Schools

Christopher Geier: Barrington 220 Candidate

There are six candidates running for four seats on the Barrington Community Unit School District 220 board of education.

Name: Christopher Geier
Age: 51
Family: Married with two children; ages 6 and 3
Education: MBA, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, BA, Washington State University
Occupation: Partner in Charge, Investment Banking, Sikich LLP Previous Elected or Appointed Offices (please include years of service): None
Other community involvement: Little Brothers of the Elderly, Special Olympics, Indian Princess
Position sought: Barrington Unit District 220 School Board Member, Campaign E-mail address (for publication): cgeier@comcast.net

Why are you running?

 Budgetary pressures over the near-term (next 5-7 years and beyond) when the housing market will likely remain depressed, new housing starts will likely be flat, and an increasing age distribution, among other more macro affects, will ultimately affect revenues and enrollment negatively. Continuing to balance the budget will be challenging given the overall declining revenue outlook and the need to control expenses in what will likely be an inflationary environment over the coming few years, and in particular, the ongoing issues with the BEA. Education of our youth is among the most important factors in the success of our society, and thereby our economy. It is my number one concern for our country. And finally, I believe it is important to be involved in important community affairs where I can actually have a meaningful impact. In addition, I want my children to see their father giving back to the community in which we live.

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In what ways would the school district benefit from your service?
I have nearly 23 years of business experience as an executive and owner of companies. I have been responsible for budgets in excess of $100 million, have negotiated dozens of multi-million dollar contracts, to include negotiations with labor unions, currently
serve on the board of a $100 million company and have a strong educational background.


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

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See above.


What do you think the district does well?
The District has done a good job to date of balancing its budget. It has also done well in offering unique educational programs for its students.


What should be some of the school district’s priorities over the next four years?
I believe the number one priority of the District should be to develop a long-term vision for the District and the communities it serves and proactively promote and effectively articulate that vision and garner consensus for it. The second priority is to effectively plan for upcoming years of declining revenues. The third priority is to develop an effective performance based compensation model for teachers and administration. The third priority is to ensure the safety of our children and educators in our schools within the District. The fourth priority is to be on the cutting edge of technology and the use of innovative technology-enabled teaching techniques.


What else would you like voters to know?
With a former background in law enforcement, I believe in public service. There is no greater responsibility than being granted the public’s trust. I would exercise that trust with diligence and honor. 


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