Dan grew up in Boulder Hill Illinois and attended Oswego schools and later earned his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Northern University. Dan started and ran his own business, Video Impressions for 20 years. Dan’s knowledge of the public educational system in this country comes from first hand knowledge. He taught elementary school and middle school in public and private schools. Dan continued his commitment to education by serving on the U-46 Strategic Planning Committee. Dan is currently working part time as a substitute teacher in St. Charles. Dan has been married for 37 years to Allynn Kairis, and they have two sons Josh, 28, and Brad, 24.