Paul Chirchirillo: Candidate Profile

Back to Glenbard Township High School District 87 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: Website: https://www.votepaul4glenbard.com/Twitter: n/aFacebook: @Paul4GlenbardOffice sought: Glenbard Township High School District 87 School Board Age: 28Family: Two wonderful parents and a younger sister.Occupation: Quality Assurance Department LeadEducation: Education: B.S. in Biology from Elmhurst College, Post-Baccalaureate in Biology from Northwestern UniversityCivic involvement: Township Precinct Committeeman, Habitat for HumanityElected offices held: NoneQuestions 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 am running because I value education and believe all kids should, and do, have the opportunity to succeed in our community. I view working on the school board as the greatest way to give back to our great community. Being a recent graduate, with a fresh memory of the challenges faced by today's youth, I believe I can bring a unique perspective to the board and aid in empowering our students for success.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 the current method of measuring the advancement of students within the Glenbard district is adequate. The district administers several standardized tests throughout the year, including finals, and this allows the district and students to gauge their progress. The district follows best practice and we should keep the current methods in place.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 believe the board should guide the curriculum in accordance with current legislation to ensure it meets the needs of the students while achieving district goals. One of my main priorities is to improve the College-and-Career Development Program and expand opportunities for students to enroll in elective courses. This will allow students to receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for both college AND career pathways. We must ensure our curriculum is all-inclusive and works for every student.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?I do not believe cuts are necessary at the current time but we must always be mindful of the taxpayers. I am fiscally conservative and do not believe in raising taxes. The Glenbard district has a great track record with fiscal responsibility and it is my goal to keep it that way. However, with the uncertain climate of the current Illinois budget, we must position the district to be able to counteract any obstacles it may face. My number one priority is to make sure our students receive a top-notch education and I believe the Instructional budget should never be touched. Prior to ever raising taxes, the board needs to be responsible and strict with operational budgets, scrutinize every expenditure and contract, and guarantee every tax dollar is spent to its maximum potential.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? I believe school choice is detrimental to the public school system. If the federal/state legislators enact a voucher system, there is the potential that the district could lose significant funding. To prepare for this, the district needs to continue positioning itself to be competitive against other districts - both private and public. Fortunately, Glenbard D87 is already a fantastic school choice but as with anything there is always room for improvement.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?One of my top priorities is to restore student privacy rights. Every student has the right to privacy, especially in restrooms and locker rooms. I believe those who attend the Glenbard district have the right to feel safe and protected at all times. I also want to increase public outreach and involvement. Being stewards of the community, it is our duty to ensure the community is always heard and involved. I would like to begin video recording all board meetings along with starting regular informal community/board meet-and-greets.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by anyone who can step out of their comfort zone, face their fears and lead with integrity.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up? Success is always possible if you dedicate enough time and energy.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I believe learning from your past is far more beneficial to your future than a do-over.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Science has always been a passion of mine and has helped me better understand the world we live in.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Stop to smell the roses once in a while.