John Comiskey was elected to the Greendale School Board in 2015 and is currently the Vice President. He has served on both the Policy and the Park & Rec Committees. John is a Greendale native, dedicated family man and longtime educator. He lives in Greendale with his wife Chandra (Director of the local soccer club), 3 children and 2 dogs. He teaches AP Government and 20th Century US History at Oak Creek High School. John also volunteers his time with Greendale youth soccer, Greendale Community Church, Village Days, and is a member of the Lions Club.
Q: What inspired you or led you to run for a school board position?
A: Years ago, I went to a school board meeting in Oak Creek where I teach. There was an issue with the Social Studies Department, which I am a member of. I remember thinking, “Wouldn’t that be cool to do that later in life, like in retirement?” My colleague and I had never been to a school board meeting before. I always had it in the back of my mind as something to do later. Some time went by and then there was an opening on the Greendale School Board. I knew openings didn’t come around often, so I decided to run. I was determined. I went to pretty much every door in Greendale. It was fun. I enjoy being on the School Board and appreciate being able to take the questions from community members; even minor questions. I am always looking to see how things can improve and nudging them in that direction.
Q: How many years have you been a teacher?
A: I recently started my 26th year as a teacher.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Greendale and what do you love there?
A: Sugar & Flour. Their omelets are fantastic, especially the veggie omelet with Brie cheese. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and extremely friendly people run the place.
Q: How long have you lived in Greendale?
A: I grew up in Greendale (ages 1 – 18), was gone during college and in my 20’s, then returned with Chandra in 2005. That is a total of 32 years so far.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?
A: It’s hard to think about this because there are so many people, but I really appreciate Karyn Birmingham. She’s a fellow Lion. When I first met her, I was at a school board event for the Chamber of Commerce and she was being recognized as citizen of the year. She is the most outgoing, friendly person and extremely kind. She does the tours of Greendale on the 4-wheel bike, that’s how she was recognized with the Chamber of Commerce. Just one of those extremely memorable people. She wears her heart on her sleeve.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: Caribbean or Hawaii for the same reason: beach vacation. I absolutely love the ocean.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: First movie I remember seeing in a theater was Star Wars, the original in 1977. My all time favorite movie is “It’s a Wonderful Life”. It makes me tear up in the end every time, like clockwork.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: As part of my social studies teaching, I’d bring in a WWII veteran to speak to my students. He would start his speech with “All knowledge is good knowledge, except for knowledge that takes you to the jailhouse.” I say that to my students. The point is to soak up as much knowledge as possible because you never know when you are going to find something that could completely pivot your life in a more positive or more interesting direction.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: More traveling. Specifically, to all 50 states.
Q: What is your favorite music and/or band you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: Since I was a kid, The Beatles were always one of my favorites. I would love to take the family to see Hamilton.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greendale?
A: As a kid, we would always go after church to the old Sentry to get donuts. It was where Sugar & Flour and Roots are now. Where the library is, used to be Drews. It was kind of like a Walgreens, but more Mom & Pop with candy, toys and odds & ends.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Greendale would you have lunch?
A: Harry Truman. I love studying presidents. He’s not perfect but he’s funny. From what I’ve learned about him, he is no nonsense and he wouldn’t hold back if I asked him tough questions. And then my favorite soccer player of all time is Steven Gerrard. He plays for my favorite team, Liverpool. I would take them to Panther Pub for lunch.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?
A: The Village. It’s quite unique. Also, our youth sports. There’s nothing quite like a big crowd at a Twi-Nite baseball game or youth soccer game and everyone bringing their lawn chairs and watching the kids.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I’ll probably be retired and then I could do more traveling.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: I am the youngest of 6. It’s easy to figure out how old all my siblings are because it’s always “plus” from me: +5, +6, +8, +10, +11. Another thing is that I can speak German and so does my son, Gavin.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Family, happiness, relaxation.
Q: If you had a full time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: Housekeeper. We are puppy proofing our house right now. The puppy has been the theme over the last month and it feels like nothing else is getting done. It’s like bringing home a new baby!
