Jonathan Gaspar: Candidate Profile

Back to Batavia Unit District 101 School Board

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: BataviaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Batavia Unit District 101 School Board Age: 60Family: Married - Wife - GinnyOne daughterOccupation: Retired-teacherEducation: Associate in Applied Science in General Printing, Ferris State College, MI 1978Bachelor of Science in Trade-Technical Education, Ferris State College, MI 1980Civic involvement: First term on the Batavia School BoardUsher at Holy Cross Catholic Church-Batavia, ILElected offices held: First term on the Batavia School BoardQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?I have always believed you should give back to the community in some way! After being encouraged to run again for the school board, I think my 33 years teaching at a junior high/middle school along with the last four years serving on the district school board has brought a different and respected perspective to the board. I want to make sure we have a strong curriculum, quality staff and safe schools even with the tough times ahead of us. As a good listener and fact finder, I try to come to a decision on any vote I make that is in the best interest of the students, staff and taxpayers. We might not always agree on the issues, but hearing both sides and being positive about what you believe is very beneficial for the district. Finally, I try to be financially responsible for the taxpayers to keep this district strong.What do you think about the process for measuring student success in your district? Is it adequate? What changes, if any, do you propose?I believe our teachers are doing a great job preparing our students at each level for the next level and then for their own future. I think our politicians have made it a point to measure the students with standardized tests which in some cases help, but when students are doing three, four and maybe five standardized tests each year it brings down the work our teachers could do with the time spent preparing the students for standardized tests. I would cut back on the standardized tests we give and give the teachers more classroom time working with the students on the curriculum.How big a role do you think the board of education should play in setting the curriculum for students and what ideas do you have for changes to the current curriculum?I don't believe the board should play a major role in the developing the curriculum. The curriculum should be a collaborative effort with the teachers in their appropriate subject matter coming up with a strong, critical and creative curriculum to match the standards.What budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?Well, that is the million dollar question facing a lot of school districts and especially ours at this time with the funding crisis in our state. With the majority of the revenue coming from taxpayers we really need to be vigilant on how the money is spent and how it benefits all the students. I would like to place everything on the table to see what we might be able to do without affecting the classroom or the class sizes.What role can and should school choice play in your district? If Congress or the state approves a voucher system or other means giving students broader choices among public and private schools, how will that affect your district? What is the appropriate response for the board of education of a public school system?If parents want to send their child/children to a private or religious school that is their choice and I respect that. I am not in favor of charter schools or school vouchers. If politicians believe that charter and vouchers are the way to go, then they should really be getting the funding for public school in order, so all are equal and not have the disparity that we have in this state/country.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The one item that I would still like to see be reinstated is full day kindergarten. However, with the budget situation it will need to be put on the back burner for the time being. I also want to make sure we stay within our budget to maintain a strong and safe environment for everyone involved.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.My wifeWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be honest and nice to people!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?NothingWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History/Geography it has helped us in all the traveling our family has done.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be honest and be true to yourself!