Gary R. Saake: 2025 candidate for West Chicago High School District 94 board

Bio

Office sought: West Chicago High School District 94 board (Vote for 4)

City: Unincorporated Winfield

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired technology business owner

Previous offices held: District 94 board member since 2009

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I believe in having a strong, and fiscally responsible public education system is vital to a community. It is critical to meet the needs of a very diverse population by offering a balance of college and career curriculum, as well as extra curricular offerings.

What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?

The board approves all course offerings and ensures it is constantly monitored and updated to meet needs of students to thrive once they graduate.

Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

I believe the administration and board have done a very good job in doing this. Of particular note have been the facilities upgrades that have been made during my tenure.

How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

We need to be collaborative with stakeholders, and have the strength of our convictions when difficult decisions must be made that may be unpopular. It is imperative that we communicate the “why.”

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.

I have served in policy-making roles of both public and private organizations for over 40 years. It is critical to look both back and forward when setting policy so that there is stability, yet stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing world.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, or would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.

We have diversity in both staff and students, and have since the inception of the district. I want every student to be given the tools they need to succeed in their chosen field. Every student has unique aspirations, talents, and needs. Our role is to meet them where they are at, and help them become all the aspire to.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Prior experience in both the district and private business. The ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, and a commitment to the community.

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

Reorganizing the board to reestablish a committee-based structure so that the board and administration work more closely together to have a deeper understanding of issues. That has been lost over the past few years.