Jim Gambaiani: 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: WheatonWebsite: http://www.Gamby4BoE.comOffice sought: Wheaton-Warrenville Unit D200Age: 58Family: Married to Nancy for 15 years. Two boys; Dominic (13) attends Franklin Middle School and Rocco (10) attends Longfellow Elementary.Occupation: President C. E. O. of Indigo Olive Software, Inc. I also serve on the Board of DirectorsEducation: MBA Finance Economics: Butler UniversityBS Math/Computer Science Education: Saint Joseph CollegeAttended School of Law--Indiana UniversityCivic involvement: Active in Briarcliff Youth Baseball and Wheaton Park District.Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The District 200 Board of Education must make the disposition of the old Hubble Middle School property a high priority. The Board should revisit the recommendations within the S. B. Friedman report. After that review, the Board should take action or craft a new comprehensive plan with options that will provide the greatest financial benefit to the families of the Wheaton-Warrenville School District and the citizens of Wheaton.Key Issue 2 The District 200 Board of Education must create budgets that are balanced and sustainable. All expense line items within any budget must be reviewed and justified. The revenue streams that District 200 once enjoyed are no longer predictable. Budgets must be crafted and managed within these new constraints. The Board must also establish practices to insure that any recommended budget is balanced. Key Issue 3 The District 200 Board of Education must review the practice of class rank at the high school level. Additionally, the recommendation for full-time kindergarten must be carefully evaluated if it is implemented.Questions Answers How would you like to see the former Hubble Middle School property in downtown Wheaton redeveloped?This issue is to achieve a financial outcome that best benefits the families of the Wheaton-Warrenville School District and the citizens of Wheaton. The recommnedations within the S.B.Friedman report should be re-considered, acted on, or a new comprehensive plan of options crafted for consideraton. The outcome must provide the greatest financial benefit to the District 200 families and the citizens of Wheaton.What are you thoughts about some wanting the Hubble property to become a Wheaton Park District facility?Again, the focus must be to achieve a financial outcome that best benefits the families of District 200 and the citizens of Wheaton. If working with the Wheaton Park District accomplishs these desired outcomes, I would give consideration to the idea.What is your view of the federal No Child Left Behind standards?This Federal policy and mandate were well-intentioned but have not achieved the desired outcome, not only within the Wheaton-Warrenville School District but across the nation. This policy has created an enviornment where the test has become more inmportant than the overall succes of our children. In many settings, due to the mix of childern with varied cultures and backgrounds, it becomes virtually impossible to achieve the desired outcomes imposed by the NCLB standards.If elected to the school board, how would you address District 200's ongoing budgetary issues?The first order of business would be to review each expense line item within the current budget. Due to the State of Illinois financial challenges and reduced property values, less revenue is available. When preparng future budgets, the District 200 Board of Education must be mindful of these challenges and use every opportunity to control or reduce expenses and maintain a balanced budget.Considering the problems that the state has had providing funding for school districts, should District 200 consider asking local voters to approve a property tax increase to raise additional money for the education fund?NO. The families of the Wheaton-Warrenville School District and the citizens of Wheaton expect the District 200 Board of Education to ensure educational excellence with fiscal responsibility. The Board must make tough financial decisions and create balanced and sustainable budgets to mitigate the need for raising property taxes.