Politics & Government

District 211 School Board Candidate: Roman Golash

There are five candidates vying for three open seats on the District 211 school board in the April 9 consolidated election. Meet candidate Roman G. Golash.

Name: Roman G. Golash

How long have you been a resident of District 211? 14 years

Biographical Information (optional) family, profession, background, etc. 

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I recently retired as a colonel from the United States Army after 34 years of active and reserve duty. In my last assignment, I was the chief of staff of a brigade responsible for over 5,000 soldiers. Currently, I am a microbiologist at the Illinois Department of Public Health in charge of the bacteriology/bioterrorism laboratory. I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. in Biology, I also obtained an M.S. in Microbiology from Thomas Jefferson University and an M.B.A. from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. I have experience teaching university level classes and young military personnel. I am married and have two children in our public schools. 

Why are you running for the District 211 board? 

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The board needs more diverse opinions and and a wider span of problem solving experiences. With my background in the military and in the sciences, coupled with the fact that my son recently graduated from Palatine High School, I can offer a unique perspective.  My goal is to contribute to the curriculum, so that graduates are proud of their heritage and believe in something rather than in nothing. If someone believes in nothing they will believe in anything. I want students to understand the rich history of this Nation and to be proud of the military which protects their freedoms every single day.

How do you propose to sustain a quality education for students who attend District 211 schools with continual cuts to education and the burden of growing pensions costs?

There has to be a paradigm shift in thinking about education. You cannot spend what you do not have or will not have. These constant increases are forcing people to move away from d211. We need to lower the taxes and improve the educational quality of our schools.

Do you believe District 211 is doing all it can to prepare its students for college? If yes, why? If no, why, and what changes would you propose? 

No, I think a lot more can be done. Colleges and the military are complaining that high schools are not preparing student for life after high school. Students need to receive more courses in math, English, sciences and U.S. history. Currently, the highs schools are striving to insert too many electives  and not emphasizing the core subjects needed to survive after high school. The elective system has to be revamped. In addition, I will propose that d211 start a junior ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) program. There is no commitment, but the program develops leadership and fosters patriotism. 

What, if any, improvements would you like to see in the way the board is run? 

The board needs to be more interactive with the members of the community. Concerned citizens can speak at board meetings, but the board does not respond. I believe that board members must have routine town hall meetings to get ideas and feedback from the community. In addition, the board must be involved in all contract negotiations, you cannot leave it up to management to do the negotiating.  

Additional comments and/or information you deem important for District 211 voters to know about you. 

None at this time.


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