Peter Guse
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Hello, my name is Peter Guse and I’m looking forward to representing our community as a 157-C Board Member. With my first child starting kindergarten this fall, my primary motivation to run is to ensure the board is committed to the well-being and success of all its students.
As for a little bit about me, I earned a B.S in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a M.B.A from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I believe my educational background as well as my career in Management Consulting has prepared me with the necessary problem-solving, communication, and financial skills required to be an effective Board Member. |
Questions | Answers
According to the Illinois Association of School Boards, one crucial characteristic of a school board member is the ability to represent the entire community and not special interest or partisan groups. What will you do to support the needs of the diverse population within our community?
It is important for a school board member to actively seek out and listen to feedback from all community members, including those who may not have traditionally had a strong voice in decision-making processes. The Board must be transparent in both the board’s priorities and as well as the decision-making process to avoid improper influence, or the perception of improper influence, by special interest or partisan groups.
How would you address the increasing concerns surrounding mental health and bullying within schools? Please be specific with changes you would like to see or additions you would recommend.
First and foremost, students should be encouraged to report incidents of bullying or harassment and feel confident that they will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. I believe this can be achieved by emphasizing to staff the importance of being alert for signs of bullying and encouraging inclusivity. Additionally, the anonymous referral program is also essential for addressing incidents that may go unnoticed. Information should also be provided to parents to remind them of the signs of bullying and to be aware of the anonymous avenue for reporting.
As for addressing the bully, parents must be engaged to prevent further occurrence.
Do you feel it is a conflict of interest to have financial investments with any companies that our district contracts with? Why or why not?
Yes, anything that can create perception that a board member is benefitting personally from the district’s business dealings should not be tolerated as it will erode the public’s trust and confidence in the board. I believe this is especially important given the pending trial of Lincoln-Way 210’s former superintendent.
It is important for a school board member to actively seek out and listen to feedback from all community members, including those who may not have traditionally had a strong voice in decision-making processes. The Board must be transparent in both the board’s priorities and as well as the decision-making process to avoid improper influence, or the perception of improper influence, by special interest or partisan groups.
How would you address the increasing concerns surrounding mental health and bullying within schools? Please be specific with changes you would like to see or additions you would recommend.
First and foremost, students should be encouraged to report incidents of bullying or harassment and feel confident that they will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. I believe this can be achieved by emphasizing to staff the importance of being alert for signs of bullying and encouraging inclusivity. Additionally, the anonymous referral program is also essential for addressing incidents that may go unnoticed. Information should also be provided to parents to remind them of the signs of bullying and to be aware of the anonymous avenue for reporting.
As for addressing the bully, parents must be engaged to prevent further occurrence.
Do you feel it is a conflict of interest to have financial investments with any companies that our district contracts with? Why or why not?
Yes, anything that can create perception that a board member is benefitting personally from the district’s business dealings should not be tolerated as it will erode the public’s trust and confidence in the board. I believe this is especially important given the pending trial of Lincoln-Way 210’s former superintendent.
