Politics & Government

Election 2011: Joe Oberweis

One of a series of profiles on candidates for the Kaneland School District.

Editor's note: All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions, but were asked to abide by a 75-word guideline. The answers have been presented here unabridged.

Campaign Info
  • Position sought: Kaneland School Board member
  • Campaign contact info: None provided
Personal Info
  • Age: 31 (as of election day)
  • Hometown: Sugar Grove
  • Family: Jennifer, wife, 31; Drew, son, 6; Evan, son, 4; Reese, daughter, almost 2
  • Education: BA, Business Administration, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; MBA, Kellogg School, Northwestern University
  • Occupation: President and CEO, Oberweis Dairy
  • Political party affiliation, If any: Republican (but this is a non-partisan election)
  • Previous elected offices: None.
  • Related experience: I am the CEO of a company that operates more than 50 facilities in seven states and employs nearly 1,000 people. While there are certainly differences between the “business” of education and my company, there are key similarities in the problems each faces. My experience and strength is in understanding problems, framing them correctly, and working together to determine the best course of action (a/k/a problem solving). My education and experience are specifically geared towards understanding complex organizations, the difficult dynamics they face, and how to best serve our “customers” given the economic realities of today.
Candidate Questions

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have three small children, the oldest of which is in his first year in the Kaneland schools. I am offering my experience and skills to be a part of improving my children’s education and all children in our district.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

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Improving education quality.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have significant experience running a business, and the district is a business. While the metrics are different being in the public sector, it faces the same complicated problems all businesses face every day. Education is certainly a specialty “industry”, but much of our experience applies. As we talk about the financial and economic issues before us, we’re talking in my strong suit. I value the diversity of different experience, and believe the business background I bring is missing currently.

How long have you lived in the school district?

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I have lived in the district for more than 9 years, and I grew up in Prestbury which is just outside the district.

What's your favorite thing about the school district?

The district is a great size and has the opportunity to be a very progressive district.

What is the biggest problem in the school district?

I am not sure “problem”is the right descriptor, but I think some district stakeholders want bold change to deliver college-prep education on par with other nearby districts whereas others aren’t so eager for major changes. This creates a bit of an identity crisis that we have to work through.


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