F. Daniel Petro: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Arlington HeightsWebsite: http://Friends of District 214Office sought: Northwest Suburban H.S. D214Age: 51Family: Married to Gail Six children: Nick 22, Andrew 20, Stephen 17, Amanda 15, Sarah 13, Michael 10Occupation: AttorneyEducation: Bachelor of Arts in English, Southern Methodist University, 1981Juris Doctor, John Marshall Law School, 1986Civic involvement: ABC 25 FoundationNSSEO Board of EducationCommittee Chair Pack 169 BSAAssistant Scoutmaster/Scoutmaster Troop 34 BSAArlington Aces Socer CoachAHYBA Basketball Coach,Elected offices held: Member, Arlington Heights District 25 Board of Education, 1997- 2009 Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To insure that our children receive the education, skills and knowledge they will need to compete in a global communityKey Issue 2 To achieve issue one in a fiscally sound and prudent way, especially in light of current economic conditions.Key Issue 3 To work more collaboratively with feeder districts on curriculum,basic skills and cost savings.Questions Answers Do you support, or would you try to change, District 214#146;s plan to begin phasing out traditional class rank in 2013, replacing it with the #147;quartile#148; system?I support the quartile system. What is the most serious issue affecting teens today? How should District 214 address the situation?Stress is a major concern. Our students are worried about success in school, athletics, peer pressure, being able to get into college, paying for college, and being able to get a job just to mention a few stressors. We must continue to provide a quality education for a lifetime of learning, provide encouragement and help them reach their goals.What is your opinion on tax increment financing districts? If one of the villages included in District 214 wanted to extend their TIF district another 12 years, what would be your reply?Generally, I am opposed to TIF Districts. Any proposed extension would have to be a very good deal for District 214 for me to support.Should District 214 use drug sniffing dogs to search student locker and hallways?Reluctantly, Yes. We have an obligation to protect our students. Periodic sweeps for explosives are also warranted.Dist. 214 did not comment on, nor did they discipline a former football coach convicted on one DUI charge and charged with another. Was that the right call? Further, when the board fires or disciplines an employee, should the public be told why?I would base any discipline on all of the facts presented. The facts noted above would warrant discipline within the confines of the law and labor agreement.In my past experience board members were not allowed to talk about personnel issues for legal reasons. In the future, I would comply with the law on disclosing personnel issues.