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Name
Dr. Garrett Katula
Address
7587 Madeline Drive, Yorkville
Age
49
Current occupation/employer
Family Medicine Physician,
Medical Director of Yorkville Primary Care and Sports Medicine,
Vice Chief of Staff Rush-Copley Hospital,
Teaching Attending Rush-Copley Family Medicine Residency
Education
Lincoln-way High School, New Lenox, Il
Undergraduate: Augustana College, Rock Island, Il
Medical school: Midwestern University, DownersGrove Il,
Internship and Residency: La Grange Family Medicine Residency, La Grange, Il
Immediate Family
Wife: Deborah
Children: Joseph, Rebecca, and Zachary
School district/civic involvement
I have been the head coach or assistant coach for over 30 youth sports teams in Yorkville.
I have served on the Yorkville Youth Tackle Football and Cheerleading board and the Yorkville Youth Baseball and Softball board
I have served as an inaugural member of the Yorkville Educational Foundation
I have participated in numerous health-related fairs and clubs at all of the district 115 schools.
Why are you seeking a seat on the School District 115 Board of Education?
My children have benefited greatly from their journey from Circle Center through Yorkville High School. I would like to give back to the district by utilizing my experience within the community to help steer our school district to even higher academic and extracurricular achievements.
What differentiates you from the other candidates running for the board seats?
My medical practice is located in Yorkville. I have close relationships and extensive knowledge of the concerns of Yorkville families. My background with the youth athletic organizations also gives me insight into the needs of some of our community organizations. Being an inaugural number of the Yorkville Educational Foundation, I have additional experience pertaining to the needs and potential financial solutions of our school district. My background in family medicine allowed me training in child and family development, and child and adult psychology. I currently participate as a teacher in a postgraduate program. And, I have the experience of watching my children grow up in district 115. My oldest child is a graduate of YHS. My daughter is a senior and my youngest son is a sophomore at YHS.
If elected, what would be your top priority as a board member?
My priority as a school board member would be to encourage our school district to continue to grow academically and be competitive with the top school districts in the state.
What can local school officials do to help ensure the district receives it share funding from the state?
In the shadow of the Illinois financial crisis, the financial goals should be that of responsible spending and assuring accountability. With local taxpayers taking up the greater share of school funding, additional resources will need to be identified to enhance and grow school programs and extracurricular activities. It would be my goal to incorporate other community resources and businesses through such organizations as the Yorkville Educational Foundation.
What do you see as the role of technology in education?
The ability to utilize and adapt to advances in information technology is mandatory for all successful teachers and students. However, fundamental knowledge in reading, writing, and arithmetic is a necessity. It should be the school districts goal to provide students with appropriate technology solutions, but more importantly, give the teachers the appropriate tools and education to guide and help students understand the use and implications of the technology.