Candidate keeps eye out for children's future

Philip Bonoli Philip Bonoli's twin son and daughter are only a year old, but Bonoli wants to serve on the board of education now to ensure that Oak Park's schools remain outstanding.

The 38-year-old attorney is running against incumbents Jan Iceland and Barbara Laifman and challenger Edward Kaz in the Nov. 4 election. Voters will choose two candidates.

"The families we've met in Oak Park all have a willingness to be involved in their children's education," Bonoli said. Bonoli was affected by a conversation he'd had with a teacher from another district.

"I was shocked, because not only was she demeaning to her co-workers but also to her parents and even her students. I realized she forgot what's important—our kids," Bonoli said. "I certainly wouldn't want that kind of teacher teaching my kids.

"I remember when I was growing up, the best teachers were not only intelligent but also gentle and nurturing, who cared about the students, answering all their questions," Bonoli added. "I've been blessed. I had really good mentors, and I want the same for my kids and all kids."

Bonoli believes that his background in law provides him with the cooperation, critical thinking and communication skills that will benefit the board of education.

"I'm a hard worker, am good at working in a group and have a good educational background and know what type of teachers will be good for students," Bonoli said.

Bonoli supports the Measure R school facilities bond on the November ballot. If the bond passes, Bonoli is concerned about distribution and oversight of the funds, and if it doesn't pass he wants to help figure out how to make the necessary repairs. He has toured several of the buildings and discussed some of the problems with school Superintendent Tony Knight.

"I am sure that every parent wants the safest, healthiest environment for our children," Bonoli said.

On the issue of interdistrict transfers, Bonoli understands both sides but supports the policy.

"I can certainly see how people are reluctant to have students from other districts come into our district when their families are not paying taxes here," Bonoli said. "But in order to get the funding we need, we need that influx of out-of-district students."

Bonoli and his wife, Michelle, moved to Oak Park from Newbury Park seven years ago.

"We chose Oak Park because we knew about the school district and how great it was and wanted to get in and have our children be part of it," Bonoli said.

Bonoli and his wife are both attorneys. Bonoli is with the downtown Los Angeles office of LeClair Ryan, where he focuses on labor and employment litigation law. A California native, Bonoli grew up in Glendale, earned a philosophy degree from the University of Southern California and his law degree from ChicagoKent College of Law.