Gil for Avoca School Board

Board Vice President & Veteran Member serving 8 years on the board.

Gil Gibori for Avoca

<h2>Education &amp; Students Are My Life's Work</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/a7349dfd-7b57-4674-8b60-91c0bd23270c/d2c3602f-ed7f-470a-97a6-cbcd696f8fad/ad23133c-9327-4049-9cc4-bbb9eac8a601.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=838%2C8%2C2540%2C4088&amp;w=1500" alt="Gil &amp; Carrie" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>What people usually write about last in their bio is there family. Well, mine comes first.</h3>I share my journey with my wife &amp; business partner, Carrie, an Avoca alum (Class of 1985), and our four children, all proud Avoca students. (Sorry, I don't put my kids' images online - but trust me - they're awesome.) Outside of the Avoca Board, I have dedicated my career to education and child wellness, innovating ways to support students academically and emotionally. With my wife, I founded an education company that reimagines student engagement to meet the needs of today’s learners. I also serve on the boards of two transformative non-profit schools: Hyde Park Day School and the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, which provide specialized education for students with emotional challenges and learning disabilities who cannot be served by public schools. My commitment to improving education spans public, private, and nonprofit sectors, working to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive. I am currently serving my second term and eighth year on the Avoca School Board, where I have the honor of serving as Vice President.Over the years, I have played an active role in shaping the district’s direction: <ul><li>Helping to guide Avoca from a fiscal crisis marked by years of deficit spending and dangerously low reserves to a surplus budget for four consecutive years</li><li>Navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19</li><li>Rebuilt our district's leadership - hiring two superintendents, and replacing five key administrators</li><li>Supported our outstanding educators in reconfiguring our curricula and educational technology</li><li>Negotiated a remarkable teachers' union contract, benefiting the district financially while improving the outcomes for our students.</li></ul>Currently, I am leading efforts on the board to prioritize equity by reducing financial barriers to participation in all that Avoca offers, ensuring no student is left out due to cost. Providing every child with full access to the Avoca experience is a cause I am deeply committed to, and I will continue to advocate for meaningful solutions to make it a reality.I would be proud to continue serving the Avoca community and look forward to working with families, educators, and fellow board members to build an even stronger future for our district.

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<h2>March 17th </h2><h4>Centennial Ice Rink - Wilmette</h4>

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<h2>April 1st</h2><h4>Your Designated Polling Place</h4>

Avoca District 37 faces key decisions that will shape its future. My campaign prioritizes fair teacher pay, stronger curriculum &amp; technology, and smart facility upgrades. These issues impact teacher retention, student success, &amp; financial stability. As Vice President, I’m committed to balancing fiscal responsibility with student-focused solutions.

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

Gil's Campaign Top Issues

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<h4>Ensuring Access and Equity for All Students</h4>Avoca has always prided itself on being a small but exceptional district, where every student has access to a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. The complete Avoca experience is defined not just by strong academics, but by extracurricular involvement—sports, theater, clubs, academic teams, and school trips. These activities build confidence, leadership, and a deeper connection to the school community.<h4>The Rising Costs of Participation</h4>Avoca’s mission is to include every student in as many of these opportunities as possible, but the rising costs of participation have made access increasingly unequal. Over the last several years, the district has significantly increased fees—sometimes to a prohibitive level. A family with multiple children can easily accrue over $4,000 annually in school-related fees. For many families, school fees can approach 50% of their property tax bill. This is simply too high for many families in our economically diverse community, creating an unnecessary divide between students who can afford the full experience and those who cannot.<h4>How We Got Here and Why Change Is Needed</h4>These fee increases were instituted at a time when the district was depleting its reserves at an unsustainable rate. When I first joined the board in 2017, we had to take immediate action to stabilize finances. Since the only revenue source we directly controlled was fees, we increased them as an emergency measure. Over time, these fees have risen by an average of 57%—nearly 30% higher than the rate of inflation for the same period.With the immediate emergency stabilized, it is time to return to a more balanced approach—one where the financial burden of educating our children is shared across the entire community, as it has always been.<h4>A Commitment to Equity and Inclusion</h4>We cannot allow financial barriers to dictate a student’s access to opportunity. Every Avoca student deserves the same chance to participate, regardless of their family’s financial situation. In my time on the board, I have fought to lower these costs and expand accessibility to ensure that no student is left out. While we’ve made some progress, more work needs to be done.Fairness and equity aren’t just ideals—they are values that define who we are as a district. In my next term, I will continue to push for policies that reduce financial barriers, provide greater support for families in need, and create a school environment where every student has the opportunity to engage fully, grow, and thrive.No child should have to sit on the sidelines because of cost. This is a fight I am committed to winning.

