Kiwanis InternationalElected offices held: NoneQuestions 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?What motivated me to run for office was the Daily Herald's editorial that said members of the community need to give back and serve as unpaid elected officials. With over 44 years of experience in education, I believe my skills can be put to good use for District 59.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?District 59 has an adequate process for the measurement of student progress. I believe that each year as we implement the new budget we need to also review how assessments have increased student growth.Do you support moving forward with relocation of the district's administration center in Elk Grove Village, despite the project's rising costs?District 59 on July 11, 2016 sold the current administration building/property, to Red Rocks 4, LLC. So not relocating is a moot point. It is concerning that the estimated cost of the project is nearly double what the administration originally proposed. Construction costs haven't doubled over the past year, so it's likely the cost has grown based on the design details of the project, which are in control of the administration.The administration should be charged with ensuring that the new administration building meets the functional needs of the staff and organization without additional costs.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?District 59 is in excellent financial condition and the only issue it will face is the lack of the State of Illinois to approve an operating budget. I believe that each fiscal year the Board of Education must take on the task of passing a balanced budget in all funds.With a significant fund balance in the Education Fund I do not see any need for a tax increase.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?I have spent my life serving educational school systems and hope to continue this through service on the Board of Education of District 59. There certainly may be a need for school choice in areas where there are failing schools, but District 59 doesn't have any failing schools. A voucher system would simply take State funds away from public schools that are already underfunded by the State and would increase the reliance on local property taxes.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?How can we as leaders of our community challenge the assumptions? That is not to say that things are good or bad, but rather how can we be more innovative or creative and thus make District 59's educational programs better for our students.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Warren BuffetWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be prepared for the unexpected.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?When I was growing up I would hide all my old baseball cards in a safe so I could share them with my own kids.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History was my favorite subject in school. It allowed me to look at various perspectives and better understand how to solve problems.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do not focus on the negative.