Geoffrey ‘Geoff’ Crego: 2025 candidate for Antioch Community High School District 117 board
Bio
Office sought: Antioch Community High School District 117 board (Vote for 4)
City: Antioch
Age: 50
Occupation: Senior network reliability engineer
Previous offices held: Neuhaven HOA treasurer
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
I am very tired of politicians who only listen to wealthy donors. I felt the best remedy is to get involved at the local level.
What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?
The board does not steer the curriculum, that is set by the teachers and administration.
Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
I do not think the board should be trying to set the curriculum, so I do not have an issue to raise.
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?
I am a natural mediator. I am good at diffusing tension and finding common ground. Effective communication about how all views were considered is the key to delivering the correct policy, even if unpopular in opinion. I recognize the value in that explanation of how conclusions were arrived at, it helps everyone to know they were heard even if the result is not what they hoped for.
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.
In both my work and in the HOA board I am part of, I am often one of the leaders in finding a path forward to an agreement. I sit and listen to everyone before I say anything, as much as possible. If I'm listening for anything in particular, it is the very heart of the conflict, and what everyone can agree on.
My father and I did not agree on politics at all, but we always had very civil conversations. I always listened to his views and did my best to understand how he came to adopt them.
One point I am absolutely inflexible about is being inclusive to all people. I will fight for people of all colors, genders, whatever. Doesn't matter, you belong and I will not cede ground on that. Everything else is negotiable.
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.
I fight every day for the rights of all people. All people. I do not accept the current federal administration’s position as valid.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Our country will become an utter failure and disgrace if we turn our backs on our children. School voucher programs subsidize the already wealthy to insure their kids are fine at the cost of every kid in public schools. I say we should save money by focusing our dollars into one place, and we should make it count. Our future depends on it.
What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
I haven't been in the job yet. I would never presume to know better until I know everything inside and out.