Every child deserves full access to the Avoca experience, regardless of financial barriers. The complete Avoca experience extends beyond the classroom—it’s about strong connections to the school through sports, theater, clubs, academic teams, and trips. Avoca’s mission is to include every one in the enhanced education we offer, but rising fees have made participation prohibitive for some families.

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

Educational Equity: Give Every Student Full Access to Avoca

<h4>Fiscal Responsibility and Long-Term Stability</h4>Fiscal responsibility is about more than just balancing the budget each year—it’s about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that ensure Avoca remains strong for years to come. Over the last several years, we’ve stabilized our finances after a decade of deficits, bringing the district from dangerously low reserves to a healthy financial cushion. However, this stability is only short-term. We remain in a precarious position, with rising costs, aging facilities, and an increasing demand for competitive teacher salaries all placing pressure on our budget.<h4>The Challenge: Balancing Payroll and Financial Stability</h4>Payroll accounts for 70% of our expenses, and with inflation and a nationwide teacher shortage, compensation will continue to be a challenge. In our last contract negotiation, we implemented key reforms that allowed us to increase student differentiation, reduce expenses, and maintain our full faculty. But the upcoming contract will again require us to strike a careful balance—ensuring we retain top-tier educators while maintaining fiscal sustainability.<h4>Addressing Facility Needs Without Overburdening Taxpayers</h4>Beyond salaries, we also face critical facility needs. The 2024 referendum failure underscored a divide in our community—not about whether our schools need improvements, but how to fund them. Delaying investment only increases long-term costs. As we move forward, I will continue working to find a financially responsible solution that provides students and teachers with modern, functional learning spaces without overburdening taxpayers.<h4>A Long-Term Commitment to Financial Strength</h4>I am committed to ensuring Avoca is financially strong, not just for today, but for the next decade. That means making disciplined choices, prioritizing investments that have the greatest impact on students, and being transparent about our financial challenges. Short-term stability is not enough—we need a long-term plan that ensures Avoca remains one of the top districts in the state without putting an unsustainable burden on our families.

Fiscal responsibility is not just about balancing the budget—it’s about making smart, long-term investments in our students, staff, and schools. Our finances have stabilized in the short term, but we remain in a precarious position. I’ll work to find sustainable, long-term solutions that keep Avoca strong while respecting the financial commitment of our community.

