Election 2013: Kay Gallo

Name: Kay S. Gallo

Position sought: Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education

Website: www.d86vote.com

Email address: d86vote@gmail.com

Hometown: Clarendon Hills

Family: Husband Paul; daughters Deanna, 24, and Stephanie, 22; and son PJ, 20.

Education: Attended Prairie State College and DePaul University

Occupation: Owner, computer consulting firm

Years in District 86: More than 28 years

Previous elected offices: Maercker District 60 board member, 2001-2005; Currently Board member on Hinsdale Township High School District 86 (first term)

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: 

Regional co-chair for non-profit Downers Grove – Parent and Child Education Society (PACES), 1993-1995.

President, PACES – 1995 to 1997.

Maercker District 60 PTO volunteer

Maercker District 60 co-chair for $24.8M building referendum, 2001

Maercker District 60 board member, 2001-2005

Maercker District 60 board vice president, 2004-2005

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? 

I was raised with the belief we have an obligation to make our communities better.  I would like to continue my service to the community because of the investment of training I have received to be an effective board member.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My priority if I am re-elected is to continue supporting the excellence in the district.  Having upgraded the facilities so that now the young women and young men have a safe, comfortable and functioning environment in which to learn, the facilities will need to be maintained.  It was important to do the improvements to the electric, air and science labs in order for our students to continue to excel.

I do not have a personal agenda.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am running as a slate “Building on Excellence”, with Dennis Brennan, DeeDee Gorgol and Roseanne Rosenthal.  I believe we are the best candidates because we have agreed to continue to make reasonable decisions and once those votes have been taken to move on to the next item the Administration brings forth.   I do not make fraudulent accusations of the district.  I address issues through the proper channels.  I value the administration and their time.

What do you believe is District 86’s biggest strength? 

The stakeholders. (Students, parents and community)

What do you believe is District 86’s biggest weakness? 

Aging facilities.  It will more costly for upkeep if we (others deny?) continue to deny that bricks and mortar age.

Do you support the district’s ruling in favor of Hinsdale South staff on a parent’s curriculum objection last year of the showing of American Beauty and Brokeback Mountain? Do such movies have a place in high school classrooms?

Yes, I supported and still support the administration’s decision to allow the elective class, Film As Lit, to show R rated films with parent’s written approval.  Mr. Casini has the right to withhold his permission for his student in participating in classes and activities that are against his family’s values, as do all other parents.   What I do not agree with was Mr. Casini’s request to deny other students from participation in the viewing or discussion of any movie/subject he believes is wrong.  I am fearful that Mr. Skoda’s request to align the curriculum according to the Catholic Church (video 0f 09/24/2012 meeting at 3:05:00) will become a reality if “Friends of District #86” are elected.  As an elected official, we need to remember to separate church and state.  Not all stakeholders are from a Christian based faith. 

In terms of a school district, how would you describe a board that is fiscally responsible? Does District 86 currently have a fiscally responsible board?

A school district which is fiscally responsible balances the needs of the student to the wants of the taxpayer.  A school board must weigh options, both pro and con, to spending.    

While serving on the board for District 86, we have continued to hold the line on most expenses.  Yes, we are a fiscally responsible board because we have employed a fiscally responsible superintendent who has hired fiscally responsible administrators.

The one area in which it is difficult not to increase is salaries.  I believe, as a society, we are charged with investing in our future.  That starts with the education of all children.  For too long we have, as a society, cut corners in education.  I believe, society is paying for that attitude.  Many students are at school more hours than they are at their home.  Most in our society cannot afford private schools, but we need to make sure our children understand the value of education.  If society complains that teachers “only” work 10 months, and board members state that buildings only need air conditioning for “10 days”  ; what do our children hear?  They hear that society does not value them.

Related Pages:

• Election 2013: District 86 Board of Education
• Claudia Manley
• Victor Casini
• Dennis Brennan
• DeeDee Gorgol
• Roseanne Rosenthal
• Edward Corcoran
• Roger Kempa