William Geheren: 2023 candidate for Huntley Unit District 158 school board, 4-year term
Bio
Town: Huntley
Age on Election Day: 54
Occupation: Sales and marketing
Employer: Air Management Services
Previous offices held: District 158 board member since 2011
Q&A
Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A: Reelection
Q: What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring curriculum?
A: A critical responsibility of a local school board is to approve curriculum that will be implemented across a school district.
Q: Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?
A: Health and safety, mental health, special needs programs and, as always, reading, writing and math.
Q: 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?
A: My role is to listen to all parties involved and to work with my colleagues on the board to help make the best decisions for the children, teachers, parents and taxpayers.
Q: Concerns are growing regarding a new resurgence of the pandemic. If another massive outbreak of infectious disease occurs, what have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that will guide your decision making?
A: Most people in education settings are not pandemic experts. We need to identify and follow the guidance of people who are experts. Again, listening to all sides of the pandemic is imperative.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.
A: The first thing is to understand existing policy. Next is to examine the reason why we are considering changing policy, many times it is the law. From that point it is critical to understand all parties that will be effected and then communicate the decisions that have been made.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have been serving on the school board for 12 years. My experience over those 12 years have been mostly good and some extremely challenging. I have a steady hand when it comes to making difficult decisions that affect several different groups of people.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?
A: I believe we need to do a better job of utilizing our alumni that are making a huge difference in the world. A solid alumni presence helps graduates get jobs and great networking.