Joshua Gertz is running for the Oak Park and River Forest school board. His main goal is to make sure students feel safe, supported, and are set up for ultimate success.
He is an employee benefits attorney who work with educational institutions across the Midwest. “Nate and I have proposed different ideas,” Gertz said, referring to fellow candidate Nate. “A strategy that I am proposing is an employee benefits program for the staff and faculty. Currently the district is self-insured.” His legal experience in benefits programs could help the district explore more efficient ways to invest in its staff while reducing unnecessary costs.
Gertz’s decision to run for the board comes from a place of commitment to both his community and the well-being of students and educators. “I have to meet with clients where they are and help them accomplish a goal,” he explained. “Finding something that is agreeable and amendable to multiple parties that may all be over the place on what they think is the right approach.” He emphasized that in today’s rapidly evolving educational and political landscape, having board members with a strong legal foundation is crucial. “There is no better time to have attorneys on the board to help the district navigate the problems with state, local, and federal educational policy.”
A major focus for Gertz is student safety both physical and emotional. He pointed to statistics from recent surveys. “Right now, kids do not feel safe in the bathrooms. 52% of them do not feel safe in the bathrooms. 47% feel unsafe in the hallways,” he said. “If those numbers do not decrease significantly to a point where a vast majority do feel safe, then I did not achieve what I hope to in office. Kids can’t learn if they do not feel safe.”
Gertz acknowledges the challenge of navigating differing opinions on the board but believes healthy debate can lead to better outcomes. “Nate and I will not be part of a 7-0 board, there will be a lot of 5-2 votes,” he said. “But I think we are already changing the discussion. You’ve seen the board respond to some actions now because we have been gaining so much traction.” Gertz added that he and Nate are committed to scrutinizing spending and evaluating expenses more frequently.
As the OPRF school board election approaches, Gertz stands out as a candidate ready to ask tough questions, find balanced solutions, and advocate for the students and staff who make the district what it is.
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