George P. Brandt: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine-Schaumburg H.S. D211Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married (Carla) three childrenOccupation: President American Sod CorporationEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Over the past 30 years George volunteered for chambers of commerce and the Jaycees, and has been involved with several foundations dedicated to education#133; Founding Board member W.T.F; a foundation dedicated to supporting the University of Wisconsin through direct research grants, facilities improvements and scholarships; member 6 years9 years on the Board of Trustees District 15 Educational Foundation; 3 of those as an officerBoard member Upholding Excellence in D211; a community organization dedicated to the support of School District 211He also serves as an officer of a global trade organization with 1120 member firms in 39 countriesBoard member L.I.F; a foundation dedicated to education which provides grants to universities all over the world; member 3 years, Past PresidentBoard member Fremd Boosters; a parent organization dedicated to providing assistance to every student at Fremd; member 5 years, 3 as an officer, Past PresidentBoard member High School Dist. 211 currently serving as Vice PresidentOver the past 30 years he has been involved with raising millions of dollars in private funds used to support education and has initiated hundreds of policy revisions and worked with more than 230 different board members. Elected offices held: Board of Education High School District 211Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Balance the needs of our students with the public's ability to pay for it.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Evaluate how the District 211 has used the money from the 2005 tax-hike referendum.The promises to retain programs, keep education costs in line with revenue, and build cash reserves have been met.What steps must District 211 take to further bolster its reputation as one of the best high school district in the state?We must demand excellence from staff, administration and our students.How well does the district spread resources and funding among its five schools? Is there equality or do things need to change? Cite examples, if you can.District 211 has always divided its resources evenly between buildings and programs. Ex. Stadium renovations took place on all five high schools.If elected, you will participate in negotiating the next teacher contract. What should change, if anything, in the next contract, and how well does Dist. 211 balance the need to retain top teaching talent with fiscal responsibility?The next teacher#146;s contract should provide the ability for the district to reward excellence and for it to put limits on weaknessIs experience as a teacher or support from a union valuable because it suggests educational insights or detrimental because it creates pro-teacher bias? Please clarify whether you have such experience or would accept union support.The district#146;s administration, unions, and paid consultants advocate the educational position. In order to balance those views with the needs of the community, the board should be populated by individuals that provide a background other than education. I will not seek the endorsement of any organized group.