Fiscal Stability: Balancing Today’s Needs with Tomorrow's Finances

<h4>The Importance of the New Teacher Contract</h4>The teachers' union contract is due to expire. Negotiating the new contract is the single most important issue impacting our district’s future. In the contract we negotiated in my first term, the district secured key reforms that increased student differentiation, reduced expenses, and maintained our full faculty. With payroll being 70% of our budget, we must again find a balance—offering competitive compensation to attract and retain top educators while ensuring financial sustainability that protects both students and taxpayers.Avoca has always prided itself on its commitment to academic excellence, and our teachers are at the heart of that success. We must provide them with the resources and compensation they deserve while ensuring that our district remains financially stable. Striking this balance is a challenge, but one that we must approach with diligence, transparency, and a commitment to what is best for both our educators and our students.<h4>Lessons from the Previous Contract</h4>During my first term, our negotiation efforts resulted in a contract that improved student differentiation, ensured financial responsibility, and kept all our educators employed. This agreement demonstrated that it is possible to support our teachers while also protecting district finances. We must apply the same level of thoughtfulness and strategic planning to this next negotiation, learning from past successes and adapting to new financial realities.The landscape of education has evolved, and the expectations placed on our teachers continue to grow. From integrating new technology in the classroom to addressing learning gaps caused by the pandemic, today’s educators require competitive compensation and ongoing support. At the same time, we must ensure that rising payroll costs do not lead to cutting essential programs, increasing class sizes, or overburdening families with additional fees.<h4>The Challenge: Competitive Salaries vs. Financial Sustainability</h4>Avoca’s reputation for exceptional education depends on our ability to recruit and retain top educators. Neighboring districts are increasing teacher salaries, making it more challenging for us to remain competitive. If we fail to offer competitive wages and benefits, we risk losing our most talented and experienced educators—a loss that would directly impact our students.However, fiscal responsibility is equally critical. Our district’s budget must remain sustainable, ensuring that we can continue to fund student programs, invest in technology, and maintain our facilities. Teacher salaries cannot rise at a rate that forces us to make difficult trade-offs that negatively impact student learning.<h4>A Thoughtful and Balanced Approach</h4>To negotiate a fair and fiscally responsible contract, we must:<ul><li>Ensure competitive teacher compensation while maintaining long-term budget stability.</li><li>Explore innovative benefits that support educators without creating excessive financial strain.</li><li>Align professional development with student needs, ensuring that increased investment in teachers translates directly to improved student outcomes.</li><li>Collaborate transparently with the community to ensure all stakeholders understand the impact of contract decisions.</li></ul>By approaching this negotiation strategically, we can secure a contract that values our teachers, protects taxpayers, and preserves the high-quality education that defines Avoca.

The teachers' union contract is due to expire. Negotiating the new contract is the single most important issue impacting our district’s future. In the contract we negotiated in my first term, the district secured key reforms that increased student differentiation, reduced expenses, and maintained our full faculty. With payroll being 70% of our budget, we must again find a balance—offering competitive compensation to attract and retain top educators while ensuring financial sustainability that protects both students and taxpayers.

New Teachers' Union Contract

<h4>Strengthening Transparency and Community Engagement</h4>Transparency is essential, but true engagement goes beyond just providing information—it’s about creating real connections with the entire Avoca community. While we’ve made major strides in improving communication, too many of our residents—especially those without children in the district—remain disengaged from our schools. Yet, strong schools impact everyone. They protect property values, enhance our community’s reputation, and shape the future of the next generation.<h4>Engaging All Stakeholders</h4>We cannot afford to operate in a vacuum. More than 80% of Avoca households do not currently have children in our schools, yet they are vital stakeholders in our district’s future. The challenge is ensuring they feel included and informed. Over the years, we’ve expanded outreach—revamping the district website, increasing social media presence, and improving communication between schools and families. But outbound communication is not enough; we need to improve how we listen.<h4>Expanding Outreach and Strengthening Connections</h4>One key initiative I support is revisiting Avoca’s long-standing practice of not emailing former district parents. These families are still part of our community, and keeping them connected could strengthen engagement. Additionally, investing in more direct mail outreach—despite the cost—could yield long-term benefits by reaching those who don’t engage digitally.Beyond communication, we need to create more opportunities for direct involvement. The best way to build trust and support is by bringing the community into our schools—not just for meetings, but for celebrations of student achievements. More open houses, student showcases, and community events can help reinforce the role our schools play.<h4>Building a Shared Vision for Avoca</h4>Community engagement isn’t about optics—it’s about ensuring that every voice is heard, that residents understand our schools’ impact, and that we build a shared vision for Avoca’s future. Strengthening these connections will be a top priority in my next term.

Over the past 8 years, we’ve made major strides in communication, but true engagement requires more than just outbound messaging—it demands connection. Many in our community, especially those without children in the district, don’t realize how our schools impact them. Strong schools protect property values, shape the future of our community, and foster a sense of shared investment in Avoca’s success.We must go beyond newsletters and meetings. We need proactive outreach—directly engaging all residents, hosting more events, and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Improved Community Engagement

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Early voting begins at Centennial Ice Rink! Get your vote out of the way early for this critical election.

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VOTE EARLY AT CENTENNIAL ICE RINKS IN WILMETTEWeekdays, 9am - 5pm

THE BIG DAY &amp; THE LAST DAY TO VOTE. You must vote at your designated polling place today.

