One of NIU’s University Legal Counsel is running for a position where he can work with kids instead of college students.

George Shur, who is running for the DeKalb School Board, has lived in the DeKalb area for 9 years. He holds a certificate from the Harvard Graduate School Institution for education management, a law degree from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from Colby University.

He has never held an elected position, but has served on numerous boards, such as the DeKalb Human Relations Commission, the DeKalb Educational Citizens Advisory Committee, the Board of Zoning Appeals and has represented dozens of school districts when he was a lawyer with a private practice.

If elected, Shur’s goals are to provide support for teachers and students, and make sure the board acts in a financially responsible way. “We can never allow another deficit to occur,” he said.

Shur also wants to improve classroom learning, continue leading the district into financial stability and begin regaining the trust of the community. “We must do this by open communication and consultation.”

Shur has been a past president of the National Association of College and Universities Attorneys Board and a member of the association of Student Judicial Administrators. He also is a member of the University Athletic Board, Disabilities Commission and Drug Free Campus Committee.

Shur grew up in a family that honored education, and he also has two children (Aaron, in DeKalb High School, and Becky, who attends Clinton Rosette Middle School) in the district.

Shur has been active in the community. He is a member of the United Way, is involved in the AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization), the American Cancer Society and the PTA.

Shur also has written many articles and given many speeches about education. Topics such as sexual harassment and issues about student and faculty and civil rights have been the focus of two projects.

“It’s important to vote because the schools have an impact on the whole community regardless of whether (voters) have children in school or not,” Shur said.