Scott Gaunky: Grayslake District 127 Board Candidate

Name: Scott Gaunky

Age: 52

Family: Married to Pam, Son Tyler (recent North Graduate), daughter Char (sophomore @ North), son Wade 7th grader @ GMS

Education: Some College and a lot of OJT

Occupation: Director of Facilities Lincolnshire District 103

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: I was elected to several positions on the Sports Turf Managers Board and I am the current past President. I served on this board, in one capacity or another, for 22 years. This is my first run for a board position for a school district or any other public office.

Other community involvement: Volunteer at my church (The Chapel) for security and youth leader. I have also volunteered for the Feed My Starving Children organization.

Position sought: Position for District 127 Board

Campaign E-mail address: sgaunky@db3mail.com

Campaign committee: None

Campaign Website: None

Campaign Facebook: None

Campaign Twitter: None

Why are you running?

I am running because, as parents we have encouraged our kids to give back to the community and I need to be a better example of that myself. My kids have done a great job of living that and now it is my turn. I would be honored to represent the families of District 127 and if elected, I welcome the opportunity to make impactful changes for our children.

In what ways would Grayslake District 127 benefit from your service?

I have worked for educational institutions for nearly 30 years, including 16 at a high school, in the facilities department. I believe my experience in facilities management and construction project management will be a perspective most school boards usually do not have. Additionally, since I sit as an administrator for the District I currently work for, I attend all the board meetings and sit on the opposite side of the table. This also gives me a unique perspective that I can draw on.

What is the biggest challenge the district faces and what should be done to address it?

The biggest challenge all the school district’s face is the uncertainty of what the state is going to do to resolve the funding issues and find a resolution to the pension shortfall. There are so many items being discussed regarding education that it may impact, in some cases severely, the budgets of all the districts.  The one thing that all of us need to make sure of is keeping the State accountable for their original debit. Any agreement struck should include repayment of the debit they created. All of this will play into the teacher’s contract negotiations coming up next year, especially if the tax burden gets shifted locally.

The best way to do this is to stay involved in decisions our folks down state make.  Building relationships and maintaining open lines of communication will insure that the voice of the district is heard.

What do you think the district does well?

I think the District is a good steward of the taxpayers’ money. They have maintained a good fund balance and they have had the foresight to create budget scenarios for continuing State budget short falls.

In addition, they do a very good job of promoting the great things the staff and students do.

What should be some of the district’s priorities over the next four years?

Work with the staff to negotiate a fair contract for District and the taxpayers.

Continue to expand the AP program and the Project Lead the Way Program.

Continue to look at ways to improve energy efficiency and safety of the buildings.

What else would you like voters to know?

If elected by the people I will be their voice, that is what and elected official is supposed to do.  I will do the best I can to represent the voters of the District. Like many Board members, I have children in the district. I have a son that just graduated from North, my daughter is a sophomore at North, and I have a son who is in 7th grade. When I make decisions at the district I work for, I always think of how it will not only impact the kids today but in the future as well. If given the opportunity, my decisions as a board member for Grayslake, will be given with that same thought process.