Vincent Torossy: Candidate Profile

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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: WaucondaWebsite: https://torossyfor118.jimdo.com/Twitter: @VincentTorossyFacebook: Vincent Torossy for CUSD 118 School BoardOffice sought: Wauconda Unit District 118 School Board Age: 24Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Event Planning Higher EducationEducation: B.A. Political ScienceCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions 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?Having grown up in Wauconda, I feel a great deal of pride for the community and, in particular, its schools. It was here that I learned the importance of academic achievement and community involvement. Following graduation from Loyola University Chicago I returned to this community. It wasn't only the good education that brought me back to this community, but the relationships I formed as a Bulldog. I feel it is my duty to my family, friends, and hometown to again become an active member of Wauconda, the place that taught me the importance of civic-mindedness.The goal of my campaign is to enhance Wauconda students' experience, while doing as was done for me: providing opportunities for achievement and intellectual growth so they are prepared for the next step.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 that teachers and the Administration must be given flexibility to design a curriculum that encourages our students to improve and grow. So-called "teaching to the test" is dangerous and limits student's opportunity to receive a well-rounded education. With that being said, I believe D118 is on the right path toward producing high-quality students that succeed in their lives and in the community. As a School Board member, I will work alongside other board members, administrators, and teachers to continue to provide our students with a well-rounded education that encourages individual growth and achievement.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?The Board of Education plays a crucial role in creating the curriculum for students in the district. With proactive communication amongst teachers and administrators, the district puts into place the curriculum for student success. I would hope to find ways to build upon and expand upon the current curriculum in place within the district to help students exceed and grow to that next level. I would encourage the growth of A.P. and technical classes while working with the means allotted to the district.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?Like the rest of the state of Illinois, the Wauconda School district faces a problem in a lapse of current state funding. In terms of dealing with a lapse in state funding, it forces the school district to become more creative in operating within our budget.Sacrifices have to be made along the way in tight financial situations. As always you want to try to find the best way to operate without making educational cuts, or increasing taxes on the community. There is a balance that can be discovered. Where the district is spending its current resources needs to be analyzed, and in collaboration with the other board members, administrators, and teachers we can find effective solutions to operating our school district at a top level.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 that all students should have access to high-quality education. Having gone through District 118 myself, I ardently support our public education system and believe its strength is vital to the future of both our community and nation. We must continue to use budget wisely and spend money where its needed most - providing a top notch curriculum that prepares students for college and career, offering out-of-class opportunities necessary for personal student growth , and attracting the best teachers. I have serious concerns about instituting a voucher system in the State of Illinois because it would take much needed funds away from the public education system and District 118.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I hope to work with the School Board, Administration, teachers, and parents to provide a robust curriculum for both kids who hope to attend college and those who intend to immediately pursue a career. We can do this by building partnerships with local business and creating technical programs that their needs and those of the modern labor force.We can do this by continuing to expand AP programs in diverse subject-areas like the sciences, math, English, and history.I also hope to lead by example, showing the importance of discipline, fiscal responsibility, and community service. When combined, this foundation of experiences will ensure the long-term health of our community and help students lead a fulfilling, happy life.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?If you are not the hardest worker you know, then someone else is.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History was always my favorite subject, it helped me appreciate an understanding of our countries successes and failures.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?No matter what it is that you want do, strive to be the best at it.