Name: Alejandro “Alex” Gallegos
Home Address/years in the school district: Crete, Illinois; 3 years
Subdistrict you reside in: 4
Community Involvement: I’m an involved community member who has attended park district board meetings, village board meetings, school board meetings, and more over the last couple of years to learn more about how our local government works.
Organization/Club Memberships: I’m a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union Local 701. I’m also active in the district’s Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), which represents the needs of the bilingual population in Crete-Monee schools.
Professional Background: I am a Local 701 union member who works for International Scaffolding Equipment, right here in Crete. I consider myself a jack of all trades. My career has taken me through banks, loan offices, food distribution centers, and warehouses. In general, I let my work ethic speak for itself, and I take great pride in what I do.
Education: I am a graduate of Barrington High School, in Barrington, Illinois. I attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where I was one class away from a double major in business economics and Spanish.
Family: I am married to my loving wife of 14 years, Caryann. Together, we have two children, ages 13 and 2.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Why did you decide to run for this position? The Crete-Monee School District is in need of leadership that listens to the people, that engages with the everyday parents and taxpayers like me who make up this district. The vast majority of our property tax bill goes to the school district, yet many people I talk to can’t even name their representative on the school board. I’m running because I think we need a new voice for 201-U who will knock on your door, ask you what you think, share information, and listen with an open mind.
What qualifications/experience do you feel you possess for this position? First and foremost, I’m a district dad. My 13-year-old will be in the high school nex year, and my two-year-old will be going through the district in a few years. I know what’s happening in the schools because it’s the main topic of conversation at dinner every night, during every car ride between chess meets, and every night as we’re planning for the next day. I believe I’m a common-sense person, and I see the good in people. No frills, no drama, no strings attached. I believe that America is built on hard work, day in and day out.
What do you hope to accomplish? I hope to instill pride in our district again. Many of our residents are sick and tired of hearing negative things about our district and the bickering that happens at our school board meetings. If elected, I will be a calm but determined voice for an improved curriculum, better school facilities, and keeping good teachers in the district. I also commit to being a good steward of our district’s finances – let’s face it: it’s taxpayer money, and we need to use it wisely.
What do you see as issues that should be prioritized in the near future? With incidents of fights and guns being brought to schools, we need to get serious about safety and security. We need to improve communication between the school board and residents, especially when it comes to incidents that happen during the school day. We also need to use real data to finally get our arms around our facilities, which are still in desperate need of repair, despite the temporary fixes the district is currently implementing.
What would you like people to know about you? After losing our home during the 2008 housing crisis, we’ve finally been able to settle down and become homeowners again in Crete. We love it here. We’ve not only chosen to raise our two children here, but I work in town and we shop in town often as well. My wife is a hardworking teacher who loves what she does and dedicates time in the summer to working with kids in the area. My oldest child tutors younger children in math and reading and has volunteered with the Crete Park District over the summer. Being actively involved in creating positive change is a foundational value in our family. I would be honored to have the opportunity to be a part of bringing positive changes to our school district.
Any additional Comments: Please don’t hesitate to find me on my Facebook page, “Alex Gallegos for 201-U School Board,” or email me at alexgallegosfor201u@gmail.com.