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FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE AT <a href="https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/polling-places" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">HERE</a>

<h2>April 1st</h2>

<h2>Starts March 17th</h2>

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Campaign Videos

<h3>Gil's Experience on Display</h3><h5>LWV Candidate Forum 2025</h5>

<h3>Avoca Caucus: Gil's Interview</h3><h5>Visit https://vimeo.com/1062049265 to Watch</h5>

I’d love to hear from you!Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your voice matters, and I’m committed to keeping an open dialogue with you about the future of our schools.Email me at:<a href="mailto:contact@gilgibori.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">friends@GilForAvoca.com</a>

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Re-Elect to the Board of Education

GIL GIBORIAvoca’s Most Experienced Board Member

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<h3></h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/a7349dfd-7b57-4674-8b60-91c0bd23270c/c7fba630-21a6-4888-9ae4-d596e3343596/c7fba630-21a6-4888-9ae4-d596e3343596.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1545%2C2000&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>Endorsement Letter: We Support Gil Gibori for Re-Election</h3><h5>Former &amp; Current School Board Members</h5>March 12, 2025To the Avoca Community,As former and current school board members and officers, the six of us are proud to strongly endorse Gil Gibori for re-election to the Avoca District 37 Board of Education. Having served alongside Gil on the Avoca School Board, we witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment, thoughtful leadership, and genuine passion for our district’s success. With two full terms under his belt, Gil has demonstrated the steady, experienced leadership that our district needs to continue thriving.Gil brings a combination of strategic vision and a willingness to roll up his sleeves and do the work. Throughout his time on the board, he has consistently advocated for academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and initiatives that support the well-being of every student. His leadership during challenging times, including navigating complex budgetary issues and advocating for innovative educational programs, has helped maintain Avoca’s reputation as a top-tier district.Beyond his leadership skills, Gil’s passion for education and his commitment to our students, teachers, and families shine through in everything he does. He approaches every decision with integrity and a focus on what is best for our children. Gil understands that a strong school district is the cornerstone of a strong community, and he has worked tirelessly to ensure that Avoca remains a place where all students can learn, grow, and succeed. We have no doubt that Gil will continue to lead with the same dedication and thoughtfulness he has always shown. We wholeheartedly support his re-election and encourage our community to do the same.You can follow Gil on his website at <a href="http://www.GilForAvoca.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">www.GilForAvoca.com</a>.Sincerely,LOUISE DECHOVITZ, Former Board Vice PresidentRICK ZELINSKY, Former Board PresidentDR. SUMIT DHAR, Former Board President, Current Board MemberPETER YUH, Current Board MemberDAN GARBIS, Former Board MemberJOEL RAYNES, Former Board Member

<h3>Gil's Inspiring Graduation Speech</h3><h5>to the Class of 2023</h5>

GIL'S PASSION &amp; EXPERIENCE ON DISPLAY

<h4>Gil's Experience On Display: LWV Forum</h4>

<h4>Gil's Inspiring 2023 Graduation Speech</h4>

<h4>Avoca Caucus: Gil's Interview (copy/paste link) </h4>

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<h3>A Successful 8 Years</h3><h4>A lot has been accomplished. There is still much to do.</h4>

Led District from Fiscal Crisis to Surplus

Negotiated a Cost-Saving Teachers’ Union Contract

Advocated for Equity &amp; Accessibility

Rebuilt District Leadership

Oversaw COVID-19 Response

<h2>Hello...</h2>I'm Gil Gibori, Vice President of the Avoca School Board, and I’m running for my third term.As a parent, educator, and a dedicated advocate for students, I have&nbsp;spent&nbsp;my career helping children thrive—academically and emotionally. Now more than ever, we must focus on the whole child, prioritizing not just academics but also mental health, emotional resilience, and a learning environment that eases anxiety rather than adds to it.Avoca is more than a place—it’s a community unlike any other. You won’t find it on a map, but you’ll feel it in the strength of our schools and the connections we share.While we have accomplished so much over the last eight years, there is still more work to do.Join me in securing Avoca’s future—ensuring long-term fiscal stability, investing in our students and teachers, and ensuring our schools remain the heart of our community's pride.