Politics & Government

Election 2013: Ryan W. Asmus

Ryan W. Asmus is one of five candidates running for four open seats on the Gower District 62 School Board.

Name: Ryan W. Asmus

Position sought: Gower District 62 Board of Education Member

Home address: Burr Ridge

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Family: Janine (spouse), 45 (Teacher, Leyden High Schools); William (son), 12 (Gower, Grade 7); Andrew (son), 7 (Gower, Grade 1)

Education: J.D. (University of Akron School of Law), 1993

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Occupation: Vice President & General Counsel, Rush-Copley Medical Center, Aurora, IL

Previous elected offices: Gower District 62 Board of Education

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I serve as the President of the Gower Board of Education.  Having closely worked with the current administration these last four years and now having just hired the next administrator, I am uniquely positioned to start another term on the board with little to no learning curve, especially with so many big projects and initiatives just getting started at Gower.  

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

Being elected to another term would allow me the opportunity to see a number of major board initiatives through to completion, including transitioning a new superintendent, embarking on major school renovation and building projects, and ensuring the district maintains its current fiscal strength. 

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

The current board recently hired the district’s next superintendent, Victor Simon. By the end of the interview process, it was abundantly clear that Mr. Simon and the board shared a common vision for Gower.  It is vitally important that Mr. Simon now has the opportunity to actually work with the people who hired him to begin to implement that shared vision.  Electing our slate of four candidates, including myself, Young Ra-Hurka, Joe Schulte, and Ramona Stephens-Zemaitis, will accomplish just that. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Our slate of four candidates, which includes three current board members, offers voters the best opportunity for stable and effective board leadership. Board experience and the insight that comes with having served in that capacity are invaluable. 

How long have you lived in District 62? 

10 years

What do you believe is District 62’s biggest strength? 

Gower has earned “Financial Recognition,” the highest designation for fiscal strength given by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).  While other school districts are struggling – and will continue to struggle, Gower is able to focus its attention on student achievement, improving and updating its facilities, implementing the latest curriculum, and hiring the best teachers.

What do you believe is District 62’s biggest weakness?

With a more veteran teacher staff, Gower will experience a number of retirements in the coming years.  The loss of experienced teachers and the hiring of new teachers will require sound management as we work to fill our teaching ranks with exceptional teachers. 

In terms of a school district, how would you describe a board that is fiscally responsible? Does District 62 currently have a fiscally responsible board?

“I shall respect taxpayer interests by serving as a faithful protector of the school district's assets.” This is the very first obligation listed in the Oath of Office for school board members.  It is an obligation the current Gower school board takes seriously as demonstrated by its actions and outcomes.  The ISBE has validated the board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility with its highest designation for fiscal strength.


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