Douglas O. Nerge: Grayslake District 127 Board Candidate

Name: Douglas O. Nerge

Age: 46

Family: Resident of Grayslake for 10 years. Married to Persephone for 13 years, Two Children – Andromeda (9) and Orion (7).

Education: B.S.- Graphic ArtsTechnology. Northern Illinois University, 1990, MBA- Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, 2011

Occupation: Self-Employeed. Marketing Consultant

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Member of Grayslake Community High School District 127, 2007-2011

Other community involvement: Adventure Guides, Prairie Crossing Neighborhood. Member of National Eagle Scout Association, National Society of Hispanic MBAs.

Position sought: Grayslake Community High School District 127 Board Member
Campaign E-mail address: douglasnerge@mac.com

Campaign committee: Candidate did not respond.

Campaign Website: Candidate did not respond.

Campaign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Douglas-Nerge-for-District-127-Board-of-Education/425169110909167

Campaign Twitter: Candidate did not respond.

Why are you running?

I have two kids, ages 9 and 7, so I have a vested interest. I want to make sure that the District continues to provide the  highest possible educational opportunities for ALL D127 students. In addition, I want to continually challenge and actively engage the Administration leadership to provide the highest educational standards to the students, challenge their Staff and exceed expectations. I am the check-and-balance for the community. I serve to represent the district taxpayers. I do this by scrutinizing all decisions of governance including district policies and distribution and approval of all financial-related distributions.

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

I have been in the private sector for 20 years. I am a strategic thinker who challenges the status-quo. I live and breathe holding staff and colleagues accountable for their actions. I have an obligation to be curious and inquisitive about Administrative recommendations. Debate is part of my essence and I am proud of that.

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

Preparing students for the next chapter in their journey of life is an ongoing process that constantly needs to be evaluated (yearly). Societies' demands and the needs of our children constantly change. It is my philosophy that we need to show, guide and counsel students all of the possible paths that they may choose. It is also very important that the students choose their own path. I think that we can always increase student exposure to local businesses in order to help them in the choosing of their path.

What do you think the district does well?

I think that the District constantly evaluates student curriculum at all levels. There is always room for improvement, this is something that D127 does well. D127 also is also very fiscally responsible and transparent. Again, this can always be improved. Every financial decision was scrutinized throughly (I was on the Finance Committee when I served on the Board from 2007-2011). I always asked the following questions when approving every financial decision. 1. Is it a want or a need? 2. Is it beneficial to our kids? Is it good for our taxpayers? When I can honestly answer those questions, I have done my job. Think that the District asks those simple questions on an ongoing basics. I also think that the District has a healthy approach to after-school activities. Sports will always be a focus on today's society. D127 makes sure that resources are engaged for the Arts, Science and academic organizations.

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

1. Always focus on the students. They good a great job now, but I want to keep the pressure on. By this I mean that D127 should continue to live by their Motto "Every Student, Every Day". By always putting the students first, then decisions are clear.

2. Continue to develop "Best Practice" policies and be a leader in all aspects of education. Constant evaluation of curriculum and all programs are important.

3. Further develop language curriculum, as budget allows.

What else would you like voters to know?

As an Eagle Scout, it is in my essence to "Do My Best". I am serving at the pleasure of the taxpayers. My decisions are, and always will be, based on what is good for our kids by applying thought leadership and scrutinizing District decisions.