Gerard Iannuzzelli: 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: PalatineWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Palatine District 15 School Board Age: 47Family: I have a wife who is a Special Education Teacher in CCSD59 and 3 children who attend schools at Paddock and Plum Grove JR. High in District 15.Occupation: Chief Technology OfficerEducation: BA Computer ScienceCivic involvement: Lifetime Member,Palatine Jaycees Vice President, Palatines Men's Civic Club JR Vice Commander, Sons of American Legion, Post 690 Palatine 5 Year Member, Presidents Circle, Northwest Community HospitalElected offices held: Board of Education, CCSD15 2011-2015Questions Answers How satisfied are you that your school district is adequately preparing students for the next stage in their lives? What changes, if any, do you think need to be made?From what I have seen the teachers in District 15 are extremely dedicated to enhancing our children's lives by giving them a complete and rewarding education. However, The world is changing so fast and students are learning in so many different ways that I believe it is hard to pin point what makes a student a better student. I believe technology has been a major factor in how students learn and if we don't align our education techniques with the technology that these students are using at home then we have already lost. I also believe that we need to continue to entertain ideas from some of the newer educators that have only been out of college for a few years. They can give a fresh perspective on college preparedness.Rate District 15's financial position. Forecasts show the district won't see a surplus until 2016-2017. Do you agree with using reserves to pay for budget deficits?There is a time and place to use the reserves. 3 years ago the board directed the administration to cut away expenses before dipping into the reserves. The District was able to cut away expenses and use much less reserves. Over the last 2 years it seems that the board majority has not been adamant on making the district cut away expenses and the deficit spending continues to rise. As a fiscal responsible board we need to be cognizant of all expenses and maintain the urgency for the administration to keep cutting away expenses whenever possible. Only spend the allotted money with purpose that can be traced to a high priority in the district. The community well is running dry, soon we are going to hit stone.Architects identified nearly $156 million in capital projects needed at District 15 schools in the recent state-mandated audit. The board allocated $4.6 million this year, more than the usual $3 million a year. Do you agree with this approach or want something different?The district needs to focus its efforts and resources on the items that continue to pose a threat to the educator and students safety. The district should also request a second opinion from a non-biased firm to review the items on the list not only to confirm what the current architects found but also to review costs to repair such items. Then as a board member I would feel more comfortable approving the money.Are all the elementary schools in District 15 treated equally, in your opinion? Explain why or why not, or where you think discrepancies lie.I see the same types of issues in most buildings. I can say that there are issues in certain buildings that do require more attention sooner then later. As parent having students at Paddock for the last 9 years, it seems this school is always under the radar as far as major upgrades.Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?I am not employed by District 15 nor do I have any family members employed by this district. In fact having family employment ties to the district seems that it would be a conflict of interest if you are on the board making financial decisions that could effect that family member.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe that too many action items get the rubber stamp from the board majority without much discussion and without community buy in. I truly want to be as transparent as possible and allow the community to play a larger role then what it does now. I know we can not run everything through the public but getting buy in on certain items would help to make better decisions. I would like to see a board that truly is collaborative and meets regularly as required to discuss matters at hand. With a budget around $150 million this tends to be important.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by many leaders from statesmen to CEO's. To choose just one is an insult to others who equally inspire me.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Give a person a fish and he will have a good meal. Teach a person to fish and he will have a great life.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Nothing. I am extremely satisfied with my life. My family is healthy, my career is respectful, and Palatine is a great place to live.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math or any technology courses. My entire life has been exciting living on the leading edge of technology so those subjects were extremely helpful.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others with respect and help others who are unable to help themselves.