Lake County Gazette

Jeff Giannelli, a 16-year resident of Lake Forest is vying for a spot on the Lake Forest High School District 115 Board of Education.

Giannelli and his wife have five children, three of whom graduated from Lake Forest and two are still attending.

"I'm running because of the core of who I am," Giannelli said during a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters. "I believe we need to give back."

Giannelli said he hopes with his background he can offer a no-nonsense approach to the board.

Giannelli said if he is elected, one of his priorities is to focus on the students.

"I'm impressed by how resilient they are, but they're struggling academically and socially and emotionally and that really has to be priority number one," Giannelli said. "We've got to make sure we tend to their needs and we get them back on track."

Giannelli said his second priority is working collaboratively with stakeholders and administrators to make sure they're moving forward.

Giannelli said he also wants to prioritize investing wisely.

"We have to put our resources behind educating and making sure we make up the education that is lost," Giannelli said. "We have to make sure that their emotional needs are met. We have to make sure we can do it."

Giannelli said Lake Forest High School is on firm footing financially and has the resources to move forward.

"We need to look at our current expenses," Giannelli said. "We need to find where we can be cost-conscious."

Giannelli said he has a very practical background and wants to look at all aspects of the school and all costs of operations.

Giannelli said diversity is a melting pot of the world.

"My parents immigrated to this country from Italy," Giannelli said. "That's what makes this country phenomenal."

Giannelli said there are challenges though, as it is apparent in the community there is no clear vision of what they're trying to do when it comes to diversity.

"When I'm on the school board, my first goal is going to be the work together to make sure we're transparent," Giannelli said. 

Giannelli also said it is apparent that remote learning isn't working and students need to be back in the classroom.

"You can never replace teachers," Giannelli said. "The teachers in the classroom are the best way to go. So, I'll promise you I won't raise our taxes to do this and I promise you we're not going to keep our kids home to make sure we can save money or just to maintain financial stability."